ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD, and appear to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals. They do not treat the disorder, but rather help manage symptoms if they are used regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medication may include an increase in blood pressure and heart rate and stomach upset as well as anxiety and tics. Children and teens who take stimulant drugs experience a minor reduction in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant for the central nervous system and the most commonly used drug for treating ADHD. It comes in a variety forms, including a chewable tablet that is liquid, a long-acting orally disintegrating tablet and an extended-release pill. The drug increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, helping to enhance focus. It may also reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. When combined with other treatments like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate may be a successful treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug may cause a slight increase in blood pressure or heart rate. People with diabetes should also be cautious when taking this medication since it can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar. Talk to your doctor in the event that you notice any of these signs. Methylphenidate can also trigger Raynaud's phenomenon, which causes numbness of the feet and fingers. This is a rare side effect but it is important to tell your doctor if you have these symptoms.
There are some who believe that methylphenidate can slow down the growth of children. However it hasn't been proved. If your child is taking methylphenidate be sure to be aware of their weight and height. If your child takes a methylphenidate tablet that contains phenylalanine, it could be harmful for children suffering from Phenylketonuria. Consult your physician about a different formulation of methylphenidate if you have PKU.
Certain people have issues with stimulants, which are the first option for treating ADHD. In these instances, doctors may prescribe other drugs that function similarly. Apart from methylphenidate there are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine. These drugs can last longer and are more potent than methylphenidate. They are usually taken two 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 known as Strattera and is a non-stimulant ADHD drug that boosts concentration while decreasing the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It belongs to a category called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It works by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine two chemical messengers that control the brain activity. It is popular with children and adults who want a different medication than stimulants like Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is crucial to keep in mind that atomoxetine doesn't work instantly and it could take up to 6 weeks for the effects of the drug to be apparent. Additionally, you could suffer from side effects like drowsiness, decreased appetite, and upset stomach. However the benefits of atomoxetine far outweigh the risks for a majority of patients.
In a double-blind, placebo controlled study of 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18 years old, the effectiveness of atomoxetine is verified. 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. In both atomoxetine as well as placebo groups, symptoms of depression were reduced. The atomoxetine group experienced greater improvements in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was only modest (Michelson and colleagues 2001).
In a second open trial that included 10 ADHD patients who were not responding read more to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine treatment for 8 weeks. The group treated with atomoxetine showed improvements in ADHD symptoms in comparison to placebo, with scores on Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Version of the screening and Clinical Global Impression of Severity scales increasing significantly. However, one patient experienced a rash and withdrew from the study. Three patients also reported transient digestive symptoms, and one noticed an increase in fatigue.
Before beginning treatment with atomoxetine with your physician about your medical background and any other medications or supplements that you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as prescription medications. Tell your doctor when any of the following conditions are present such as narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid or adrenal gland tumour; high blood pressure; heart disease or sudden death. You should avoid atomoxetine as well if you've taken an MAO-inhibitor, such isocarboxazid or linezolid in the past 14 days or rasagiline Methylene Blue Injection phenelzine or tranylcypromine.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant, can help to improve ADHD symptoms. It also helps reduce impulsivity, and increase concentration. However, it does not affect the brain the similar way that stimulants do. It's only available on prescription. Your doctor will determine the best dosage for you. Bupropion is available as tablets and capsules. It is crucial to follow the instructions. You may experience withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop abruptly.
It's typically taken two or three times a day with a 4-6 hour interval between each dose. The dose can range from 100 mg two or three times a day up to 150 mg three or four times a day. The drug is taken up by the digestive system, and excreted through urine. It is not able to enter breast milk. However, it can enter the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion can raise blood pressure, so it's important to monitor it frequently.
In addition to reducing the symptoms of ADHD, bupropion can also reduce depression. It can also treat bipolar disorder. It is a method of blocking dopamine receptors in your brain. This stops the neurotransmitter, dopamine, from entering your brain. This helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion can interact with other drugs So it's crucial to tell your doctor about any other medications you're taking. It's also important to find out whether you are allergic to. It is also important to avoid caffeine and other stimulants, which could make the adverse effects worse.
In a variety of studies, bupropion was compared to placebos for adults with ADHD. These studies produced mixed results, and many were poorly conducted. Many of these studies excluded participants with psychiatric co-morbidity. However, the research suggests that bupropion may have a small impact on ADHD. Further research is needed to determine positive outcomes for patients, such as the improvement in their quality of living. Furthermore, a better understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is essential before a successful treatment can be developed. This is a greater understanding of the relationship between the different molecular pathways. It's also important to understand how anti-ADHD drugs function in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD do not work or cause adverse side effects, doctors might turn to antidepressants as a treatment. These medications, such as imipramine and Nortriptyline, (Aventyl and Pamelor) are able to increase the neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine in the brain, which help people to focus. These are older drugs which can cause serious side effects, so they're usually only used when other drugs have failed.
The first choice for depression-related antidepressants is typically an inhibitor of serotonin reuptake (SSRI), such as fluoxetine, sertraline, or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants which have been around for decades, may still be used in certain situations. These drugs are effective in treating neuropathic pain and other conditions however their antidepressant effect is not the identical. They potentiate noradrenephrine by inhibiting its reuptake. They also function as antagonists of pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs have a lower risk of toxicity, and less serious side effects than the tricyclic antidepressants. In addition, they're safer during pregnancy and aren't teratogenic in humans or animals. If they are abruptly stopped, they could cause withdrawal symptoms that are severe. To minimize these adverse effects, your physician may suggest reducing your dose gradually over a period of several weeks.
Bupropion, a common antidepressant that is used off-label to treat ADHD, is not FDA approved as an adhd drug. It is believed to work by increasing neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which enhances concentration. It is also believed to ease anxiety, and it can be utilized in conjunction with stimulants to achieve more rapid and sustained results.
There are no FDA-approved nonstimulant ADHD medications, but many people experience relief from herbal remedies and dietary supplements. A diet low on sugar and fat may also aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Certain people can benefit from staying clear of caffeine. It is important to inform your doctor about all the medications you or your child uses, including prescription drugs and herbal remedies. This will prevent interactions and reduce unwanted side effects. ADHD medications can affect everyone differently, which is why it's often an exercise of trial and error to find the right drug and dosage for your child or you.