ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD, and appear to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals. However, they cannot solve the problem and will only help manage symptoms as long as they are taken regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication may include changes in heart rate and blood pressure and stomach upset anxiety and tics. Some teens and children who are taking stimulant medication notice a slight slowing in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, a central nervous stimulant is the most commonly used drug used to treat ADHD. It is available in various forms, such as tablets that chew liquid, an orally disintegrating tablet that performs long, and a pill with extended release. The drug increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, helping to increase focus. It can also lessen the symptoms of anxiety and depression. When combined with other treatments such as behavioral therapy, methylphenidate can be a successful treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks transporters that eliminate these neurotransmitters naturally from the brain. The medication can cause a slight increase in blood pressure and heart rate. It may also trigger a rapid change in blood sugar levels, and people with diabetes should be cautious when taking this medication. If you encounter any of these side effects, speak with your doctor. 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 essential to inform your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms.
There is a concern that methylphenidate slows children's growth, but it hasn't been proved to be the case. If your child is taking methylphenidate, make sure you keep an eye on their weight and height. If your child takes a tablet containing methylphenidate that contains phenylalanine, it can be dangerous to children with Phenylketonuria. Consult your physician about a different formulation of methylphenidate when you suffer from PKU.
Stimulants are often considered to be the first choice medication for treating ADHD, but some people have trouble with them. In these cases, doctors may prescribe other drugs that function in a similar manner. Besides methylphenidate, there are other stimulants like dexamfetamine and Lisdexamfetamine. These drugs can last longer and are stronger than methylphenidate. They are usually taken between two and three times per day, but some people can take them more often. Psychological treatments are also available for treating ADHD however, they are less likely to be effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also called Strattera and is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that improves concentration while reducing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It belongs to a class called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It works by boosting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers which regulate brain's activity. It is a preferred choice for both adults and children who prefer a different type of medication from stimulants like Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is important to realize that atomoxetine doesn't work instantly. It could take up to 6 weeks before the effects of this drug are evident. There is also the possibility of experiencing side effects such as drowsiness and nausea. For most patients, the advantages of taking atomoxetine far outweigh the risks.
In a double-blind, placebo controlled study that was 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 for 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine as well as placebo groups, symptoms of depression were less. The atomoxetine group experienced more improvements in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However, the improvement was modest (Michelson and colleagues 2001).
In a different open trial, 10 patients suffering from ADHD who failed to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine over 8 weeks. The group treated with atomoxetine showed improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group and scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version as well as the Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale gaining significant. However, one patient experienced an rash and resigned from the study. Three patients also reported transient gastrointestinal symptoms, and one patient reported increased fatigue.
Talk to your doctor before you begin treatment with atomoxetine. Discuss your health history, including any supplements or medications you take. add adult medications includes herbal remedies as well as over-the-counter medications. It is especially important to inform your doctor if there is narrow-angle glaucoma, thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor and high blood pressure heart disease or an unusually sudden death. Also, avoid atomoxetine if taken an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid linezolid, methylene blue injection, rasagiline, phenelzine or tranylcypromine within the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant medication that can help improve symptoms of ADHD. It can also reduce impulsivity and improve focus, although it does not affect the brain in the same way as stimulants do. It's available by prescription only. Your doctor will determine the right dosage for you. Bupropion is available in capsules and tablets. It is essential to follow the directions. There are withdrawal symptoms that can occur when you stop abruptly.
The usual dosage is two or three doses daily separated by 4-6 hours. The dosage can vary from 100 mg two or three times per day up to 150 mg three or four times a day. The drug is taken up by the digestive system, and excreted through urine. It isn't able to penetrate breast milk. However, it can enter the bloodstream and impact other organs. Bupropion can increase blood pressure. It's important to check it frequently.
In addition to reducing the symptoms of ADHD In addition, bupropion may reduce depression. It can also be used to treat bipolar disorder. It works by 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. Tell your doctor if taking any other medications. It's also important to know whether you suffer from any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants because they can cause side effects to become worse.
In a number of studies, bupropion was compared to placebos for adults suffering from ADHD. These studies had mixed results and were poorly conducted. Additionally, many excluded people with psychiatric comorbidity. The research suggests that bupropion does have a modest impact on ADHD. However it is necessary to conduct more research to determine positive patient-centered outcomes such as improvements in quality of life. Before effective treatments can be created it is essential to have a better understanding of the molecular types of ADHD. This includes a better understanding of the relation between different molecular pathways. Additionally, it's important to know how various anti-ADHD agents work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed for children suffering from ADHD don't work or cause adverse side effects, doctors may look to antidepressants for treatment. These drugs, like imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor) boost the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which help people focus. These older drugs may cause serious negative side effects. They are typically employed when other drugs are not working.
The first choice of antidepressant for depression is usually a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine sertraline, citalopram or escitalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants that have been around for decades, may still be used in certain situations. add adult medications work in reducing neuropathic pain. They also have an additional pain-relieving effect that is separate from their antidepressant properties. They potentiate the noradrenephrine receptor through blocking its reuptake. They also act as descending modulators for pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs have a lower risk of toxicity and have less severe adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They're also safer in the womb and don't appear to be teratogenic in animals or humans. However, they may cause severe withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. To reduce the risk of these side effects, your doctor may suggest reducing the dose gradually over a period of time.
Although not officially recognized by the FDA as an adhd medication, bupropion is a commonly prescribed antidepressant that is off-label for ADHD. It is believed to be effective by increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and acetylcholine that are found in the brain to increase concentration. It is also believed to ease anxiety and can be utilized in conjunction with stimulants to achieve more rapid and sustained results.
There are no FDA-approved non-stimulant ADHD medication, however many people experience relief from herbal remedies and dietary supplements. A diet low in sugar and fat can also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. In the same way, removing caffeine may be beneficial to some people. Discuss with your doctor any medications you or your child are taking as well as herbal remedies and over-the-counter medicines. This will prevent interactions and reduce unwanted adverse effects. ADHD medication can affect people differently. It may take some trial and error before you discover the ideal dosage and drug for your child or you.