ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, the most frequently prescribed treatment for ADHD, appear to regulate brain chemicals and increase their levels. However, they do not cure the condition and can only help with symptoms as long as they're taken regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medications can include changes in blood pressure and heart rate, anxiety and tics. Some children and teens who are taking stimulant medication have a slight decrease 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 such as a chewable tablet that is liquid as well as a long-acting oral disintegrating tablet, and an extended-release pill. The drug increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, helping to enhance focus. It can also help reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Methylphenidate is an effective treatment for ADHD when combined with other treatments, such as behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate works by blocking the transporters that remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The medication can cause a slight increase in blood pressure and heart rate. People who suffer from diabetes should be aware of this medication because it can cause an abrupt rise in blood sugar. If you have any of these side effects, talk to your doctor. Methylphenidate is also known to cause the condition known as 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 notify your doctor if you have these symptoms.
Some people are concerned that methylphenidate could slow the growth of children. However this hasn't been proved. If your child is taking methylphenidate make sure you be aware of their weight and height. If your child is taking chewable tablets of methylphenidate is a phenylalanine-based tablet, which is a risk for children suffering from the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). If you suffer from PKU, consult your doctor about the different formulations of methylphenidate.
Stimulants are considered the first-choice treatment for ADHD however, certain people are not able to use them. In these instances, doctors might prescribe another medication that works in a similar way. Apart from methylphenidate there are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine and the lisdexamfetamine. These drugs can last for longer and are more potent than methylphenidate. The typical dosage is twice or three times daily, but some people may be able to take them more often. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD however, they are not as effective as stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera and is a nonstimulant ADHD drug that boosts concentration, while decreasing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It belongs to a class known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It is a drug that increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers which control the brain's activity. It is a popular choice for children and adults who prefer a different type of medication than stimulants, like Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is crucial to understand that atomoxetine isn't a drug that works instantly. It may take up to six weeks before the effects of this medication become apparent. There are also adverse effects like nausea and drowsiness. For most patients, the advantages of taking atomoxetine far outweigh any risk.
The efficacy of atomoxetine has been verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled trial with 297 ADHD patients ages 12 to 18. The participants were randomized to receive atomoxetine at a daily dose of 0.6 mg per kilogram or 1.2 mg/kg, or a placebo for 9 weeks. In both the atomoxetine and placebo groups depression symptoms were less. The treatment group with atomoxetine showed more improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was only modest (Michelson and co. 2001).
In a separate open study, 10 patients suffering from ADHD who were unable to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine for 8 weeks. The atomoxetine group demonstrated improved ADHD symptoms when compared to the placebo group and scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version and Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale improving significantly. One patient was unable to continue treatment due to a eruption. In addition, three patients reported intermittent gastrointestinal problems and one patient reported fatigue that was more severe (Kratochvil and co., 2005).
Before beginning treatment with atomoxetine, talk with your physician about your medical background and any other medications or supplements that you're taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over-the-counter medicines. It is particularly important to inform your doctor if you suffer from narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor or high blood pressure, heart disease, or a history of sudden death. You should avoid the use of atomoxetine 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 medication that can aid in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It also helps reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. However, it does not affect the brain the same way that stimulants do. It's available by prescription only. Your doctor will determine the best dosage for you. Bupropion comes in tablets and extended-release capsules. It is essential to take the medication as directed. You might experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop abruptly.
The most common dosage is two or three doses daily divided by 4 to 6 hours. The dose can vary from 100mg two or three times per day to 150mg three or four time every day. The drug is absorbed into the digestive tract, and then eliminated into urine, which means that it isn't able to enter breast milk. However, it is able to enter the bloodstream and impact other organs. Bupropion can increase blood pressure. It's important to monitor it frequently.
Bupropion can, in addition to helping to reduce ADHD symptoms and reducing depression, also helps to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. It can also be used to treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors within your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine from entering your brain, which helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other medications It's therefore important to tell your doctor about any other medications you're taking. It's essential to let your doctor know if suffer from any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants because they can make the side effects worse.
In a variety of studies, bupropion was compared to placebos for adults suffering from ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and the majority of studies were not conducted properly. Furthermore, many of them excluded participants with psychiatric comorbidity. Nevertheless, the data suggest that bupropion has a modest effect on ADHD. Further research is needed to determine positive outcomes for patients, such as an improvement in quality of life. Additionally, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is needed before effective treatment can be created. This requires a deeper understanding of the connection between the molecular pathways. It's also important to understand how anti-ADHD drugs work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants may be prescribed by doctors when stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD are not effective or cause adverse side negative effects. These medications, like imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor), increase the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps people concentrate. These are older drugs which can cause serious side effects, so they're typically only considered after other medications have failed.
The first option for depression-related antidepressants is typically a serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, or citalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants continue to be used in some cases, despite their long history. These medications are also effective in treating neuropathic pain and have an additional pain-relieving effect which is distinct from their antidepressant properties. They enhance noradrenephrine through inhibiting its reuptake. They also function as descending modulators of pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less harmful and have less side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also safer during pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic for humans or animals. If suddenly stopped, they may cause significant withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor might suggest gradually reducing the dose over a few weeks to minimize these effects.
While not officially approved by the FDA as a treatment for adhd Bupropion is a widely prescribed antidepressant off-label to treat ADHD. It is believed to increase the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and acetylcholine that are found in the brain to increase concentration. It is also believed to alleviate anxiety and stress. It can be combined with stimulants to produce faster and longer-lasting results.
Although there aren't any other FDA-approved nonstimulant medications for ADHD however, many people feel relief through the use of dietary supplements and herbs. A diet that is low in fat and sugar can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication may also benefit from abstaining from caffeine. It is important to inform your doctor about all medications your child or you is taking, including prescription medications and herbal remedies. This will avoid interactions and minimize unwanted adverse effects. ADHD medication can affect people differently. It could take a bit of trial and error to determine the best dosage and dose for your child or yourself.