ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD, appear to balance brain chemicals and increase their levels. However, they don't cure the condition and will only aid in managing symptoms so long as they are used regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medication may include a change in heart rate and blood pressure and stomach upset, anxiety and tics. Some children and teenagers who are taking stimulant drugs have a slight decrease in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, a central nervous stimulant is the most commonly used drug used to treat ADHD. It is available in a variety of forms, such as chewable tablets with liquid, an orally disintegrating tablet that acts long and has an extended release. The drug increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This helps to improve concentration. It can also help reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. When combined with other treatments like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate could be an effective treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that remove these neurotransmitters normally from the brain. The drug can cause a slight increase in heart rate or blood pressure. It can also cause a rapid change in blood sugar levels, which is why those with diabetes must be cautious when taking this medication. Speak to your doctor in the event that you experience any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate can also cause a condition called Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness and discomfort in the fingers and toes. This is a rare but serious side result. It is essential to inform your doctor in the event that these symptoms occur.
There is a concern that methylphenidate slows children's growth, however it hasn't been proven to be the case. If your child is taking methylphenidate be sure to keep an eye on their weight and height. If your child takes a methylphenidate tablet, the phenylalanine in it can be dangerous for children suffering from phenylketonuria. Consult your physician about a different methylphenidate formula if you have PKU.
Some people have difficulty with stimulants, which are the first choice of medication for treating ADHD. In these cases doctors may prescribe another medication that works in a similar way. Besides methylphenidate, there are other stimulants such as dexamfetamine and Lisdexamfetamine. These substances can last longer and are stronger than methylphenidate. They are usually taken at least three times a day however some individuals might be able to take them more often. Psychological treatments are also available for treating ADHD however, they are less likely to prove helpful than a stimulant.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also known as the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that boosts concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It's part of a class of medications known as selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitors. It is a stimulant of dopamine and norepinephrine. two chemical messengers that control the brain's activity. It is popular with children and adults who want a different medication than stimulants like Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is crucial to understand that atomoxetine isn't a drug that works instantly. adhd medications for adults may take up to six weeks before the effects of this medication begin to show. In addition, you may be afflicted by side effects such as drowsiness, decreased appetite, and stomach upset. However the benefits of atomoxetine far outweigh the risks for a majority of patients.
In a double-blind, placebo controlled study conducted on 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18 years old, the efficacy of atomoxetine has been confirmed. Participants were randomly assigned to receive the daily dose of atomoxetine 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine group as well as the placebo group experienced decrease in the symptoms of depression. The atomoxetine treatment group had more improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. The improvement was not significant.
In a different open trial in another open trial, 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 and scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version and Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale improving significantly. However, one patient experienced an rash and resigned from the study. adhd medications for adults reported intermittent gastrointestinal problems and one reported increased fatigue (Kratochvil and colleagues, 2005).
Before you begin treatment with atomoxetine to your doctor about your medical history as well as any other supplements or medications that you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over the counter medications. Tell your doctor whether any of the following conditions exist such as narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid or adrenal gland tumor or a high blood pressure heart disease or a history sudden death. Also, be wary of atomoxetine in the event that you have taken an MAO inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid or methylene blue injection rasagiline or phenelzine, as well as tranylcypromine, in the past 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a nonstimulant can help improve ADHD symptoms. It can also decrease the amount of impulsivity and improve focus. However it doesn't affect the brain in the same way that stimulants do. Only prescriptions are approved. Your doctor will determine the right dosage for you. Bupropion is available as capsules and tablets. It is essential to follow the instructions. If you stop taking it suddenly you could experience withdrawal symptoms.
It's typically taken two or three times per day with a gap of 4-6 hours between each dose. The dosage can vary from 100 mg two or three times a day up to 150 mg daily, three or four times. The drug is absorbed by the digestive system and excreted into urine. It is not able to enter breast milk. However, it could get into the bloodstream and cause harm to other organs. Bupropion can raise blood pressure, so it's important to monitor it frequently.
Bupropion is a great drug that, in addition to reducing ADHD symptoms it can also help reduce depression. It is also a treatment for bipolar disorder. It is a method of blocking dopamine receptors in your brain. This prevents the neurotransmitter dopamine from reaching your brain, which can help stabilize mood.
Bupropion may interact with other drugs So it's crucial to inform your doctor of any other medications you're taking. It's important to let your doctor know if suffer from any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants because they can make side effects worse.
Several studies have examined the effects of bupropion versus placebos in adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and most studies were not conducted properly. Many of these studies did not include participants with psychiatric co-morbidity. The research suggests that bupropion does have an impact on ADHD. However there is a need for more research to establish positive outcomes for patients such as improvement in quality of life. Before effective treatments can be created it is crucial to have a better understanding of the molecular forms of ADHD. This includes a better knowledge of the interplay between molecular pathways. Moreover, it's critical to understand how different anti-ADHD drugs work with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed for children with ADHD do not work or cause troublesome side effects, doctors may consider antidepressants as a treatment. These drugs, which include imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), work by increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to help people focus. These older drugs can have severe side effects. They are typically used when other medications fail.
The first choice for antidepressants in depression is usually an inhibitor of serotonin reuptake (SSRI) such as sertraline, fluoxetine or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants, which have been around for decades, may still be used in some cases. They also work in treating neuropathic pain and provide a pain-relieving effect which is distinct from their antidepressant effect. They increase the activity of the noradrenephrine receptor by blocking its reuptake. They also function as descending modulators for pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs have lower risks of toxicity, and less serious adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also safer during pregnancy and do not appear to be teratogenic for humans or animals. If they are abruptly stopped, they could cause significant withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor may suggest slowly decreasing the dosage over several weeks to reduce the effects.
Bupropion, a common antidepressant that is prescribed off-label for treating ADHD however, it is not FDA approved as an adhd drug. It's believed to be effective by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine and acetylcholine within the brain to improve concentration. It is also known to reduce anxiety and stress. It can be used in conjunction with stimulants to achieve faster and longer-lasting results.
While there are no other FDA-approved medications that are nonstimulant for ADHD however, many people feel relief through the use of dietary supplements and herbs. A diet low in fat and sugar may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Some people may also benefit from abstaining from caffeine. It is essential to inform your doctor about all medications that you or your child uses, including prescription drugs and herbal remedies. This will avoid interactions and minimize unwanted side effects. ADHD medications can affect people differently. It may take some trial and error before you find the right dosage and drug for your child or yourself.