ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD are believed to balance brain chemicals and boost their levels. However, they do not cure the condition and will only aid in managing symptoms so long as they are taken regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication could include changes in heart rate and blood pressure as well as upset stomach, anxiety and tics. Children and teens who take stimulant drugs have a slight decrease in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nerve stimulant is the most commonly used drug used to treat ADHD. It is available in various forms, including tablets that chew liquid, an orally disintegrating tablet that acts long, and a pill with extended release. The drug boosts the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This improves concentration. It can also lessen the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Methylphenidate is a proven treatment for ADHD in conjunction with other treatments, including behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate is a drug that blocks transporters that remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug may cause a slight increase in heart rate and blood pressure. It may also trigger rapid changes in blood sugar levels, and those with diabetes must be cautious when taking this medication. If you have any of these side effects, speak to your physician. Methylphenidate may also trigger a condition known as Raynaud's phenomena that causes numbness as well as discomfort in the fingers and toes. This is a rare, but serious side effect. It is crucial to notify your doctor if these symptoms are observed.
There is some concerns that methylphenidate may slow children's growth, but this has not been proven to be the case. If you have a child receiving treatment with methylphenidate ensure that you monitor his or her height and weight closely. If your child is taking a methylphenidate chewable tablet, it contains phenylalanine, which can be 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 considered the first-choice treatment for ADHD, but some people have trouble with them. In these cases, doctors could prescribe another medication that works similarly. In addition to methylphenidate, there are other stimulants such as dexamfetamine and the lisdexamfetamine. These substances can last longer and are more potent than methylphenidate. They are typically taken twice to three times daily however some people may take them more frequently. 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 non-stimulant ADHD medication that improves concentration, while decreasing the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It's part of a class of medications called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. add medication adults increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. two chemical messengers that control the brain's activity. It is popular among adults and children who seek a different medication than stimulants such as Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is important to remember that atomoxetine does not work instantly and it could take up to 6 weeks for the effects of the drug to be evident. In addition, you may experience side-effects such as reduced appetite, drowsiness and upset stomach. For most patients the advantages of taking atomoxetine far outweigh any risks.
The efficacy of atomoxetine was confirmed in a multisite double-blind placebo-controlled trial with 297 ADHD patients between the ages of 12 and 18. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either the daily dose of atomoxetine 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine as well as placebo groups, symptoms of depression were less. The atomoxetine treatment group showed better improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was not as dramatic (Michelson and colleagues 2001).
In a second open trial in a second open trial, 10 ADHD patients who did not respond to stimulants received an atomoxetine treatment over 8 weeks. The atomoxetine treatment group showed improved ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Rated screening version and the Clinical Global Impression Severity scales improving significantly. One patient had to withdraw due to a rash. Three patients experienced gastrointestinal issues that were transient and one patient reported fatigue that was more severe (Kratochvil et al 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 as well as over-the-counter medications. Discuss with your doctor whether any of the following conditions exist for narrow-angle glaucoma thyroid or adrenal gland tumour; high blood pressure; heart disease or sudden death. You should stay clear of the use of atomoxetine when you've been taking an MAO-inhibitor, such isocarboxazid or linezolid in the last 14 days or rasagiline, Methylene Blue Injection, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant drug that can aid in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It can also decrease the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. However it doesn't affect the brain in the way stimulants do. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will decide the best dosage for you. Bupropion is available in tablets and extended-release capsules. It is crucial to follow the prescriptions. You may experience withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop abruptly.
It's typically taken two or three times a day with a 4-6 hour interval between each dose. The dosage can range between 100 mg twice or three times a day up to 150 mg three or four times a day. The drug is absorbed into the digestive tract and is excreted in urine, meaning it cannot be absorbed into breast milk. However, it could enter the bloodstream and impact other organs. Bupropion can increase your blood pressure, which is why it's important to check it often.
Bupropion, in addition to improving ADHD symptoms it can also help 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 to regulate your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other medications. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication. It's essential to let your doctor know if you have any allergies. You should also stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants, which can make the side effects worse.
In a variety of studies, bupropion was compared to placebos for adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed, and most studies were poorly conducted. Moreover, many of them did not include participants with psychiatric disorders. The data indicate that bupropion does have a small effect on ADHD. However there is a need for more research to determine positive patient-centered outcomes like improvements in quality of life. Additionally, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is required before effective treatment can be developed. This is a greater understanding of the relation between different molecular pathways. It is also crucial to know the way that anti-ADHD medications work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants are often prescribed by doctors when stimulants prescribed for children with ADHD do not work or cause adverse side negative effects. These medications, such as imipramine and Nortriptyline, (Aventyl and Pamelor) are able to increase the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which helps people concentrate. These older drugs can have serious adverse effects. They are usually only employed when other drugs are not working.
The first option for depression treatment is typically a serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine, sertraline or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants that have been in use for decades, may still be utilized in certain instances. They are effective in treating neuropathic pain and other conditions, but their antidepressant effect is not the same. They potentiate noradrenephrine by inhibiting its reuptake. They also function as lower modulators of pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs have lower risks of toxicity and less serious adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also less harmful during pregnancy and do not appear to be teratogenic for animals or humans. If abruptly stopped, they may cause significant withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor may suggest slowly reducing the dose over a few weeks to reduce the effects.
Although it isn't officially recognized by the FDA as a medication for adhd bupropion is commonly prescribed antidepressant off-label to treat ADHD. It is believed to work by increasing neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain, which increases concentration. It's also known to relieve anxiety, and it can be used in conjunction with stimulants for more rapid and long-lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved nonstimulant ADHD medications, however many people have found relief through herbal remedies and supplements to their diets. A diet low in fat and sugar may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Certain people can also benefit by abstaining from caffeine. Inform your doctor about all medications you or your child is taking as well as herbal remedies and prescription medications. This will avoid interactions and reduce unwanted side effects. ADHD medications can affect every person differently, and it's often a process of trial and error to discover the right drug and dosage for you or your child.