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 aid in managing symptoms so long as they're taken regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medications can include changes in blood pressure, heart rate, anxiety and tics. Some teens and children who are taking stimulant medication experience a slight reduction in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nerve stimulant, is the most common medication used to treat ADHD. adhd in adults medication comes in a variety of forms, such as a liquid chewable tablet as well as an oral disintegrating tablet that performs long and has an extended release. The drug works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which helps to enhance focus. It can also help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Methylphenidate can be a successful treatment for ADHD in conjunction with other treatments, such as behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters which remove these neurotransmitters normally from the brain. The drug can cause a small increase in heart rate and blood pressure. It can also cause a rapid change in blood sugar levels, and people with diabetes should be careful when taking this medication. If you encounter any of these side effects, speak to your doctor. adhd for adults medication may also trigger a condition known as Raynaud's phenomena that causes numbness as well as pain in the fingers and toes. This is a rare side effect however, it is crucial to notify your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
There are some who believe that methylphenidate may slow children's growth. However it hasn't been proven. If your child is taking methylphenidate ensure that you be attentive to their weight and height. If your child is taking a methylphenidate chewable tablet, it contains phenylalanine, which is potentially dangerous for children who have the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). Ask your doctor about a different methylphenidate formula when you suffer from PKU.
Stimulants are often considered to be the first choice treatment for ADHD however, some individuals have issues with these medications. In these instances doctors might prescribe other medications that work in a similar manner. There are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine in addition to the methylphenidate. These drugs can last for longer and are more potent than methylphenidate. They are usually taken between two and three times per day However, some people take them more often. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD, but these are less effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also called Strattera and is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that improves concentration while reducing the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It's part of a group of drugs known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers that regulate the brain's activity. It is a favorite among adults and children who seek a different medication than stimulants like Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is crucial to understand that atomoxetine isn't a drug that works instantly. It could take up to 6 weeks before the effects of this drug are evident. In addition, you may suffer from side effects like diminished appetite, drowsiness and stomach upset. For most patients, the benefits of taking atomoxetine outweigh any risks.
The efficacy of atomoxetine has been confirmed in a multisite double-blind placebo-controlled study involving 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18. Participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine, a daily dose of 0.6 mg per kilogram or 1.2 mg/kg, or a placebo for 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine and placebo groups, symptoms of depression were reduced. The atomoxetine treatment group showed greater improvement 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 failed to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine over 8 weeks. The atomoxetine group demonstrated improved ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group, with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version and Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale improving significantly. One patient withdrew due to an rash. Additionally, three patients experienced gastrointestinal issues that were transient and one reported increased fatigue (Kratochvil et al 2005).
Before you begin treatment with atomoxetine to your doctor about your medical history and any other medications or supplements that you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as other over-the-counter medicines. Inform your doctor if any of the following conditions occur such as narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid or adrenal gland tumor; high blood pressure; heart disease or a history sudden death. It is also recommended to be wary of atomoxetine in the event that you have taken an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid linezolid, methylene blue injection rasagiline or phenelzine, as well as tranylcypromine within the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant drug that can aid in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It also helps reduce impulsivity, and increase concentration. However, it does not affect the brain in the similar way that stimulants do. It's available by prescription only. Your doctor will decide the best dosage for you. Bupropion is available in tablets and capsules. It is crucial to follow the prescriptions. If you stop taking it abruptly you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
The typical dosage is two or three doses daily divided by 4 to 6 hours. The dose can vary from 100mg two or three times a day to 150mg three or four time daily. The drug is absorbed into the digestive tract, and then is excreted in urine, which means that it cannot be absorbed into breast milk. It can, however, get into the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion raises blood pressure. It is essential to check it regularly.
In addition to improving the symptoms of ADHD, bupropion can also reduce depression. It is also a treatment for bipolar disorder. It is a method of blocking dopamine receptors within your brain. This prevents the neurotransmitter dopamine from reaching your brain, which helps to regulate your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other drugs. Inform your doctor if taking any other medication. It's important to let your doctor know that you are suffering from any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants since they can cause side effects to become worse.
Several studies have compared bupropion to placebos in adults suffering from ADHD. These studies yielded mixed results and were poorly designed. Many of these studies excluded patients with psychiatric co-morbidity. However, the research suggests that bupropion has a modest impact on ADHD. However it is necessary to conduct more research to establish positive outcomes for patients like improvements in quality of life. Furthermore, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is needed before effective treatment can be created. This is a greater understanding of the relationship between the molecular pathways. Moreover, it's critical to know how various anti-ADHD medications work with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants may be prescribed by doctors when stimulants prescribed for children with ADHD are not effective or cause side adverse effects. These medications, such as imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor), increase the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps people to focus. These are older medications which can cause serious adverse effects, so they're usually tried only after other medications have failed.
The first choice of antidepressants for depression is usually a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine sertraline, citalopram and escitalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants, that have been in use for a long time, can be utilized in certain instances. They are effective in treating pain caused by neuropathic or other but their antidepressant action is not the identical. They increase the activity of the noradrenephrine receptor through blocking its reuptake. They also act as descending moderators for pain pathways in spinal cord.
SSRIs have less risk of toxicity, and less serious side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also safer during pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic to animals or humans. If they are abruptly stopped, they could cause severe withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor may suggest slowly decreasing the dosage over several weeks to minimize these effects.
Bupropion, a common antidepressant that is used off-label to treat ADHD but isn't FDA approved as an adhd drug. It's thought to increase the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and acetylcholine in the brain to increase concentration. It's also known to relieve anxiety and can be combined with stimulants for more rapid and lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved non-stimulant ADHD medications, but many people have found relief through herbal remedies and supplements to their diets. A diet low on sugar and fat may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Some people might also benefit by abstaining from caffeine. Discuss with your doctor any medications that you or your child take as well as herbal remedies and over-the-counter medicines. This will help prevent interactions and minimize unwanted adverse effects. ADHD medication can affect people differently. It could take a bit of trial and error before you discover the ideal dosage and drug for your child or yourself.