ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD and are believed to increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. However, they don't cure the condition and can only help manage symptoms as long as they are taken regularly.
Side effects of ADHD medications can include changes in blood pressure, heart rate, anxiety and tics. Certain teenagers and children 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 is available in many forms such as a chewable tablet, a liquid as well as a long-acting oral disintegrating tablet, and an extended release pill. The drug increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This can help improve concentration. It can also help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. When combined with other treatments such as behavioral therapy, methylphenidate could be a successful treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters which remove these neurotransmitters normally from the brain. The drug can cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure. It may also trigger an abrupt change in blood sugar levels, so diabetics should be aware when taking this medication. If you experience any of these side effects, talk with your doctor. Methylphenidate can also cause a condition called Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness as well as pain in the toes and fingers. This is an uncommon side effect, but it is important to tell your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
Some people are concerned that methylphenidate can slow down the growth of children. 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 tablet containing methylphenidate, the phenylalanine in it can be dangerous for children suffering from phenylketonuria. If you suffer from PKU, consult your doctor about the different formulations of methylphenidate.
Some people are unable to take stimulants which are the primary choice of medication for treating ADHD. In these cases, doctors may prescribe other medications that work in a similar manner. Besides methylphenidate, there are other stimulants such as dexamfetamine and Lisdexamfetamine. These drugs are a little more potent than methylphenidate, and they can last longer. They are typically taken two to three times daily, but some people can take them more often. 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 medication that improves concentration, while decreasing the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It's part of a group of medications known as selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitors. It is a stimulant of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers that control the brain's activity. It is popular with adults and children who seek 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 six weeks before the effects of this drug begin to show. Additionally, you could suffer from side effects like reduced appetite, drowsiness and stomach upset. For the majority of patients the advantages of taking atomoxetine far outweigh the risks.
The efficacy of atomoxetine was verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled study involving 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18. Participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine in a daily dose of 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine as well as placebo groups, symptoms of depression were less. The atomoxetine treatment group had better improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However, the improvement was modest (Michelson and co. 2001).
In medication for add in adults , 10 ADHD patients who were not responding to stimulants were treated with an atomoxetine treatment over 8 weeks. The group receiving atomoxetine had improved ADHD symptoms when compared to the placebo group with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version as well as the Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale improving significantly. However, one patient developed an rash and resigned from the study. Three patients also reported transient gastrointestinal symptoms, and one noticed an increase in fatigue.
Before beginning treatment with atomoxetine, talk to your doctor about your health background and any other medications or supplements that you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as prescription medications. Tell your doctor when any of the following conditions exist such as narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid or adrenal gland tumor or a high blood pressure heart disease or sudden death. You should stay clear of the use of atomoxetine if you've taken an MAO-inhibitor, such isocarboxazid or linezolid within the last 14 days, or rasagiline Methylene Blue Injection phenelzine, or tranylcypromine.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a nonstimulant that can aid in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It also helps to reduce impulsivity and boost focus, though it doesn't affect the brain in the same way as stimulants do. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will decide the best dosage for you. Bupropion comes in tablets and capsules. It is crucial to follow the instructions. If you stop taking it suddenly you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
It's usually taken twice or three times a day with 4-6 hours between each dose. The dose can vary from 100mg twice or three times a day to 150mg three or four times daily. The drug is absorbed in the digestive tract and excreted into urine, which means that it cannot be absorbed into breast milk. However, it could get into the bloodstream and cause harm to other organs. Bupropion can increase blood pressure. It is essential to keep it in check frequently.
In addition to improving the symptoms of ADHD, bupropion can also reduce depression. It can also be used to treat bipolar disorder. It is a method of blocking dopamine receptors within your brain. This prevents the neurotransmitter dopamine from entering your brain, which helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other medications. Tell your doctor if you're taking any other medication. It's also important to find out whether you are allergic to. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants as they can cause side effects to become worse.
Numerous studies have compared bupropion to placebos in adults with ADHD. These studies had mixed results and were poorly designed. Furthermore, many of them did not include participants with psychiatric disorders. The results suggest that bupropion does have an impact on ADHD. However there is a need for more research to establish positive outcomes for patients like improvements in quality of life. Additionally, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is essential before a successful treatment can be created. This is a greater understanding of the connection between different molecular pathways. Furthermore, it's essential to know how various anti-ADHD medications work with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants may be prescribed by doctors when stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD don't work or cause adverse side adverse effects. These medications, like imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor), increase the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which help people to focus. These are older drugs that can have challenging side effects, so they're usually tried only after other medications have failed.
The first choice of antidepressant for depression is typically a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram and escitalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants are still used in certain cases despite their long history. They are effective in treating neuropathic pain and other conditions however their antidepressant effect is not the same. They enhance the noradrenephrine receptor by blocking its reuptake. They also act as descending moderators for pain pathways in spinal cord.
SSRIs are less toxic and have fewer side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. Additionally, they're safe in the womb and aren't teratogenic in humans or animals. If they are abruptly stopped, they could cause withdrawal symptoms that are severe. To lessen the negative side effects, your doctor may suggest reducing the dose gradually over a period of several weeks.
Although not officially recognized by the FDA as a medication for adhd bupropion is commonly prescribed antidepressant off-label to treat ADHD. It's thought to increase the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine and acetylcholine in the brain to improve concentration. It is also known to relieve stress and anxiety. It can be combined with stimulants to achieve quicker and lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved nonstimulant ADHD medications, but many people find relief from herbal remedies and supplements to their diets. A diet that is low in sugar and fat can also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Certain people can also benefit from abstaining from caffeine. It is important to inform your doctor about all medications your child or you uses, including prescription drugs and herbal remedies. This will minimize unwanted side effects and prevent interactions. 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.