ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD, and appear to increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. They do not solve the problem and can only treat symptoms if they are taken regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication can include changes in blood pressure, heart rate, anxiety and tics. Children and teens who take stimulant drugs experience a minor reduction in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, a central nervous stimulant is the most commonly used medication used to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety forms, including a liquid, chewable tablet as well as a long-acting oral disintegrating tablet, and an extended-release pill. The drug is effective by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, helping to enhance concentration. It can also help reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. When combined with other treatments such as behavioral therapy, methylphenidate can be a successful treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks transporters that remove these neurotransmitters normally from the brain. The medication can cause a slight increase in blood pressure and heart rate. It can also cause a rapid change in blood sugar levels, which is why people with diabetes should be careful when taking this medication. If you have any of these side effects, talk to your physician. Methylphenidate may also cause Raynaud’s phenomenon which causes numbness in the feet and fingers. This is a rare, but serious side result. It is crucial to inform your doctor in the event that these symptoms develop.
There is some concerns that methylphenidate may slow children's growth, however this has not been proved to be the case. If you have a child who is receiving treatment with methylphenidate be sure to monitor the height and weight closely. If your child is taking chewable tablets containing methylphenidate, it contains phenylalanine, which is potentially dangerous for children with the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). If you suffer from PKU, ask your doctor about different forms of methylphenidate.
Some people are unable to take stimulants, which are the first choice of medication for treating ADHD. In these instances, doctors may prescribe other medications that function similarly. In addition to methylphenidate, there are other stimulants like dexamfetamine and Lisdexamfetamine. These are more powerful than methylphenidate and may last longer. They are usually taken twice to three times a day however some people may take them more often. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD, but these are not as effective as stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also called Strattera and is a non-stimulant ADHD drug that increases concentration while reducing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It belongs to a class called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It works by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers which control brain activity. It is popular among people of all ages who need an alternative to stimulants like Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is crucial to understand that atomoxetine does not work immediately. It can take up six weeks before the effects of this medication become apparent. There is also the possibility of experiencing side effects such as drowsiness and nausea. However, the benefits of atomoxetine far surpass the risks for many patients.
The effectiveness of atomoxetine was verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled study with 297 ADHD patients ages 12 to 18. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either the daily dose of atomoxetine 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine and the placebo group experienced reduction in depression symptoms. The atomoxetine treatment group had greater improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. The improvement was sporadic.
In a follow-up open trial that included 10 ADHD patients who were not responding to stimulants were given an atomoxetine treatment 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 increasing significantly. One patient withdrew due to an outbreak of eruption. Additionally, three patients reported intermittent gastrointestinal problems and one experienced increased fatigue (Kratochvil and co., 2005).
Before you begin treatment with atomoxetine to your doctor about your health history and any other medications or supplements that you're taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over-the-counter medications. It is especially important to tell your doctor if you suffer from narrow-angle glaucoma or a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor or high blood pressure, heart disease, or an unusually sudden death. Avoid atomoxetine as well when you've been taking an MAO-inhibitor like isocarboxazid or linezolid in the past 14 days or rasagiline Methylene Blue Injection phenelzine or tranylcypromine.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant drug that can improve the symptoms of ADHD. It can also reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. However, it does not affect the brain in the way stimulants do. It's only available with a prescription. Your doctor will determine the most effective dosage for you. Bupropion is available in capsules and tablets. It is important to follow the directions. There are withdrawal symptoms that can occur in the event that you stop abruptly.
It is usually taken two or three times daily with a gap of 4-6 hours between each dose. The dose can vary from 100mg twice or three times a day to 150mg three or four time every day. The drug is taken up by the digestive system, and excreted through urine. It isn't able to penetrate breast milk. However, it could be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause harm to other organs. Bupropion raises blood pressure. It is essential to check it regularly.
In addition to helping improve 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 within your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine from reaching your brain, which helps stabilize mood.
adult add medication can interact with other medications So it's crucial to inform your doctor about any other medications you're taking. It's important to let your doctor know if suffer from any allergies. It is also important to avoid caffeine or other stimulants that 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 them were not well-designed. A majority of these studies excluded people with psychiatric disorders co-morbidity. However, the evidence suggests that bupropion may have a small effect on ADHD. However there is a need for more research to determine positive patient-centered outcomes such as improvements in quality of life. Furthermore, a better understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is needed before effective treatment can be developed. This is a greater understanding of the relation between different molecular pathways. It is also crucial to know the way that anti-ADHD medications 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 adverse side adverse effects. These medications, such as imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), help by increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which help people focus. These are old drugs that may have a number of adverse effects, so they're usually only used after other medications have failed.
The first option of antidepressants for depression is typically a selective serotonin receptor inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine sertraline, citalopram and escitalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants are still being used in certain instances despite their long history. These medications are effective in treating pain caused by neuropathic or other however their antidepressant effect is not the same. They enhance the noradrenephrine receptor by blocking its reuptake. They also function as descending modulators for pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less harmful and have less side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. In addition, they're safer in pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic in humans or animals. If suddenly stopped, they could cause significant withdrawal symptoms. To minimize these side effects, your doctor might suggest reducing the dosage gradually over a period of time.
Bupropion, a common antidepressant that is prescribed off-label for treating ADHD, is not FDA approved as a drug for adhd. It is believed to be effective by increasing neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain, which improves concentration. It also helps reduce anxiety and stress. It can be used in conjunction with stimulants for quicker and lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved nonstimulant ADHD medications, however many people experience relief from herbal remedies and supplements to their diets. A diet that is low in fat and sugar may help reduce ADHD symptoms. Similarly, eliminating caffeine may be beneficial for some. Inform your doctor about all medications you or your child is taking, including herbal remedies and prescription drugs. This will help minimize unwanted side effects as well as prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect everyone differently, so it's sometimes a process of trial and error to find the appropriate dosage and medication for your child or you.