ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD, and appear to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals. They cannot treat the disorder, but rather manage symptoms if they are taken regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medication can include changes in blood pressure and heart rate as well as upset stomach, anxiety and tics. Certain teens and children who are taking stimulant medication experience a slight reduction in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant for the central nervous system and is the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms including chewable tablet, a liquid, a long-acting orally disintegrating tablet, and an extended release pill. The drug increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This can help improve concentration. It can also help reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Methylphenidate is a proven treatment for ADHD in combination with other treatments, such as behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters which eliminate these neurotransmitters naturally from the brain. The medication can 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 a rapid rise in blood sugar. If you encounter any of these side effects, speak to your doctor. Methylphenidate can also cause the condition known as Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness and discomfort in the toes and fingers. This is a rare but serious side result. It is essential to inform your doctor if these symptoms develop.
There are some who believe that methylphenidate can slow down children's growth. However, this has not been proved. If you have a child who is being treated with methylphenidate ensure that you monitor his or her height and weight closely. If your child is taking a methylphenidate tablet that contains phenylalanine, it can be dangerous to children suffering from phenylketonuria. If you have PKU, consult your physician about other forms of methylphenidate.
Stimulants are often considered to be the first choice treatment for ADHD However, some individuals have issues with these medications. In these cases doctors might prescribe other drugs that function in a similar manner. In addition to methylphenidate, there are other stimulants like dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine. These substances are more potent than methylphenidate, and they can last longer. These drugs are typically taken twice or three times daily however some individuals may be able to take them more often. Psychological treatments are also available for treating ADHD however, they are less likely to be effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known by the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that increases concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It belongs to a class called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It is a drug that increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers which regulate brain's activity. It is popular among children and adults who want an alternative to stimulants such as Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is important to realize that atomoxetine does not work immediately. It can take up 6 weeks before the effects of this drug become apparent. You may also experience negative side effects, such as nausea and drowsiness. For most patients, the benefits of taking atomoxetine outweigh any risks.
In a double-blind, placebo controlled study that was conducted on 297 ADHD patients between the ages of 12 and 18 years old, the efficacy of atomoxetine has been confirmed. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either atomoxetine at a daily dose 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine as well as placebo groups depression symptoms were reduced. The treatment group with atomoxetine showed better improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group. However, the improvement was modest (Michelson and colleagues 2001).
In a second open trial that included 10 ADHD patients who were not responding to stimulants received atomoxetine treatment for 8 weeks. The group receiving atomoxetine had improved ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group, with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version as well as the Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale improving significantly. One patient withdrew due to an outbreak of rash. medications for adhd in adults reported transient stomach symptoms, and one complained of increased fatigue.
Before you begin treatment with atomoxetine to your doctor about your health history and any other supplements or medications that you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over-the-counter medications. It is especially important to tell your doctor if there is narrow-angle glaucoma or a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor and high blood pressure heart disease, or an unusually sudden death. You should stay clear of Atomoxetine in addition to when you've been taking an MAO-inhibitor such as isocarboxazid and linezolid in the past 14 days or rasagiline, Methylene Blue Injection, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant can help improve ADHD symptoms. It also helps reduce impulsivity and improve focus, although it doesn't affect the brain in the same way as stimulants do. Only prescriptions are approved. Your doctor will determine the best dosage for you. Bupropion is available in tablets and extended-release capsules. It's important to take the medication as directed. If you stop taking it abruptly you could experience withdrawal symptoms.
It is usually taken two or three times daily with a 4-6 hour interval between each dose. The dosage can vary from 100 mg twice or three times per day to 150 mg three or four times daily. The drug is in the digestive system and excreted into urine. It cannot enter breast milk. However, it can enter the bloodstream and cause harm to other organs. medication for adult adhd raises blood pressure. It is important to check it frequently.
In addition to improving the symptoms of ADHD, bupropion can also reduce depression. It can also treat bipolar disorder. It is accomplished by blocking dopamine receptors in your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine from entering your brain, which can help stabilize mood.
Bupropion can interact with other medications. Tell your doctor if you're taking any other medication. It's essential to let your doctor know that you have any allergies. Also, stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants, which can make the side effects worse.
In a variety of studies the bupropion drug was compared with placebos for adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and the majority of studies were poorly conducted. Moreover, many of them excluded participants with psychiatric comorbidity. The research suggests that bupropion has a small effect on ADHD. More research is required to determine the positive effects for patients, including the improvement in their quality of life. Before effective treatments can be created, it is necessary to understand the underlying causes of the molecular types of ADHD. This is a greater understanding of the relationship between the various molecular pathways. It is also crucial to know how anti-ADHD drugs function in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants are often prescribed by doctors when stimulants prescribed for children with ADHD are not effective or cause adverse side negative effects. These drugs, which include imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), are effective in boosting the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to help people focus. These are old drugs which can cause serious adverse reactions, and are usually tried only after other medications have failed.
The first choice of antidepressants for depression is usually a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine sertraline, citalopram, or escitalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants which have been around for decades, may still be used in some cases. These drugs are effective in treating neuropathic and other pains however their antidepressant effect is not the same. They increase the potency of noradrenephrine by reducing its reuptake. They also function as lower modulators of pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs have a lower risk of toxicity and have less severe side effects than the tricyclic antidepressants. They are also safer during pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic to animals or humans. However, they can cause significant withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. To minimize these adverse effects, your physician may suggest reducing your dose gradually over several weeks.
Bupropion, a popular antidepressant that is prescribed off-label for treating ADHD however, it is not FDA approved as a drug for adhd. It is believed to increase neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which increases concentration. It is also known to relieve stress and anxiety. It can be used in conjunction with stimulants to produce more rapid and lasting results.
Although there aren't any other FDA-approved nonstimulant medications for ADHD, many people do feel relief through the use of nutritional supplements and herbs. A diet that is low in fat and sugar may help to reduce ADHD symptoms. In the same way, removing caffeine can be beneficial to some people. It is important to inform your doctor about all the medications that you or your child takes, including over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies. This will minimize unwanted side effects and prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect everyone differently, and it's often an exercise of trial and error to determine the right dosage and drug for you or your child.