ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD, appear to regulate brain chemicals and boost their levels. However, they do not solve the problem and will only aid in managing symptoms so long as they are used regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medication could include changes in blood pressure and heart rate and stomach upset, anxiety and tics. Certain teenagers and children who are taking stimulant drugs notice a slight reduction in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant for the central nervous system and is the most widely prescribed drug to treat ADHD. It is available in various forms, including a liquid chewable tablet and an oral disintegrating tablet that performs long, and a pill with extended release. The drug boosts the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This can help improve concentration. It can also lessen the symptoms of depression and anxiety. When coupled with other treatments, like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate can be a very effective treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate works by blocking the transporters that are normally responsible for removing these neurotransmitters from the brain. medication for adhd adults can cause a slight increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Patients with diabetes should be cautious when taking this medication as it could cause a rapid rise in blood sugar. If you encounter any of these side effects, talk to your doctor. Methylphenidate can also trigger Raynaud's phenomenon which causes numbness in the feet and fingers. This is an uncommon side effect, but it is important to notify your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
Some people are concerned that methylphenidate can slow down children's growth. However this hasn't been proven. If your child is taking methylphenidate make sure you be aware of their weight and height. If your child is on chewable tablets containing methylphenidate, it contains phenylalanine, which is potentially dangerous for children with the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). If you suffer from PKU, ask your doctor about different formulations of methylphenidate.
Stimulants are often considered to be the first choice medication for treating ADHD however, some individuals have issues with them. In these cases, doctors may prescribe other medications that work similarly. In addition to methylphenidate, there are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine and the lisdexamfetamine. These substances are more potent than methylphenidate, and they can last longer. They are usually taken two to three times per day however some people may take them more frequently. Psychological treatments are also available for treating ADHD however, they are less likely to prove effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known by the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that boosts concentration and reduces hyperactivity as well as impulsiveness. It's part of a class 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 among people of all ages who need a different medication than stimulants like Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is important to realize that atomoxetine doesn't work instantly. It could take up to 6 weeks before the effects of this medication begin to show. There are also negative side effects, such as nausea and drowsiness. However, the benefits of atomoxetine far outweigh the risks for most patients.
The efficacy of atomoxetine was verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled study with 297 ADHD patients ages 12 to 18. The participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine at a daily dose of 0.6 mg per kilogram or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine and placebo groups depression symptoms were reduced. The atomoxetine treatment group had greater improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However, the improvement was modest (Michelson and co. 2001).
In a second open study, 10 ADHD patients who were not responding to stimulants received an atomoxetine treatment over 8 weeks. The group treated with atomoxetine showed improved ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo with scores on Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Version of the screening and the Clinical Global Impression Severity scales gaining significant. However, one patient experienced a rash and withdrew from the study. Three patients also reported temporary gastrointestinal symptoms, and one patient reported increased fatigue.
Consult your physician before you start treatment with atomoxetine. Discuss your medical history, which includes any supplements or medications you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over-the-counter medications. Discuss with your doctor if any of the following conditions occur: narrow-angle glaucoma; a thyroid or adrenal gland tumor and high blood pressure heart disease or a history sudden death. You should also avoid atomoxetine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid linezolid, methylene blue injection rasagiline, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine, in the past 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a nonstimulant that can help improve symptoms of ADHD. It can also reduce impulsivity, and increase concentration. However, it does not affect the brain in the similar way that stimulants do. Only prescriptions are approved. Your doctor will determine the most effective dosage for you. Bupropion is available as capsules and tablets. It is important to follow the directions. You may experience withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop abruptly.
The typical dosage is two or three doses daily separated by four to six hours. The dosage can range from 100 mg twice or three times per day to 150 mg three or four times daily. The drug is taken up by the digestive system and excreted in urine. It isn't able to penetrate breast milk. However, it can be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion can increase your blood pressure, making it important to check it often.
Bupropion can, in addition to helping to reduce ADHD symptoms, can also reduce depression. It is also used to treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors within your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter, dopamine, from reaching your brain. This helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other medications It's therefore important to inform your doctor about any other medications you're taking. It's also important to find out if you have any allergies. Also, avoid caffeine and other stimulants that could make the adverse effects more severe.
In a variety of studies in a variety of studies, bupropion was compared with placebos for adults suffering from ADHD. These studies had mixed results, and many were not conducted properly. Many of these studies did not include patients with psychiatric co-morbidity. However, the research suggests that bupropion can have a slight effect on ADHD. However, more research is needed to determine positive patient-centered outcomes like improvements in quality of life. Before effective treatments can be developed, it is necessary to understand the underlying causes of the molecular forms of ADHD. This includes a better understanding of the connection between different molecular pathways. Additionally, it's important to understand how different anti-ADHD medications work with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD do not work or cause undesirable side effects, doctors might consider antidepressants as a treatment. These drugs, like imipramine and Nortriptyline, (Aventyl and Pamelor) boost the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps people to focus. These are older medications that can have challenging adverse effects, so they're usually only used when other drugs have failed.
The first choice of antidepressant for depression is typically a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram or escitalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants which have been around for a long time, can be utilized in certain instances. These drugs are effective in treating pain caused by neuropathic or other however their antidepressant effect is not the same. They enhance noradrenephrine through inhibiting its reuptake and also act as lower modulators of pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less harmful and have fewer side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They're also safer during pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic in animals or humans. However, they can cause significant withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped. Your doctor may recommend slowly reducing the dose over a few weeks to lessen the negative effects.
Although it isn't officially recognized by the FDA as a medication for adhd, bupropion is a commonly prescribed antidepressant off-label for ADHD. It's thought to be effective by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine and acetylcholine within the brain to improve concentration. It also helps reduce anxiety and stress. It can be used in conjunction with stimulants to produce more rapid and lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved nonstimulant ADHD medications, however many people have found relief through herbal remedies and dietary supplements. A diet that is low in fat and sugar can help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Some people may benefit by staying clear of caffeine. Inform your doctor about all medications you or your child are taking as well as herbal remedies and prescription medications. This will help prevent interactions and reduce the risk of unwanted adverse effects. ADHD medications can affect everyone differently, which is why it's often a process of trial and error to find the right drug and dosage for your child or you.