ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD and are believed to increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. They are not able to solve the problem and can only help manage symptoms if they are taken regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medication can include changes in heart rate and blood pressure and stomach upset as well as anxiety and tics. Children and teens who are taking stimulant drugs experience a minor reduction in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant and is the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms such as a liquid, chewable tablet and a long-acting disintegrating orally disintegrating tablet and an extended-release pill. The drug is effective by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which help to improve focus. It can also help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. When coupled with other treatments, like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate may be a successful treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate works by blocking the transporters that are normally responsible for removing these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug may cause a slight increase in blood pressure and heart rate. People who suffer from diabetes should be on guard when taking this medication since it can cause an abrupt rise in blood sugar. Speak to your doctor in the event that you notice any of these signs. Methylphenidate is also known to cause a condition called Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness as well as discomfort in the toes and fingers. This is a rare side effect, however, it is crucial to tell your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
There is a concerns that methylphenidate can slow the growth of children, but this hasn't been proved to be the situation. If you have a child who is being treated with methylphenidate be sure to keep track of the weight and height carefully. If your child takes a tablet containing methylphenidate that contains phenylalanine, it could pose a risk to children suffering from Phenylketonuria. If you suffer from PKU consult your doctor about the different forms of methylphenidate.
Stimulants are often considered to be the first choice medication for treating ADHD however, some individuals have issues with these medications. In these instances, doctors might prescribe a different medication that functions in a similar way. There are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine, besides the methylphenidate. These drugs are a little stronger than methylphenidate and can last longer. They are usually taken between two and three times a day, but some people can take them more often. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD however, they are less effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known under the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that improves concentration and reduces hyperactivity as well as impulsiveness. It is part of a class known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It works by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine two chemical messengers that regulate brain activity. It is a favorite choice for children and adults who want a different type of medication from stimulants such as Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is crucial to understand that atomoxetine isn't a drug that works instantly. It may take up to 6 weeks before the effects of this drug become apparent. You may also experience adverse effects like nausea and drowsiness. However, the benefits of atomoxetine surpass the risks for many patients.
In a double-blind, placebo controlled study conducted on 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18 years old, the efficacy of atomoxetine is verified. Participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine at a daily dose 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over a period of 9 weeks. In both the atomoxetine and placebo groups depression symptoms were reduced. The atomoxetine-treated group had more improvements in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was only modest (Michelson et al 2001).
In a separate open study, 10 patients with ADHD who were unable to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine for 8 weeks. The group receiving atomoxetine had improved ADHD symptoms compared to placebo group, with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version as read more well as the Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale improving significantly. However, one patient developed a rash and withdrew from the study. Additionally, three patients reported transient gastrointestinal disturbances and one patient reported fatigue that was more severe (Kratochvil et al 2005).
Before beginning treatment with atomoxetine, talk with your physician about your medical background and any other medications or supplements that you're taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over-the-counter medications. It is particularly important to inform your doctor if there is narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor or high blood pressure, heart disease, or a history of sudden death. You should stay clear of atomoxetine as well when you've been taking an MAO-inhibitor like isocarboxazid or linezolid in the last 14 days or rasagiline, Methylene Blue Injection, phenelzine or tranylcypromine.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug that is a non-stimulant, can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. It also helps to reduce impulsivity and increase concentration, but it does not affect the brain in the same way as stimulants. Only prescriptions are approved. Your doctor will determine the right dosage for you. Bupropion comes in capsules and tablets. It is crucial to follow the directions. You might experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop suddenly.
It's typically taken two or three times daily with 4-6 hours between each dose. The dose can vary between 100mg and three times per day to 150mg three or four times each day. The drug is absorbed by the digestive system and excreted into urine. It cannot enter breast milk. However, it can be absorbed into the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion can increase your blood pressure, making it important to check it often.
Bupropion can, in addition to helping to reduce ADHD symptoms, can also reduce depression. It is also a treatment for bipolar disorder. It works by blocking the dopamine receptors that are located in your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine from entering your brain, which helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion can interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor if taking any other medication. It's important to let your doctor know that you are suffering from any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants because they can cause side effects to become worse.
In several studies the bupropion drug was compared with placebos for adults suffering from ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed, and the majority of them were not conducted properly. Many of these studies excluded people with psychiatric disorders co-morbidity. However, the research suggests that bupropion has a modest impact on ADHD. However it is necessary to conduct more research to determine positive patient-centered outcomes like improvements in quality of life. Furthermore, a better understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is needed before effective treatment can be developed. This is a greater understanding of the interplay between the molecular pathways. Moreover, it's critical to understand how different anti-ADHD drugs work with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants are often prescribed by doctors when stimulants prescribed for children with ADHD don't work or cause adverse side effects. These medications, including imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), work by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain to help people focus. These are older drugs which can cause serious adverse reactions, and are usually only used after other medications have failed.
The first choice of antidepressants for depression is typically a selective serotonin receptor inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine sertraline, citalopram, or escitalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants that have been around for decades, may still be used in certain situations. They also work in treating neuropathic pain. They provide a pain-relieving effect which is distinct from their antidepressant properties. They potentiate the noradrenephrine receptor by blocking its reuptake, and they also act as descending moderators for pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less toxic and have less side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They're also safer during pregnancy and aren't teratogenic in humans or animals. If abruptly stopped, they could cause severe withdrawal symptoms. To lessen the negative side effects, your doctor might suggest reducing the dosage gradually over a period of time.
Bupropion, a popular antidepressant that is used off-label to treat ADHD, is not FDA approved as a treatment for adhd. It is believed to work by increasing neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which enhances concentration. It is also known to alleviate anxiety and stress. It can be used in conjunction with stimulants for quicker and lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved nonstimulant ADHD medication, however many people have found relief through dietary supplements and herbal remedies. A diet low on sugar and fat may also help reduce ADHD symptoms. Some people may also benefit by abstaining from caffeine. Tell your doctor all medicines you or your child is taking as well as herbal remedies and prescription drugs. This will avoid interactions and reduce the risk of unwanted adverse effects. ADHD medications can affect every person differently, and it's often a trial and error to find the right dosage and drug for your child or you.