ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD seem to regulate brain chemicals and increase their levels. They are not able to treat the disorder, but rather manage symptoms if 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 teens and children who take stimulant medications experience a slight reduction in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant and is the most frequently used drug for treating ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms, including a liquid chewable tablet as well as an oral disintegrating tablet that performs long and has an extended release. The drug is effective by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which help to improve focus. It can also help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Methylphenidate is a proven treatment for ADHD in combination with other treatments, such as behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters which remove these neurotransmitters normally from the brain. The drug can cause a slight increase in blood pressure or heart rate. Patients with diabetes should be on guard when taking this medication as it could cause rapid increases in blood sugar. Talk to your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate is also known to cause Raynaud's phenomenon, which causes numbness of the fingers and feet. This is an uncommon side effect, but it is important to notify your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
Some people are concerned that methylphenidate can slow down children's growth. However, this has not been proved. If you have a child who is receiving treatment with methylphenidate ensure that you monitor his or her height and weight closely. If your child is on chewable tablets containing methylphenidate is a phenylalanine-based tablet, which is a risk for children who have the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). Ask your doctor about a different methylphenidate formula if you have PKU.
Some people have difficulty with stimulants which are the primary choice of medication for treating ADHD. In these cases, doctors could prescribe another medication that performs similarly. Besides methylphenidate, there are other stimulants such as dexamfetamine and the lisdexamfetamine. These drugs can last for longer and are stronger than methylphenidate. They are typically taken between two and three times a day However, some people take them more frequently. Psychological treatments are also available to treat ADHD however, they are less likely to be helpful than a stimulant.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also called Strattera and is a non-stimulant ADHD drug that increases concentration while decreasing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It's part of a group of drugs known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It is a stimulant of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers that control the brain's activity. It is a favorite among adults and children who seek a different medication than stimulants such as Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is crucial to keep in mind that atomoxetine doesn't work immediately, and it may take up to 6 weeks for the effects of the medication to become apparent. There are also side effects such as drowsiness and nausea. For most patients the advantages of taking atomoxetine far outweigh any risks.
The efficacy of atomoxetine was confirmed in a multisite double-blind placebo-controlled study with 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18. Participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine at a daily dose 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for a period of 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine and placebo groups depression symptoms were less. The atomoxetine treatment group had more improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. The improvement was not significant.
In a separate open study in another open trial, 10 patients with ADHD who failed to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine over 8 weeks. The atomoxetine treatment group demonstrated improvements in ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo, with scores on Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Rated screening version and the Clinical Global Impression Severity scales improving significantly. One patient was unable to continue treatment due to an outbreak of rash. Three patients also reported transient stomach symptoms, and one patient reported increased fatigue.
Before you begin treatment with atomoxetine, talk with your physician about your medical history and any other medications or supplements that you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over-the-counter medicines. It is particularly important to tell your doctor if there is narrow-angle glaucoma or a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor or high blood pressure, heart disease or a history of sudden death. Also, avoid atomoxetine if taken an MAO inhibitor like isocarboxazid, linezolid or methylene blue injection rasagiline, phenelzine or tranylcypromine, in the past 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a nonstimulant can help improve ADHD symptoms. It also helps to reduce impulsivity and boost focus, although it does not affect the brain in the same way that stimulants do. Only prescriptions are approved. Your doctor will determine the right dosage for you. go comes in tablets as well as extended-release capsules. It is essential to follow the prescriptions. If you stop taking it suddenly you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
It's usually taken twice or three times a day with 4-6 hours between each dose. The dosage can vary between 100 mg twice or three times per day to 150 mg daily, three or four times. The drug is in the digestive system and excreted in urine. It isn't able to penetrate breast milk. However, it can be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion raises blood pressure. It is important to monitor it regularly.
In addition to helping improve the symptoms of ADHD In addition, bupropion may reduce depression. It is also used to treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors in your brain. This stops the neurotransmitter, dopamine, from entering your brain. This helps to stabilize your mood.
Bupropion can interact with other drugs It's therefore important to inform your doctor about any other medications you're taking. It is important to inform your doctor know if are suffering from any allergies. You should also avoid caffeine and other stimulants, as they can make the side effects more severe.
Numerous studies have compared bupropion with placebos in adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed, and most studies were poorly conducted. Many of these studies did not include patients with psychiatric co-morbidity. Nevertheless, the data suggest that bupropion has a modest effect on ADHD. However, more research is needed to establish positive outcomes for patients such as improvements in quality of life. Additionally, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is required before effective treatment can be created. This is a greater understanding of the connection between the various molecular pathways. It's also important to understand the way that anti-ADHD medications work in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants are often prescribed by doctors if stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD do not work or cause side adverse effects. These medications, including imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), work by increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which help people focus. These are older drugs which can cause serious adverse reactions, and are usually tried only when other medications have failed.
The first choice for depression treatment is typically a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as fluoxetine, sertraline, or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants that have been around for a long time, can be utilized in certain instances. These medications are also effective in treating neuropathic pain and have a second pain-relieving action which is distinct from their antidepressant effect. They increase the activity of the noradrenephrine receptor by blocking its reuptake, and they also act as descending moderators for pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs have a lower risk of toxicity and have less severe side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. Additionally, they're safe in pregnancy and do not appear to cause teratogenicity in humans or animals. However, they may cause severe withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. Your doctor might suggest gradually reducing the dose over a few weeks to reduce the effects.
Bupropion, a common antidepressant that is used off-label to treat ADHD but isn't FDA approved as a treatment for adhd. It is believed to work by increasing neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which enhances concentration. It also helps relieve stress and anxiety. It can be used in conjunction with stimulants to produce faster and longer-lasting results.
While there aren't any FDA-approved nonstimulant medications for ADHD Many people feel relief through the use of dietary supplements and herbs. A diet low on fat and sugar can help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Also, avoiding caffeine can also be helpful for some. Discuss with your doctor any medications that you or your child is taking as well as herbal remedies and over-the-counter medicines. This will minimize unwanted side effects and prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect individuals differently. It may take some trial and error before you determine the best dosage and dose for your child or yourself.