ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD and can boost and balance levels of brain chemicals. They are not able to cure the disorder and only treat symptoms if used regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication may include an increase in blood pressure and heart rate and stomach upset anxiety and tics. Some teens and children who take stimulant drugs experience a slight reduction in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous stimulant is the most well-known drug used to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety forms such as a chewable tablet that is liquid, a long-acting orally disintegrating tablet, and an extended release pill. The drug is effective by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which help to enhance concentration. adhd for adults medication can also help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Methylphenidate can be a successful treatment for ADHD in conjunction with other treatments, including behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that are normally responsible for removing these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug may cause a slight increase in heart rate and blood pressure. People with diabetes should also be aware of this medication since it can cause an abrupt rise in blood sugar. Speak to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate may also trigger the condition known as Raynaud's phenomenon, which causes numbness and discomfort in the toes and fingers. This is an uncommon side effect, however it is essential to inform your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
There is some concerns that methylphenidate can slow children's growth, but it hasn't been proven to be the case. If you have a child who is being treated with methylphenidate, be sure to keep track of the weight and height closely. If your child is on chewable tablets containing methylphenidate is a phenylalanine-based tablet, which is potentially dangerous for children who have the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). If you have PKU, consult your doctor about the different forms of methylphenidate.
Stimulants are considered the first-choice medication for treating ADHD However, certain people are not able to use these medications. In these instances, doctors might prescribe a different medication that functions in a similar manner. There are also other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine in addition to the methylphenidate. These drugs can last for 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 to treat ADHD however, they are less likely to prove helpful than a stimulant.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also called Strattera and is a non-stimulant ADHD drug that boosts concentration while decreasing the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It belongs to a class called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It works by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers which control brain activity. It is a preferred choice for children and adults who want a different type of medication from stimulants like Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is crucial to understand that atomoxetine isn't a drug that works instantly. It could take up to six weeks before the effects of this drug begin to show. Additionally, you could be afflicted by side effects such as drowsiness, decreased appetite, and upset stomach. For the majority of patients, the advantages of taking atomoxetine far outweigh any risks.
The efficacy of atomoxetine has been confirmed in a multisite double-blind placebo-controlled study with 297 ADHD patients ages 12 to 18. The participants were randomly assigned 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, symptoms of depression were reduced. The treatment group with atomoxetine showed greater improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group. The improvement was not significant.
In another open trial, 10 patients with ADHD who were unable to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine over 8 weeks. The atomoxetine group demonstrated improved ADHD symptoms compared to placebo group, with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version as well as the Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale increasing significantly. One patient however, experienced an rash and resigned from the study. In addition, three patients reported intermittent gastrointestinal problems and one patient reported fatigue that was more severe (Kratochvil and colleagues, 2005).
Consult your physician before you start treatment with atomoxetine regarding your medical history, including any medications or supplements you take. This includes herbal remedies as well as over the counter medicines. It is especially important to tell your doctor if you suffer from narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor or high blood pressure, heart disease, or an unusually sudden death. It is also recommended to avoid atomoxetine if taken an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid linezolid, methylene blue injection rasagiline or phenelzine, as well as tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a nonstimulant, can help to improve ADHD symptoms. It can also reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve focus. However it doesn't affect the brain the way stimulants do. Only prescriptions are approved. Your doctor will determine the best dosage for you. Bupropion is available in capsules and tablets. It is essential to take the medication exactly as directed. If you stop taking it abruptly you could experience withdrawal symptoms.
The typical dosage is two or three doses daily divided by 4 to 6 hours. The dosage can range from 100mg two or three times per day up to 150mg four or three times every day. The drug is absorbed into the digestive tract and excreted into urine, meaning it isn't able to enter breast milk. However, it could be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion may increase blood pressure, which is why it's important to monitor it frequently.
Bupropion is a great drug that, in addition to reducing ADHD symptoms and reducing depression, also helps to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. It is also used to treat bipolar disorder. It is accomplished by blocking dopamine receptors within your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine, from reaching your brain. This helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor if you're taking any other medication. It's also important to know whether you suffer from any allergies. Also, stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants, which can make the side effects worse.
Numerous studies have compared bupropion with placebos in adults with ADHD. These studies yielded mixed results, and a lot were poorly designed. Many of these studies excluded participants with psychiatric co-morbidity. The research suggests that bupropion does have a small effect on ADHD. However it is necessary to conduct more research to identify positive outcomes for patients like 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 requires a deeper understanding of the connection between the various molecular pathways. It is also crucial to know how anti-ADHD drugs work in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants are often prescribed by doctors if stimulants prescribed for children suffering from ADHD do not work or cause adverse side effects. These medications, such as imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor) boost the neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine in the brain, which help people focus. These are older drugs which can cause serious adverse reactions, and are usually tried only 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. However, tricyclic antidepressants which have been around for a long time, can be used in certain situations. They are also effective in treating neuropathic pain and have a second pain-relieving action that is distinct from their antidepressant effect. They enhance noradrenephrine through inhibiting its reuptake, and also act as descending modulators of pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs have less risk of toxicity, and less serious adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also safer during pregnancy and do not appear to be teratogenic for humans or animals. If suddenly stopped, they may cause severe withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor may recommend slowly reducing the dose over a few weeks to reduce the effects.
Bupropion, an antidepressant commonly prescribed off-label to treat ADHD, is not FDA approved as a drug for adhd. It is believed to increase neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain, which enhances concentration. It is also believed to reduce anxiety and stress. It can be used in conjunction with stimulants for quicker and lasting results.
Although there aren't any other FDA-approved nonstimulant drugs for ADHD however, many people feel relief through the use of dietary supplements and herbs. A diet low in fat and sugar may aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Similarly, eliminating caffeine can also be helpful for certain people. Tell your doctor all medicines you or your child take as well as herbal remedies and prescription medications. This will avoid interactions and reduce the risk of unwanted side effects. ADHD medication can affect each person differently, so it's sometimes an exercise of trial and error to find the right drug and dosage for your child or yourself.