ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD are believed to regulate brain chemicals and boost their levels. However, they don't cure the condition and can only help with symptoms as long as they're taken regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication can include an increase in heart rate and blood pressure and stomach upset anxiety and tics. Children and teens who are taking stimulant drugs notice a slight reduction in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, a central nervous stimulant, is the most common medication used to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms, including a chewable tablet, a liquid 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, which helps to enhance focus. It may also reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. When combined with other treatments such as behavioral therapy, methylphenidate could be a very effective treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that are normally responsible for removing these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug may cause a slight increase in heart rate and blood pressure. It can also cause an abrupt change in blood sugar levels, and those with diabetes must be careful when taking this medication. If you encounter any of these side effects, speak to your doctor. Methylphenidate can also trigger Raynaud's phenomenon, which causes numbness of the fingers and feet. It is a rare but serious side result. It is crucial to notify your doctor if these symptoms are observed.
There are some who believe that methylphenidate could slow the growth of children. However, this has not been proved. If you have a child who is being treated with methylphenidate be sure to monitor the weight and height closely. If your child is taking chewable tablets of methylphenidate, it contains phenylalanine, which is a risk for children with the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). If you have PKU, consult your doctor about the different formulations of methylphenidate.
Some people have difficulty with stimulants, which are the first treatment for ADHD. In these cases doctors may prescribe another medication that works similarly. There are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine, in addition to methylphenidate. These are stronger than methylphenidate and can last longer. They are typically taken twice to three times a day however some people may take them more frequently. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD, but these are not as effective as stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known under the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that improves concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It belongs to a class known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It works by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine two chemical messengers that control the brain's activity. It is a preferred choice for both adults and children who prefer a different kind of medication than stimulants such as Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is important to know that atomoxetine does not work immediately. It can take up six weeks before the effects of this medication become apparent. Additionally, you may be afflicted by side effects such as reduced appetite, drowsiness and stomach upset. However, the benefits of atomoxetine outweigh the risks for a majority of patients.
In a double-blind placebo controlled study conducted on 297 ADHD patients between the ages of 12 and 18 years old, the effectiveness of atomoxetine was confirmed. Participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine at a daily dose 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over a period of 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine and the placebo group experienced reduction in symptoms of depression. The atomoxetine group experienced more improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. The improvement was sporadic.
In a follow-up open trial, 10 ADHD patients who were not responding to stimulants were treated with the treatment of atomoxetine for eight weeks. The group treated with atomoxetine showed improvement in ADHD symptoms when compared to the placebo group and scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version and Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale increasing significantly. One patient withdrew due to an eruption. Three patients also reported temporary digestive symptoms, and one patient complained of increased fatigue.
Talk to your doctor prior to you start treatment with atomoxetine about your health history, including any supplements or medications you take. This includes herbal remedies and over-the-counter medications. Tell your doctor if any of the following conditions are present such as narrow-angle glaucoma, click here a thyroid or adrenal gland tumor and high blood pressure heart disease or a history sudden death. Avoid atomoxetine as well when you've been taking an MAO-inhibitor, such isocarboxazid or linezolid in the past 14 days or rasagiline, Methylene Blue Injection, phenelzine or tranylcypromine.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a nonstimulant, can help to improve ADHD symptoms. It also helps reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve focus. However, it does not affect the brain the similar way that stimulants do. It's only available with a prescription. Your doctor will decide on the best dosage for you. Bupropion is available in tablets and extended-release capsules. It is important to follow the directions. You might experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop suddenly.
The usual dosage is two or three doses daily divided by four to six hours. The dosage can vary from 100 mg two or three times daily up to 150 mg daily, three or four times. The drug is absorbed by the digestive system and excreted into urine. It cannot enter breast milk. However, it could enter the bloodstream and cause harm to other organs. Bupropion raises blood pressure. It is essential to check it regularly.
In addition to reducing the symptoms of ADHD In addition, bupropion may reduce depression. It also helps treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors within your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine, from reaching your brain. This helps to stabilize your mood.
Bupropion can interact with other medications, so it's important to tell your doctor about any other medications you're taking. It's also important to know whether you suffer from any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants because they can cause side effects to become worse.
A number of studies have examined the effects of bupropion versus placebos in adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and most studies were not conducted properly. Furthermore, many of them excluded participants with psychiatric comorbidity. The research suggests 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 life. Additionally, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is essential before a successful treatment can be developed. This is a greater understanding of the connection between the different molecular pathways. It is also crucial to know how anti-ADHD drugs function in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed for children suffering from ADHD do not work or cause undesirable side effects, doctors might look to antidepressants for treatment. These medications, including imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), work by increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which aid in concentration. These older drugs may cause serious side consequences. They are usually only employed when other drugs fail.
The first option for depression-related antidepressants is typically a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like sertraline, fluoxetine or citalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants continue to be used in certain cases despite their long history. They also work in reducing neuropathic pain. They also have an additional pain-relieving effect which is distinct from their antidepressant effect. They enhance noradrenephrine through inhibiting its reuptake. They also function as lower modulators of pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less toxic and have less side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. In addition, they're safer during pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic in animals or humans. However, they may cause severe withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped. Your doctor may suggest slowly decreasing the dosage over several weeks to minimize these effects.
Bupropion, a common antidepressant that is prescribed off-label for treating ADHD, is not FDA approved as a drug for adhd. It is believed to increase the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and acetylcholine that are found in the brain to improve concentration. It is also known to alleviate anxiety and stress. It can be combined with stimulants to produce more rapid and lasting results.
While there aren't any FDA-approved medications that are nonstimulant for ADHD, many people do feel relief through the use of nutritional supplements and herbs. A diet low on sugar and fat may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Certain people can also benefit from staying clear of caffeine. It is essential to inform your doctor about all the medications you or your child uses, including prescription drugs and herbal remedies. This will minimize unwanted side effects and help prevent interactions. ADHD medication can affect people differently. It could take a bit of trial and error to discover the ideal dosage and dose for your child or yourself.