ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, which are the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD seem to balance brain chemicals and increase their levels. However, they don't cure the condition and will only aid in managing symptoms so long as they are used regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medication may include an increase in blood pressure and heart rate and stomach upset, anxiety and tics. Some children and teenagers who are taking stimulant drugs experience a minor reduction in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant and is the most widely prescribed medication for 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 the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, helping to enhance concentration. It may also reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. When used in conjunction with other treatments such as behavioral therapy, methylphenidate could be a very effective treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that remove these neurotransmitters normally from the brain. The drug can cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure. It can also cause an abrupt change in blood sugar levels, which is why diabetics should be careful when taking this medication. Talk to your doctor in the event that you have any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate may also trigger a condition called Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness as well as discomfort in the toes and fingers. This is a rare, but serious side effect. It is essential to inform your doctor in the event that these symptoms are observed.
Some people are concerned that methylphenidate can slow down children's growth. However it hasn't been proved. If you have a child who is being treated with methylphenidate be sure to keep track of his or her height and weight closely. If your child is on chewable tablets containing methylphenidate that contains phenylalanine which is a risk for children with the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). If you suffer from PKU, consult your doctor about the different methylphenidate formulations.
Stimulants are considered the first-choice treatment for ADHD however, some individuals have issues with these medications. In these instances, doctors may prescribe other drugs that function similarly. There are also other stimulants like dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine in addition to the methylphenidate. 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 take them more frequently. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD however, they are not as effective as stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also called Strattera and is a nonstimulant ADHD drug that increases concentration while decreasing the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It belongs to a category known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It works by boosting levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers which control the brain activity. It is a popular option for adults and children who prefer a different type of medication from stimulants such as Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is important to remember that atomoxetine doesn't work instantly, and it can take up to six weeks for the effects of the medication to be evident. Additionally, you could be afflicted by side effects such as drowsiness, decreased appetite, and upset stomach. However, the benefits of atomoxetine far outweigh the risks for a majority of patients.
In a double-blind, placebo controlled study of 297 ADHD patients aged between 12 and 18, the effectiveness of atomoxetine has been confirmed. Participants were randomly assigned to receive the daily dose of atomoxetine 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over a period of 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine as well as placebo groups depression symptoms were less. The treatment group with atomoxetine showed better improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. The improvement was modest.
In a second open trial, 10 ADHD patients who did not respond to stimulants received atomoxetine treatment for 8 weeks. The atomoxetine treatment group showed improvements in ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo, with scores on Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Version of the screening and the Clinical Global Impression of Severity scales increasing significantly. One patient however, experienced a rash and withdrew from the study. Three patients also reported temporary gastrointestinal symptoms, and one patient noticed an increase in fatigue.
Talk to your doctor prior to you begin treatment with atomoxetine regarding your medical history, which includes any medications or supplements you take. This includes herbal remedies as well as over-the-counter medications. It is crucial to tell your doctor if you have narrow-angle glaucoma or a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor and high blood pressure heart disease, or an unusually sudden death. Avoid the use of atomoxetine when you've been taking an MAO-inhibitor like isocarboxazid or linezolid in the past 14 days or rasagiline Methylene Blue Injection phenelzine or tranylcypromine.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant can help improve ADHD symptoms. It can also reduce the impulsivity of website children and improve focus. However, it does not affect the brain in the same way that stimulants do. Only prescriptions are approved. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate dosage for you. Bupropion is available as tablets and capsules. It is essential to take the medication exactly as prescribed. If you stop taking it suddenly you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
The most common dosage is two or three doses per day separated by 4 to 6 hours. The dosage can range from 100mg twice or three times per day up to 150mg four or three times daily. The drug is in the digestive system and excreted into urine. It isn't able to penetrate breast milk. However, it can enter the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion increases blood pressure. It's important to check it frequently.
Bupropion can, in addition to helping to reduce ADHD symptoms it can also help reduce depression. It is also used to treat bipolar disorder. It is a method of blocking dopamine receptors inside your brain. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, is blocked from reaching your brain, which can help to regulate your mood.
Bupropion can interact with other drugs. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications. It's essential to let your doctor know if suffer from any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants because they can make side effects worse.
In a variety of studies the bupropion drug was compared with placebos for adults suffering from ADHD. These studies produced mixed results, and many were not conducted properly. Furthermore, many of them excluded participants with psychiatric comorbidity. The results suggest that bupropion has a modest impact on ADHD. More research is required to determine the positive effects for patients, such as the improvement in their quality of life. Before effective treatments can be created it is essential to understand the underlying causes of the molecular forms of ADHD. This is a greater understanding of the connection between the molecular pathways. It is also crucial to know how anti-ADHD drugs work in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
If the stimulants prescribed to children suffering from ADHD do not work or cause adverse side effects, the doctor may look to antidepressants for treatment. These medications, such as imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), help by increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which aid in concentration. These older drugs can have severe negative side consequences. They are usually only employed when other drugs are not working.
The first choice of antidepressant for depression is usually a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram, or escitalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants are still being used in some cases despite their long-standing history. These medications are effective in treating neuropathic and other pains, but their antidepressant effect is not the identical. They enhance the noradrenephrine receptor, by preventing its reuptake, and they also act as descending modulators for pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs have lower risks of toxicity and less serious adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. Additionally, they're safe during pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic in animals or humans. However, they can cause significant withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. To lessen the negative side effects, your doctor may suggest reducing your dose gradually over a period of several weeks.
Although it isn't officially recognized by the FDA as an adhd medication Bupropion is a widely prescribed antidepressant off-label to treat ADHD. It is believed to be effective by increasing neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain, which enhances concentration. It is also known to alleviate anxiety and stress. It can be combined with stimulants to produce more rapid and lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved non-stimulant ADHD medications, but many people experience relief from herbal remedies and dietary supplements. A diet low in sugar and fat can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Similarly, eliminating caffeine may be beneficial to some people. Inform your doctor about all medications you or your child take as well as herbal remedies and prescription medications. This will avoid interactions and minimize unwanted adverse effects. ADHD medication can affect each person differently, and it's often an exercise of trial and error to discover the right drug and dosage for you or your child.