Addwize uses and side effects

Addwize is an Indian brand name of Methyl-Phenidate. It is a drug prescribed by doctors for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) in both adults and children. It is classified under central nervous system stimulant. This medication has serious abuse potential, therefore, it is a controlled drug.

What is ADHD?

ADHD or attention deficit hyperactive disorder is characterized by restlessness, inattentiveness and impulsive behavior. Children affected by this disorder are at risk of developing severe learning difficulties, behavioral problems, social problems, substance abuse issues and criminality.

ADHD

Children with ADHD has inability to concentrate matter at hand

How to diagnose and treat ADHD

Uses of Addwize

This medication can control short term hyperactive behavior and improve attention. This was proven beyond doubt by numerous clinical trials. However, it does not improve ADHD on long term. It should be used when the person need most attention. E.g A child who is studying at school. Once the medication effects are gone, symptoms of ADHD come back. Usually medication effect lasts for about five hours. For children it should be given in the morning just before the child starts school work. Sometimes a afternoon dose may be needed.

What are the problems associated with Addwize?

Addwize is a frequently prescribed medication for people with ADHD.

Most common long term side effect in children that worries the parents is weight loss. This is due to prolonged loss of appetite. In addition, this drug is also known to cause stunting.

Some patients can get nervous with this medication. In addition, some patients may complain lack of sleep. Certain patients may complain muscle tightness, abnormal movements and restlessness.

Other common side effects are nausea, vomiting and stomach pain. Some patients develop skin rashes. Certain patients may complain dry mouth.

What are the serious side effects?

Some people can have dangerously high blood pressure with this medication. So if a patient complains of severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in ears, chest pain and shortness of breath then you must get the patient to an emergency department.

Medical help should be sought if you notice any abnormal behavior or seizures.

If the patient develops widespread hives, tightening chest pain, edema of the lips and face and shortness of breath, then you must take this patient to a hospital. It can be due to a serious allergic reaction called anaphylactic reaction.

Rarely some patients may experience low blood pressure. Symptoms are faintish ness and lightheadedness.  If a patient falls frequently while on Addwize then you must consult your doctor.

Some patients may get fast, pounding and uneven heartbeats (arrhythmias). Certain patients may complain tremors, restlessness, and motor tics. These side effects must be reported to your consulting doctor.

If a patient complains abnormal perceptions, abnormally elevated mood or any other abnormal behavior then he/she must be seen by a doctor.

What the doctor should know before prescribing Addwize?

Prescribing doctor must know all the drugs patient is currently on including over the counter drugs. If your patient has following problems inform your doctor before he writes the prescription.

1.     Any heart disease

2.     Kidney disease

3.     Epilepsy

4.     Liver disorders

5.     Tic disorder

6.     Tourette's syndrome

What you should know about Addwize?

This drug has some serious abuse potential. So keep this medication in a safe place. Use it only in prescribed dosage. Never share this medication with anybody else.

But it is advisable to take meals before the drug, due to loss of appetite. Take this medication in the morning. Taking this drug in the evening can cause sleep problems. Keep this medication out of reach of children. 

Summary

This is a frequently prescribed medication for ADHD with proven efficacy. But it has some nasty side effects. But your doctor may have prescribed it for a reason, so do not stop it by yourself due to side effects. In addition this drug has a serious abuse potential, so never share it with anyone else.

Different types of medications prescribed for Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

ADHD or attention deficit hyperactive disorder is characterized by restlessness, inattentiveness and impulsive behavior. Children affected by this disorder are at risk of developing severe learning difficulties, behavioral problems, social problems, substance abuse issues and criminality. However, there are various ways to treat ADHD. Usually several treatment methods can be combined to get a satisfactory outcome. e.g. Drug treatment and behavioral parent therapy.

What are the drugs used for ADHD?

Amphetamines

Amphetamines are types of drugs that cause central nervous system stimulation. However ironically they were found to be quite effective in hyperactive disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) (1, 2 and 3). In addition it must be noted that common “drugs of abuse” such as Ecstasy are in the Amphetamines group.

