ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD and can increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. However, they do not cure the condition and will only aid in managing symptoms so long as they are used regularly.
Side effects of ADHD medications may include changes in blood pressure and heart rate, anxiety, and tics. Children and teens who take stimulant medications experience a minor reduction in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant and the most commonly used drug for treating ADHD. It is available in various forms, including chewable tablets with liquid, an orally disintegrating tablet that performs long and has an extended release. The drug works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, helping to enhance focus. It may also reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Methylphenidate is a proven treatment for ADHD in conjunction with other treatments, like behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate works by blocking the transporters that normally remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug can cause a small increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Patients with diabetes should be aware of this medication as it could cause a rapid rise in blood sugar. If you have any of these side effects, speak to your physician. Methylphenidate may also trigger a condition called Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness as well as discomfort in the fingers and toes. This is a rare but serious side result. It is essential to inform your doctor if any of these symptoms develop.
There is some concerns that methylphenidate can slow the growth of children, but this has not been proven to be the situation. If you have a child who is being treated with methylphenidate, be sure to monitor the weight and height carefully. If your child is taking a methylphenidate chewable tablet that contains phenylalanine which is potentially dangerous for children suffering from the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). If you have PKU, consult your doctor about the different formulations of methylphenidate.
Certain people have issues with stimulants which are the most popular choice of medication for treating ADHD. In these instances doctors might prescribe other drugs that function in a similar way. Besides methylphenidate, there are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine and the lisdexamfetamine. These substances are more potent than methylphenidate, and they can last longer. These drugs are typically taken at least three times a day however some individuals might be able to take them more frequently. Psychological treatments are also available for treating ADHD however, they are less likely to be beneficial than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also called Strattera and is a non-stimulant ADHD drug that boosts concentration while reducing the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It's part of a group of medications called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and works by boosting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. two chemical messengers that regulate the brain's activity. It is popular among children and adults who want an alternative to stimulants such as Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is crucial to keep in mind that atomoxetine doesn't work instantly, and it can take up to six weeks for the effects of the drug to be evident. Additionally, you may suffer from side effects like reduced appetite, drowsiness and stomach upset. For the majority of patients the benefits of taking atomoxetine are greater than any risk.
In a double-blind, placebo controlled study of 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18 years old, the efficacy of atomoxetine was verified. The participants were randomized to receive atomoxetine at a daily dose of 0.6 mg per kilogram or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for 9 weeks. In both the atomoxetine and placebo groups, symptoms of depression were less. The atomoxetine treatment group showed more improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. The improvement was sporadic.
In a follow-up open trial in a second open trial, 10 ADHD patients who did not respond to stimulants were treated with the treatment of atomoxetine for eight weeks. The group treated with atomoxetine showed improved ADHD symptoms in comparison to placebo, with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Version of the screening and Clinical Global Impression of Severity scales gaining significant. One patient however, experienced an rash and resigned from the study. Three patients also reported temporary digestive symptoms, and one complained of increased fatigue.
Talk to your doctor prior to you begin treatment with atomoxetine about your health history, including any medications or supplements you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as prescription medications. Tell your doctor when any of the following conditions exist: narrow-angle glaucoma; a thyroid or adrenal gland tumor and high blood pressure heart disease or sudden death. You should also avoid atomoxetine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor like isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, rasagiline, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine within the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a nonstimulant can help improve ADHD symptoms. It can also reduce impulsivity and increase focus, though it doesn't affect the brain in the same way as stimulants. It's only available with a prescription. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate dosage for you. Bupropion comes in tablets as well as extended-release capsules. It is important to follow the prescriptions. If you stop taking it abruptly, you may have withdrawal symptoms.
The usual dosage is two or three doses per day divided by four to six hours. The dose can vary from 100mg twice or three times per day up to 150mg three or four times each day. The drug is in the digestive system, and excreted through urine. It cannot enter breast milk. However, it is able to enter the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion increases blood pressure. It's important to keep it in check regularly.
Bupropion is a great drug that, in addition to reducing ADHD symptoms and reducing depression, also helps to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. It can also treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors within your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter, dopamine, from entering your brain. This helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other drugs It's therefore important to inform your doctor about any other medications you're taking. It's important to let your doctor know if suffer from any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants as they can cause side effects to become worse.
In several studies, bupropion was compared to placebos for adults suffering from ADHD. These studies produced mixed results and were poorly designed. iampsychiatry of these studies excluded patients with psychiatric co-morbidity. The data indicate that bupropion does have a modest impact on ADHD. However, more research is needed to establish positive outcomes for patients such as improvements in quality of life. Furthermore, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is required before effective treatment can be developed. This requires a deeper understanding of the relationship between the molecular pathways. It's also important to understand how anti-ADHD drugs work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
If the stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD don't work or cause undesirable side effects, doctors may consider antidepressants as a treatment. These medications, such as imipramine and Nortriptyline, (Aventyl and Pamelor) are able to increase the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which help people to focus. These older medications can cause serious side negative effects. They are usually only used when other medications fail.
The first choice for antidepressants in depression is usually a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like sertraline, fluoxetine or citalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants are still being used in certain instances despite their long history. These medications are also effective in treating neuropathic pain and have an additional pain-relieving effect that is separate from their antidepressant properties. They potentiate noradrenephrine by inhibiting its reuptake, and also act as antagonists of pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less toxic and have fewer side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They're also safer during pregnancy and aren't teratogenic in humans or animals. If suddenly stopped, they could cause withdrawal symptoms that are severe. To minimize these side effects, your doctor might suggest reducing the dosage gradually over a period of time.
Although not officially recognized by the FDA as an adhd medication Bupropion is a widely prescribed antidepressant that is off-label for ADHD. It's thought to increase the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine and acetylcholine in the brain, which improves concentration. It is also believed to reduce anxiety and stress. It can be used in conjunction with stimulants for more rapid and lasting results.
While there aren't any FDA-approved medications that are nonstimulant for ADHD, many people do find relief with the use of dietary supplements and herbs. A diet that is low in fat and sugar may aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people might also benefit by staying clear of caffeine. Inform your doctor about all medicines you or your child take such as herbal remedies and prescription medications. This can help reduce unwanted side effects and prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect everyone differently, which is why it's often an exercise of trial and error to find the right drug and dosage for your child or yourself.