ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD and are believed to increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. They cannot solve the problem and can only treat symptoms if they are taken regularly.
Side effects of ADHD medications may include changes in blood pressure as well as heart rate, anxiety, and tics. Some teens and children who take stimulant medications experience a slight reduction in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nerve stimulant, is the most common medication used to treat ADHD. It is available in a variety of forms, such as chewable tablets with liquid and an oral disintegrating tablet that performs long and has an extended release. The drug increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This helps to improve concentration. It can also lessen the symptoms of depression and anxiety. add medication adult is an effective treatment for ADHD in combination with other treatments, such as behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug could cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure. It may also trigger a rapid change in blood sugar levels, and diabetics should be careful when taking this medication. Talk to your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate can also cause a condition called Raynaud's phenomenon, which causes numbness and pain in the toes and fingers. This is a rare side effect however, it is crucial to inform your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
Some people are concerned that methylphenidate can slow down the growth of children. However it hasn't been proved. If you have a child being treated with methylphenidate, be sure to monitor the child's height and weight closely. If your child takes a methylphenidate tablet that contains phenylalanine, it could pose a risk to children with phenylketonuria. If you have PKU, consult your physician about other formulations of methylphenidate.
Certain people have issues with stimulants, which are the first choice of medication for treating ADHD. In these cases, doctors may prescribe other drugs that function in a similar manner. In addition to methylphenidate, there are other stimulants like dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine. These substances are more potent than methylphenidate, and they can last longer. They are usually taken twice or three times daily However, some people may be able to take them more frequently. 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 increases concentration while reducing the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It is part of a class called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It is a drug that increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers which control the brain's activity. It is popular among people of all ages who need an alternative to stimulants such as Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is crucial to understand that atomoxetine doesn't work instantly. It may take up to 6 weeks before the effects of this medication are evident. There is also the possibility of experiencing negative side effects, such as drowsiness and nausea. However, the benefits of atomoxetine far outweigh the risks for most patients.
In a double-blind placebo controlled study of 297 ADHD patients aged between 12 and 18 years old, the effectiveness of atomoxetine was verified. Participants were randomly assigned to receive the daily dose of atomoxetine 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for a period of 9 weeks. In both the atomoxetine and placebo groups, symptoms of depression were reduced. The atomoxetine group experienced greater improvements in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However, the improvement was modest (Michelson et al 2001).
In a different open trial, 10 patients with ADHD who were unable to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine over 8 weeks. The atomoxetine treatment group demonstrated improvement in ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo, with scores on Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Screening version rated and Clinical Global Impression of Severity scales gaining significant. One patient had to withdraw due to a eruption. Three patients also reported temporary digestive symptoms, and one patient reported increased fatigue.
Talk to your doctor prior to you begin treatment with atomoxetine regarding your medical history, which includes any medications or supplements you take. This includes herbal remedies as well as prescription medicines. Inform your doctor whether any of the following conditions occur such as narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid or adrenal gland tumor and high blood pressure heart disease or sudden death. You should avoid Atomoxetine in addition to in the event that you've taken an MAO inhibitor like isocarboxazid or linezolid within the last 14 days, or rasagiline, Methylene Blue Injection, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant, can help to improve ADHD symptoms. It can also decrease the impulsivity of children 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 appropriate dosage for you. Bupropion is available in tablets and capsules. It is important to follow the instructions. You may experience withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop abruptly.
It is usually taken two or three times a day with a 4-6 hour interval between each dose. The dose can vary from 100mg two or three times per day up to 150mg four or three times each day. The drug is absorbed by the digestive system, and excreted through urine. It cannot enter breast milk. It can, however, get into the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion can increase your blood pressure, which is why it's important to check it often.
Bupropion can, in addition to helping to reduce ADHD symptoms it can also help reduce depression. It is also used to treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors within your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine, from reaching your brain. This helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion can interact with other medications. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication. It's also important to find out if you have any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants since they can make the side effects worse.
In a variety of studies the bupropion drug was compared with placebos for 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 results suggest that bupropion does have a small effect on ADHD. More research is required to determine positive outcomes for patients, including the improvement in their quality of living. Before effective treatments can be developed, it is necessary to gain a better understanding of the molecular causes of ADHD. This includes a better knowledge of the connection between the molecular pathways. Additionally, it's important to understand how different anti-ADHD medications work with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed for children suffering from ADHD don't work or cause undesirable side effects, doctors may consider antidepressants as a treatment. These medications, such as imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor) boost the neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine in the brain, which aids in helping people focus. These older drugs can have serious adverse effects. They are usually only employed when other drugs do not work.
The first option of antidepressants for depression is usually a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram and escitalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants that have been around for decades, may still be used in some cases. They are effective in treating neuropathic pain and other conditions, but their antidepressant effect is not the same. They increase the potency of noradrenephrine by reducing its reuptake. They also function as antagonists of pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less harmful and have less adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. In addition, they're safer in pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic in animals or humans. If abruptly stopped, they could cause severe withdrawal symptoms. To lessen the negative adverse effects, your physician may suggest reducing your dose gradually over a period of several weeks.
While not officially approved by the FDA as a treatment for adhd bupropion is commonly prescribed antidepressant that is off-label for ADHD. It is believed to work by increasing neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which increases concentration. It's also known to relieve anxiety, and it can be combined with stimulants to get faster and sustained results.
There are no FDA-approved non-stimulant ADHD medications, however many people find relief from herbal remedies and supplements to their diets. A diet that is low in fat and sugar can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Similarly, eliminating caffeine can be beneficial for some. Inform your doctor about all medications that you or your child are taking, including herbal remedies and prescription medications. This will help prevent interactions and reduce the risk of unwanted adverse effects. ADHD medication can affect each person differently, and it's often a trial and error to discover the appropriate dosage and medication for your child or yourself.