ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD and can increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. However, they don't solve the problem and will only aid in managing symptoms so long as they're taken regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medication can include a change in heart rate and blood pressure, upset stomach as well as anxiety and tics. Children and teens who take stimulant drugs notice a slight reduction in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous stimulant is the most well-known medication used to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms, including a liquid, chewable tablet and a long-acting disintegrating orally disintegrating tablet, and an extended-release pill. The drug works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, helping to increase concentration. It can also help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. When used in conjunction with other treatments like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate can be a successful treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate is a drug that blocks transporters that normally remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug could cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure. Patients with diabetes should be aware of this medication as it could cause an abrupt rise in blood sugar. If you have any of these side effects, speak to your physician. Methylphenidate is also known to cause Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness in the fingers and feet. This is a rare, but serious side result. It is crucial to inform your doctor if these symptoms occur.
There are some who believe that methylphenidate could slow children's growth. However this hasn't been proved. If your child is taking methylphenidate, make sure you keep an eye on their weight and height. If your child takes a methylphenidate tablet, the phenylalanine in it can be dangerous to children suffering from Phenylketonuria. Ask your doctor about a different methylphenidate formula if you have PKU.
Stimulants are often considered to be the first choice medication for treating ADHD, but certain people are not able to use them. In these instances doctors might prescribe other medications that work in a similar manner. Besides methylphenidate, there are other stimulants like dexamfetamine and the lisdexamfetamine. These drugs are a little stronger than methylphenidate and can last longer. They are usually taken twice to three times a day however some people may take them more often. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD, but these are less effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also known as the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that boosts concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It is in a class of medications called selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitors. It works by boosting levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers that regulate 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 does not work instantly, and it can take up to 6 weeks for the effects of the medication to become apparent. There is also the possibility of experiencing negative side effects, such as nausea and drowsiness. For the majority of patients, the benefits of taking atomoxetine are greater than any risks.
In a double-blind placebo controlled study conducted on 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 over 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine group and the placebo group experienced reduction in depression symptoms. The atomoxetine-treated group had more improvements in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. The improvement was not significant.
In a separate open study in click here another open trial, 10 patients with ADHD who were unable to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine for 8 weeks. The atomoxetine treatment group showed improved ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo, with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Screening version rated and the Clinical Global Impression Severity scales improving significantly. However, one patient developed a rash and withdrew from the study. Three patients experienced gastrointestinal issues that were transient and one reported increased fatigue (Kratochvil and co., 2005).
Before beginning treatment with atomoxetine, talk with your physician about your health history and any other supplements or medications that you're taking. This includes herbal remedies and other over-the-counter medicines. Inform your doctor if any of the following conditions are present for narrow-angle glaucoma thyroid or adrenal gland tumour and high blood pressure heart disease or a history sudden death. You should also avoid atomoxetine if taken an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid linezolid, methylene blue injection, rasagiline, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine within the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant drug that can help improve symptoms of ADHD. It can also reduce impulsivity and improve focus, though it doesn't affect the brain in the same way as stimulants do. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate dosage for you. Bupropion is available in tablets and extended-release capsules. It is important to follow the instructions. If you stop taking it abruptly you could experience withdrawal symptoms.
The usual dosage is two or three doses per day separated by 4-6 hours. The dosage can range from 100 mg twice or three times daily up to 150 mg daily, three or four times. The drug is taken up by the digestive system and excreted in urine. It is not able to enter breast milk. However, it can enter the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion raises blood pressure. It is important to check it frequently.
In addition to helping improve the symptoms of ADHD In addition, bupropion may reduce depression. It is also a treatment for bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors in your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine, from entering your brain. This helps to stabilize your mood.
Bupropion can interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor if you're taking any other medication. It's also important to find out whether you suffer from any allergies. Also, stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants, as they could make the adverse effects more severe.
In several studies the bupropion drug was compared with placebos for adults with ADHD. These studies had mixed results and were poorly designed. Additionally, many did not include participants with psychiatric disorders. However, the evidence suggests that bupropion can have a slight impact on ADHD. More research is required to determine positive outcomes for patients, including an improvement in quality of life. Before effective treatments can be created, it is necessary to understand the underlying causes of the molecular types of ADHD. This requires a deeper understanding of the connection between different molecular pathways. It is also crucial to know the way that anti-ADHD medications work in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants may be prescribed by doctors when stimulants prescribed for children suffering from ADHD are not effective or cause adverse side effects. These medications, including imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), help by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain to aid in concentration. These older medications can cause severe adverse consequences. They are usually only employed when other drugs fail.
The first option of antidepressants for depression is usually a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram or escitalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants are still used in certain cases despite their long-standing history. These drugs are effective in treating neuropathic pain and other conditions but their antidepressant action is not the identical. They potentiate noradrenephrine by inhibiting its reuptake, and also act as antagonists of pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less harmful and have fewer side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. Additionally, they're safe during pregnancy and do not appear to cause teratogenicity in animals or humans. However, they may cause severe withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped. To reduce the risk of these adverse effects, your physician may suggest reducing the dose gradually over several weeks.
Bupropion, a popular antidepressant that is used off-label to treat ADHD however, it is not FDA approved as a treatment for adhd. It is believed to be effective by increasing neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which enhances concentration. It also helps reduce anxiety and stress. It can be combined with stimulants for faster and longer-lasting results.
Although there aren't any other FDA-approved medications that are nonstimulant for ADHD, many people do get relief from the use of supplements to their diets and herbs. A diet that is low in fat and sugar can also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. In the same way, removing caffeine can be beneficial to some people. Tell your doctor all medications you or your child is taking, including herbal remedies and over-the-counter medicines. This will prevent interactions and reduce unwanted adverse effects. ADHD medication can affect each person differently, so it's sometimes a trial and error to find the right drug and dosage for your child or yourself.