ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD, and appear to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals. They do not treat the disorder, but rather treat symptoms if taken regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medications may include changes in blood pressure, heart rate, anxiety and tics. Certain teenagers and children who are taking stimulant drugs have a slight decrease in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant and the most commonly used drug for treating ADHD. It is available in various forms, including tablets that chew liquid and an oral disintegrating tablet that performs long, and a pill with extended release. The drug increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This can help improve concentration. It may also reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Methylphenidate is an effective treatment for ADHD when combined with other treatments, such as behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate works by blocking the transporters that normally remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug can cause an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. It may also trigger an abrupt change in blood sugar levels, which is why people with diabetes should be careful when taking this medication. Talk to your doctor in the event that you have any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate may also cause Raynaud’s phenomenon which causes numbness in the feet and fingers. This is a rare but serious side effect. It is essential to inform your doctor in the event that these symptoms are observed.
Some people are concerned that methylphenidate could slow children's growth. However it hasn't been proven. 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 takes tablets containing methylphenidate that contains phenylalanine, it can be dangerous to children with phenylketonuria. Ask your doctor about an alternative methylphenidate formulation if you have PKU.
Stimulants are the most popular treatment for ADHD However, some people have trouble with them. In these instances doctors might prescribe other drugs that function in a similar way. There are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine, in addition to methylphenidate. These substances can last longer and are more potent than methylphenidate. They are usually taken every day, either twice or three times however some individuals might be able to take them more often. Psychological treatments are also available to treat ADHD, but they are less likely to prove helpful than a stimulant.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera and is a non-stimulant ADHD drug that increases concentration while decreasing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It belongs to a class called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It works by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine two chemical messengers that control the brain's activity. It is a favorite among people of all ages who need an alternative to stimulants such as Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is important to remember that atomoxetine is not effective instantly and it could take up to 6 weeks for the effects of the drug to become apparent. You may also experience side effects such as drowsiness and nausea. However the benefits of atomoxetine outweigh the risks for a majority of patients.
The efficacy of atomoxetine was confirmed in a multisite double-blind placebo-controlled study with 297 ADHD patients between the ages of 12 and 18. Participants were randomly assigned to receive the daily dose of atomoxetine 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine and placebo groups depression symptoms were reduced. The atomoxetine group experienced more improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. The improvement was modest.
In a separate open study, 10 patients suffering from ADHD who failed to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine over 8 weeks. The atomoxetine treatment group showed improvement in ADHD symptoms in comparison to placebo, with scores on Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Version of the screening and the Clinical Global Impression Severity scales improving significantly. However, one patient experienced a rash and withdrew from the study. Three patients also reported temporary digestive symptoms, and one patient noticed an increase in fatigue.
Before beginning treatment with atomoxetine, talk to your doctor about your medical background and any other supplements or medications that you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as prescription 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 a history of sudden death. 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 within the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug that is a non-stimulant, can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. It also helps reduce impulsivity and boost concentration, but it doesn't affect the brain in the same way as stimulants do. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will determine the best dosage for you. Bupropion comes in tablets as well as extended-release capsules. It is essential to take the medication as directed. You may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop suddenly.
The most common dosage is two or three doses daily divided by 4 to 6 hours. The dose can vary from 100mg twice or three times per day to 150mg three or four time every day. The drug is absorbed in the digestive tract and is excreted in urine, meaning it isn't able to enter breast milk. However, it can enter the bloodstream and cause harm to other organs. Bupropion may increase blood pressure, so it's important to check it often.
Bupropion is a great drug that, in addition to reducing ADHD symptoms, can also reduce depression. It can also be used to treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors that are located in your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter, dopamine, from entering your brain. This helps to stabilize your mood.
Bupropion can interact with other drugs. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medication. It's also important to determine whether you are allergic to. You should also avoid caffeine and other stimulants, as they can make the side effects worse.
Numerous studies have compared bupropion to placebos in adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed, and most studies were not conducted properly. Furthermore, many of them excluded people with psychiatric comorbidity. The results suggest that bupropion does have an impact on ADHD. More research is required to determine the positive effects for patients, such as an improvement in the quality of life. Before effective treatments can be developed, it is necessary to understand the underlying causes of the molecular types of ADHD. This includes a better understanding of the relationship between the different molecular pathways. It's also important to understand the way that anti-ADHD medications work in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants can be prescribed by doctors if stimulants prescribed for children suffering from ADHD don't work or cause adverse side adverse effects. These medications, such as imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), are effective in boosting the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain, which help people focus. These older medications can cause serious adverse negative effects. They are usually only employed when other drugs do not work.
The first option for antidepressants in depression is usually an inhibitor of serotonin reuptake (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, sertraline or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants, that have been around for decades, may still be used in some cases. These medications are also effective in treating neuropathic pain. They have a second pain-relieving action that is distinct from their antidepressant properties. They enhance the noradrenephrine receptor by blocking its reuptake. They also act as descending modulators for pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs have lower risks of toxicity and less serious adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also safer during pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic for animals or humans. If suddenly stopped, they may cause significant withdrawal symptoms. To lessen the negative side effects, your doctor might suggest reducing the dosage gradually over a period of time.
Bupropion, an antidepressant commonly that is prescribed off-label for treating ADHD however, it is not FDA approved as a drug for adhd. It is believed to here be effective by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine and acetylcholine within the brain to improve concentration. It is also believed to ease anxiety, and it can be utilized in conjunction with stimulants for more rapid and sustained results.
Although there aren't any other FDA-approved nonstimulant drugs for ADHD, many people do get relief from the use of supplements to their diets and herbs. A diet that is low in sugar and fat can also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Also, avoiding caffeine can be beneficial for certain people. It is essential to inform your doctor about all the medications your child or you is taking, including prescription medications and herbal remedies. This will minimize unwanted side effects and prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect everyone differently, so it's sometimes a process of trial and error to determine the appropriate dosage and medication for your child or you.