ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD seem to balance brain chemicals and boost their levels. They cannot solve the problem and can only manage symptoms if taken regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medication can include changes in blood pressure, heart rate, anxiety and tics. Children and teens who are taking stimulant drugs experience a minor reduction in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant for the central nervous system and is the most widely prescribed medication for ADHD. It is available in many forms, including a liquid, chewable tablet, a long-acting orally disintegrating tablet and an extended-release pill. The drug is effective by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps to increase focus. It can also lessen the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Methylphenidate is a proven treatment for ADHD in conjunction with other treatments, such as behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate blocks transporters that remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug may cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure. It can also cause a rapid change in blood sugar levels, and people with diabetes should be aware when taking this medication. Speak to your doctor when you experience any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate can also trigger Raynaud's phenomenon which causes numbness in the fingers and feet. This is a rare side effect however, it is crucial to tell your doctor if you have these symptoms.
There is a concerns that methylphenidate may slow the growth of children, but this 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 is taking chewable tablets containing methylphenidate is a phenylalanine-based tablet, which is potentially dangerous for children with the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). Ask your doctor about a different formulation of methylphenidate in case you suffer from PKU.
Stimulants are often considered to be the first choice treatment for ADHD, but some people have trouble with them. In these cases doctors might prescribe other medications that function in a similar manner. Apart from methylphenidate there are other stimulants like dexamfetamine and Lisdexamfetamine. These are more powerful than methylphenidate and may last longer. They are usually taken between two and three times per day However, some people take them more frequently. Psychological treatments are also available to treat ADHD however they are less likely to prove helpful than a stimulant.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera and is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that improves concentration, while decreasing the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It's part of a group of medications known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and works by boosting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers that control the brain's activity. It is a favorite choice for both adults and children who prefer a different type of medication than stimulants like Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is important to know that atomoxetine isn't a drug that works instantly. It could take up to 6 weeks before the effects of this drug become apparent. In addition, you may suffer from side effects like drowsiness, decreased appetite, and stomach upset. For most patients, the benefits of taking atomoxetine outweigh any risks.
In a double-blind placebo-controlled study conducted on 297 ADHD patients aged between 12 and 18 years old, the efficacy of atomoxetine was confirmed. The participants were randomized to receive atomoxetine, which is a daily dose of 0.6 mg per kilogram or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine group as well as the placebo group experienced reduction in depression symptoms. The atomoxetine group saw more improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However, the improvement was modest (Michelson and co. 2001).
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 treated with atomoxetine showed improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version and Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale increasing significantly. One patient had to withdraw due to a rash. Three patients also reported temporary digestive symptoms, and one patient noticed an increase in fatigue.
Talk to your doctor prior to you begin treatment with atomoxetine. Discuss your medical history, which includes any medications or supplements you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as prescription medicines. It is particularly important to tell your doctor if there is narrow-angle glaucoma, thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor or high blood pressure, heart disease, or a history of sudden death. You should 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, a nonstimulant can help improve ADHD symptoms. It also helps reduce impulsivity and increase concentration, but it does not affect the brain in the same way that stimulants do. Only prescriptions are approved. Your doctor will determine the best dosage for you. Bupropion is available as tablets and capsules. It is important to take the medication as prescribed. There are withdrawal symptoms that can occur if you stop suddenly.
It's typically taken two or three times daily with a 4-6 hour interval between each dose. The dosage can range from 100mg two or three times per day to 150mg three or four times each day. The drug is in the digestive system and excreted in urine. It is not able to enter breast milk. However, it can enter the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion can raise blood pressure, which is why it's vital to monitor it regularly.
In addition to reducing the symptoms of ADHD Bupropion can also reduce depression. It is also used to treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors that are located in your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine, from entering your brain. This helps to stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other drugs. Inform your doctor if taking any other medications. It's also important to determine whether you are allergic to. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants as they can make side effects worse.
In a number of studies in a variety of studies, bupropion was compared with placebos for adults suffering from ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed, and the majority of studies were poorly conducted. Many of these studies did not include participants 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 improvement in quality of life. Before effective treatments can be created it is essential to understand the underlying causes of the molecular types of ADHD. This is a greater understanding of the relationship between the molecular pathways. Furthermore, it's essential to know how various anti-ADHD agents work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants are often prescribed by doctors if stimulants prescribed for children with ADHD are not effective or cause side effects. medication for adhd adults , such as imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), work by increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to help people focus. These are older drugs which can cause serious side effects, so they're usually only used after other medications have failed.
The first option of antidepressants for depression is typically a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram and escitalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants which have been around for a long time, can be used in certain situations. These drugs are effective in treating neuropathic pain and other conditions, but their antidepressant effect is not the same. They increase the activity of the noradrenephrine receptor through blocking its reuptake, and they also function as descending modulators for pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs have a lower risk of toxicity and less serious side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also safer during pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic for humans or animals. If abruptly stopped, they can cause severe withdrawal symptoms. To reduce the risk of these side effects, your doctor may suggest reducing the dose gradually over several weeks.
While not officially approved by the FDA as a medication for adhd, bupropion is a commonly prescribed antidepressant off-label to treat ADHD. It's believed to increase the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and acetylcholine within the brain to improve concentration. It is also believed to ease anxiety, and it can be combined with stimulants to get faster and long-lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved nonstimulant ADHD medication, however many people find relief from herbal remedies and supplements to their diets. A diet that is low in fat and sugar may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Some people may also benefit from staying clear of caffeine. It is important to inform your doctor about all the medications that you or your child is taking, including prescription medications and herbal remedies. This will avoid interactions and reduce the risk of unwanted side effects. ADHD medications can affect every person differently, which is why it's often an exercise of trial and error to discover the right drug and dosage for you or your child.
