ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD and are believed to increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. However, they do not cure the condition and can only help with symptoms as long as they are used regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication could include an increase in blood pressure and heart rate and stomach upset as well as anxiety and tics. Certain teenagers and children who are taking stimulant drugs experience a minor reduction in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant and is the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. It is available in many forms such as a chewable tablet, a liquid and a long-acting disintegrating orally disintegrating tablet, and an extended release pill. The drug boosts the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This can help improve concentration. It can also help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Methylphenidate can be a successful treatment for ADHD when combined with other treatments, including behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate blocks transporters that remove these neurotransmitters normally from the brain. The drug may cause a slight increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Patients with diabetes should be cautious when taking this medication as it could cause a rapid rise in blood sugar. If you encounter any of these side effects, speak to your physician. Methylphenidate may also trigger a condition known as Raynaud's phenomena, which causes numbness and pain in the toes and fingers. adhd adult medication is a rare but serious side result. It is crucial to inform your doctor if any of these symptoms are observed.
There are some who believe that methylphenidate can slow down the growth of children. However it hasn't been proven. If you have a child being treated with methylphenidate, ensure that you monitor his or her height and weight closely. If your child takes a tablet containing methylphenidate that contains phenylalanine, it could pose a risk to children with Phenylketonuria. If you suffer from PKU consult your doctor about the different formulations of methylphenidate.
Stimulants are considered the first-choice treatment for ADHD, but some people have trouble with these medications. In these instances, doctors might prescribe another medication that performs similarly. In addition to methylphenidate, there are other stimulants such as dexamfetamine and the lisdexamfetamine. These substances are more potent than methylphenidate, and they can last longer. They are usually taken twice to three times daily however some people may take them more frequently. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD however, they are not as effective as stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also called Strattera and is a nonstimulant ADHD drug that increases concentration while reducing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It's part of a class of medications called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. two chemical messengers that control the brain's activity. It is a popular option for adults and children who want a different type of medication than stimulants, like Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is crucial to understand that atomoxetine does not work immediately. It may take up to six weeks before the effects of this drug become apparent. Additionally, you could suffer from side effects like drowsiness, decreased appetite, and upset stomach. For most patients, the benefits of taking atomoxetine are greater than any risk.
In a double-blind placebo controlled study of 297 ADHD patients aged between 12 and 18 years old, the efficacy of atomoxetine was confirmed. The participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine, a daily dose of 0.6 mg per kilogram or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine as well as placebo groups, symptoms of depression were reduced. The treatment group with atomoxetine showed greater improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group. However the improvement was not as dramatic (Michelson et al 2001).
In a follow-up open trial that included 10 ADHD patients who did not respond to stimulants received atomoxetine treatment for 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. However, one patient developed an rash and resigned from the study. Additionally, three patients reported transient gastrointestinal disturbances and one patient reported fatigue that was more severe (Kratochvil and co., 2005).
Talk to your doctor before you start treatment with atomoxetine about your health history, including any medications or supplements you take. This includes herbal remedies as well as over the counter medications. It is especially important to inform your doctor if there is narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor or high blood pressure, heart disease or an unusually sudden death. You should also be wary of atomoxetine in the event that you have taken an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid linezolid, methylene blue injection rasagiline, phenelzine or tranylcypromine, in the past 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a nonstimulant, can help to improve ADHD symptoms. It can also reduce the impulsivity of children and improve focus. However it doesn't affect the brain in the same way that stimulants do. It's available by prescription only. Your doctor will decide on the best dose for you. Bupropion is available in capsules and tablets. It is essential to take the medication exactly as prescribed. You may experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop abruptly.
The typical dosage is two or three doses daily divided by four to six hours. The dosage can range from 100 mg two or three times per day to 150 mg three or four times a day. The drug is in the digestive system and excreted in urine. It cannot enter breast milk. However, it is able to be absorbed into the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion increases blood pressure. It's important to check 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 the dopamine receptors in your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine from reaching your brain, which can help stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other medications. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication. It is important to inform your doctor know that you suffer from any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants because they can cause side effects to become worse.
In several studies the bupropion drug was compared with placebos for adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and most studies were poorly conducted. Additionally, many did not include participants with psychiatric disorders. However, the research suggests that bupropion can have a slight impact on ADHD. Further research is needed to determine positive outcomes for patients, such as the improvement in their quality of living. Before effective treatments can be created it is crucial to have a better understanding of the molecular causes of ADHD. This requires a deeper understanding of the connection between the different molecular pathways. It's also important to understand the way that anti-ADHD medications work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD do not work or cause undesirable side effects, doctors may consider antidepressants as a treatment. These drugs, which include imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), work by increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to help people concentrate. These are older medications which can cause serious side effects, so they're typically only considered after other medications have failed.
The first option for antidepressants in depression is usually an inhibitor of serotonin reuptake (SSRI) like sertraline, fluoxetine or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants, that have been around for a long time, can be used in some cases. They are effective in treating neuropathic pain and other conditions, but their antidepressant effect is not the identical. They enhance the noradrenephrine receptor by blocking its reuptake, and they also function as descending modulators for pain pathways in spinal cord.
SSRIs have less risk of toxicity and have less severe side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. Additionally, they're safe in the womb and aren't teratogenic in animals or humans. If they are abruptly stopped, they may cause withdrawal symptoms that are severe. Your doctor might suggest gradually reducing the dose over a few weeks to lessen the negative effects.
Although not officially recognized by the FDA as an adhd medication bupropion is commonly prescribed antidepressant off-label for ADHD. It's thought to increase the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine and acetylcholine in the brain to increase concentration. It also helps reduce anxiety and stress. It can be combined with stimulants to produce quicker and lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved non-stimulant ADHD medications, but many people have found relief through dietary supplements and herbal remedies. A diet low in sugar and fat can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people may benefit from abstaining from caffeine. Tell your doctor all medicines you or your child are taking, including herbal remedies and over-the-counter medicines. This will help minimize unwanted side effects as well as prevent interactions. ADHD medication can affect each person differently, and it's often a process of trial and error to find the appropriate dosage and medication for your child or yourself.