Amphetamines are supposed to work by increasing naturally occurring norepinephrine, dopamine and epinephrine neurotransmitter levels in certain areas of the brain. This action stimulates inhibitory areas of the brain, which results in reduction in unnecessary hyperactivity. Therefore it ultimately helps the child to concentrate more and suppress the hyperactive urges. In fact number of clinical trials performed in many different countries has found that ADHD can be effectively treated with Amphetamines.

Addwize is a medication manufactured in India for ADHD

Common Amphetamines used in ADHD are Methylphenidate (Ritalin®, Addwize, Concerta®, Metadate® Methylin®), Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse®)   and Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine®,  DextroStat®,  LiquADD®,   ProCentra®).


Stimulant medications such as Amphetamines improve academic performance, mathematical skills, word discovery skills and word retrieval. (4, 5, 6, 7 and 8)

Methylphenidate is absorbed readily from the gut and rapidly cross the blood brain barrier. In addition they have short half-life and the effect only lasts around 1 -4 hours. But drug effect will be seen within 30mins. Therefore the drug should be taken frequently. Sustained release preparations are developed to counteract this problem. e.g. Ritalin SR 10mgs. However, these sustained released preparations take around three hours to act.

Usually Amphetamines are considered the first line of treatment for ADHD. However some children with ADHD may not respond to stimulant medications such as Amphetamines.

What are non-stimulant medications prescribed for ADHD?

Tricyclic antidepressants

They are effective for behavioral problems associated with ADHD. However, TCAs are not usually effective for cognitive problems associated with ADHD such as memory impairment, lack of attention and inability to concentrate (9). Therefore they essentially treats only hyperactive component of the disease (This disease has both Attention deficit and hyperactive elements).

Clonidine and Guanfacine

These drugs are categorized as weak alpha 2 noradrenalin stimulators. However, evidence from Randomized double-blind clinical trials are lacking in this regard. Clonidine usually treats behavioural disturbances associated with ADHD. In addition Guanfacine is found to be somewhat effective in treating children with ADHD.

Summary

ADHD or attention deficit hyperactive disorder is usually treated with stimulant drugs, Tricyclic anti-depressants, clonidine and Guanfacine. They are usually given as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Sources

1. Spencer, T., Biederman, J., Wilens, T., Harding, M., O'Donnell, D., and Griffin, S. (1996). Pharmacotherapy of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder across the life cycle Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 35, 409–32.

2. Kavale, K. (1982). The efficacy of stimulant drug treatment for hyperactivity: a meta-analysis. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 15, 280–9.

3. Swanson, J.M., McBurnett, K., Wigal, T., et al. (1993). Effects of stimulant medication on children with attention deficit disorder: a ‘review of reviews'. Exceptional Children, 60, 154–62.

4. Douglas, V.I., Barr, R.G., Desilets, J., and Sherman, E. (1995). Do high doses of stimulants impair flexible thinking in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder? Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 34, 877–85.

5. Milich, R., Licht, B.G., Murphy, D.A., and Pelham, W.E. (1989). Attention-deficit hyperactivity disordered boys' evaluations of and attributions for task performance on medication versus placebo. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 98, 280–4.

6. Milich, R., Carlson, C.L., Pelham, W.E., Jr, and Licht, B.G. (1991). Effects of methylphenidate on the persistence of ADHD boys following failure experiences. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 19, 519–36.

7. Rapport, M.D., Denney, C., DuPaul, G.J., and Gardner, M.J. (1994). Attention deficit disorder and methylphenidate: normalization rates, clinical effectiveness, and response prediction in 76 children. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 33, 882–93.

8. Douglas, V.I., Barr, R.G., O'Neill, M.E., and Britton, B.G. (1986). Short term effects of methylphenidate on the cognitive, learning and academic performance of children with attention deficit disorder in the laboratory and the classroom. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and Allied Disciplines, 27, 191–211.

9. Popper, C.W. (1997). Antidepressants in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 58, 14–31.

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