ADHD Medications - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD are prescribed medication for the condition. It can help improve symptoms, but it could cause adverse negative side effects. If you experience side effects, talk to your GP about them.
The most frequently prescribed medication prescribed by healthcare providers for ADHD is stimulants. These drugs increase the amount of brain chemicals, also known as neurotransmitters that regulate the attention span and behavior.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant that is the first choice for treating ADHD in children and adults is the most frequently prescribed medication. It increases activity in certain parts of the brain that assist control attention and behaviour. medication for adhd adults is also sometimes used to treat other conditions like the disorder known as narcolepsy. It can aid people suffering from the condition to stay alert and improve their ability to focus and pay attention.
This medication has a high abuse potential and is classified as a Schedule II drug in the US Drug Enforcement Agency. It is recommended to take this medication exactly as prescribed to lower the chance of abuse and side effects. Methylphenidate can trigger psychotic symptoms in some people. It can also exacerbate behavioral problems and tics in certain people suffering from Tourette's syndrome or bipolar disorder. Patients with these conditions should consult their doctor prior to starting this medication.
It's important to tell your doctor if you have any other health problems or are allergic to any foods or dyes (such as tartrazine, a yellow dye present in processed foods and some medications; if you're taking Adhansia XR). Methylphenidate can interact with certain drugs such as opioids, antidepressants and monoamine oxide inhibitors. This includes isocarboxazid linezolid, methylene blue, rasagiline, Emsam, Zelapar, or tranylcypromine.
Avoid drinking alcohol and other stimulants while taking methylphenidate. These medications can have a negative impact on your heart rate or blood pressure. The methylphenidate tablets that are immediate-release (Ritalin) and the long-acting chewable tablet and the long-acting oral disintegrating capsule (Quillichew ER and Cotempla XR-ODT) contain phenylalanine. It can be dangerous if you suffer from a genetic disorder known as phenylketonuria (PKU).
Bupropion
Bupropion, an antidepressant medication, works in the brain and improves mood. It also reduces symptoms of ADHD. It is also used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) which is a form of depression that is common in autumn-winter. It can also aid smokers in quitting by decreasing nicotine cravings and withdrawal effects.
Bupropion has been shown to reduce ADHD symptoms in adults in numerous studies. The fixed-effect RR pooled for improvement in week 6 (using a clinically significant change of 30% or more on the CGI scale) is 1.14 (95 percent of the interval 0.95 to 1.37) and, for overall response, the corresponding percentage of improved subjects was 52 percent in the bupropion group, compared to 37% in the placebo group.
Bupropion may cause serious and sometimes life-threatening interactions with various medications, including sedatives antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs. It can also increase the risk of seizures in those who have an history of seizures or high blood pressure. It is also contraindicated for use by people with certain medical conditions. It is not recommended for women who are breastfeeding or pregnant. Bupropion is available under the brand-name medication Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Zyban, Budeprion SR, Aplenzin, and Forfivo XL. It is also available in generic form.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants (abbreviated TCAs) are a group of medications that affect brain chemicals. They were among the first antidepressants to be developed. Although they aren't considered a first-line treatment for depression anymore but they can be effective for some individuals. They block the reuptake of dopamine and serotonin, which increases their availability within neurons. They are also useful in easing a variety of other disorders, including pain syndromes and enuresis, like fibromyalgia or Phantom limb syndrome.
TCAs are effective in treating ADHD symptoms, regardless of whether they are prescribed alone or with stimulants. They can help improve the core ADHD symptoms and reduce anxiety, depression and the tendency to be impulsive. They can also assist in managing the tics. They are uncontrollable, repetitive actions or sounds like blinking or clearing the throat.
TCAs can cause adverse effects, like dry mouth, sedation and constipation. They also increase the risk of cardiovascular issues. They can interact with other medications, like anticholinergics, and should be avoided by pregnant women. These medications are also known to cause teratogenic effects in animals and can cross the placenta. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned. There are newer antidepressants that have a lower risk of side negative effects.
Selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs are antidepressants that block serotonin reuptake in neurons and increase the amount of serotonin for signaling. They also reduce anxiety and lower impulsive behavior. They are used as adhd medications because they reduce symptoms in some people and can be helpful in conjunction with other medications. SSRIs include fluoxetine, sertraline-paroxetine and citalopram. They exhibit linear pharmacokinetics and have a low clearance from the human body. However, they are extensively processed by CYP450 enzymes within the liver. This leads to varying blood concentrations.
These medications can also be prescribed to treat other disorders, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as generalized anxiety disorder and the bulimia-nervosa. The SSRIs fluoxetine, escitalopram and sertraline are able to reduce PTSD core symptoms. They aren't effective in treating other PTSD symptoms.
The SSRIs can trigger an uncommon side effect that can cause sexual dysfunction. It is crucial to discuss this with your physician if you are thinking about taking one of these medicines. It is common for people to have to test several different kinds of ADHD medications before they discover the one that is most effective for them. There are always new medications being developed and studied. It is also important to disclose all the medications you take to your physician.
Selective norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
If stimulant drugs don't work for adults with ADHD doctors prescribe a selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). These drugs increase levels of norepinephrine, and serotonin, two brain chemical substances. They also improve mood and reduce depression and anxiety.
SNRIs can cause similar side effects to TCAs however they are less harmful. They are prescribed for a variety of conditions including anxiety disorders, chronic pain like fibromyalgia, and nerve pain. Sometimes, they are used to treat depression in addition. SNRIs are duloxetine, (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine (Effexor).
These drugs block the reabsorption process of norepinephrine within the brain which is a normal procedure following neurotransmission. This causes a greater than normal release of norepinephrine in a phasic manner. The increased levels of norepinephrine can improve attention and mood.
Although SNRIs aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD However, some doctors are using them as an alternative to stimulants. They are most often taken orally as pills, but they can be taken as patches or liquids. In April 2021 the FDA approved an oral SNRI known as viloxazine (Qelbree) to treat ADHD in children and adolescents. It is not a controlled medication since it doesn't have the potential to be abused.
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
SNRIs are antidepressants that alter the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. They are used to treat anxiety and depression disorders, but they can also aid in controlling symptoms of ADHD. SNRI medications such as duloxetine and venlafaxine have been demonstrated in several studies to significantly reduce scores on a variety of ADHD tests. However, SNRIs can increase a person's blood pressure and could interact with certain medications. It is important to consult with a doctor prior to taking these medications. In addition, improperly disposed medication can harm both people and animals. It is therefore important to follow the proper disposal guidelines.
SSRIs and SNRIs are not approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but doctors can prescribe them off-label. They are safe and effective, as well as having fewer adverse effects than stimulants. Consult your doctor and discuss the symptoms of your child.
SNRIs aren't appropriate for everyone. For instance pregnant women or breastfeeding should not take SNRIs as they could pass into breast milk. Patients who suffer from high blood pressure or liver issues should not take these drugs, either, because they could increase the risk of developing cardiovascular problems.
Selective dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (DARPIs).
Many people suffering from ADHD discover that medication can help them increase their concentration and focus. Some individuals may also notice a decrease in their impulsive behavior. The medication is usually used with behavioral therapy and training to help people understand how to manage their symptoms. Finding the right medication for each person takes time. In this process, doctors monitor physical reactions to determine the right balance of benefits and side effects.
Stimulant medications, like methylphenidate boost the activity of a specific brain chemicals that regulate memory and concentration. They are generally safe and effective for most people, but they can have serious side effects, such as a decrease in appetite and trouble sleeping. These side effects usually go away within some weeks as your body adjusts to the medication.
Non-stimulant medications are also available for children as well as adults. They may take longer to effect their effects however they can help improve impulse control and concentration. These include alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists (atomoxetine and viloxazine), as well as Guanfacine.
Antidepressants can also help treat ADHD. They can boost the neurotransmitter neopinephrine levels in the brain, and aid in depression and impulsive behavior. Bupropion is a prime example of an antidepressant that has been used to treat ADHD. It was originally prescribed "off-label" for ADHD but the drug companies eventually came up with extended-release versions, and the FDA approved it as a treatment for this condition.