ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD, and appear to increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. However, they don't cure the condition and will only help manage symptoms as long as they are taken regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medications can include changes in blood pressure and heart rate, anxiety, and tics. Some children and teens who take stimulant drugs notice a slight slowing in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant for the central nervous system and the most commonly prescribed drug to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety forms including liquid, chewable tablet, a long-acting orally disintegrating tablet and an extended-release pill. The drug increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This improves concentration. It may also reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. When combined with other treatments such as behavioral therapy, methylphenidate may be a successful treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters which eliminate these neurotransmitters naturally from the brain. The drug may cause a slight increase in blood pressure and heart rate. It may also trigger a rapid change in blood sugar levels, and diabetics should be careful when taking this medication. If you have any of these side effects, talk to your doctor. Methylphenidate can also trigger Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness in the feet and fingers. This is a rare side effect however, it is crucial to tell your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms.
There are some who believe that methylphenidate can slow down the growth of children. However it hasn't been proven. If you have a child who is being treated with methylphenidate be sure to monitor the weight and height closely. If your child takes a tablet containing methylphenidate that contains phenylalanine, it can be dangerous to children suffering from Phenylketonuria. Consult your physician about an alternative methylphenidate formulation if you have PKU.
Stimulants are the most popular treatment for ADHD however, certain people are not able to use these medications. In these cases, doctors could prescribe another medication that performs in a similar manner. In addition to methylphenidate, there are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine. These substances can last longer and are more potent than methylphenidate. They are usually taken twice to three times daily However, some people take them more often. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD, but these are not as effective as stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera and is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that improves concentration while reducing the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It is in a class of medications called selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitors. It works by boosting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. two chemical messengers that control the brain's activity. It is popular with children and adults who want a different medication than stimulants such as Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is crucial to keep in mind that atomoxetine doesn't work immediately, and it may take up to six weeks for the effects of the medication to become apparent. Additionally, medication for add in adults may suffer from side effects like diminished appetite, drowsiness and stomach upset. For the majority of patients the advantages of taking atomoxetine far outweigh the risks.
The efficacy of atomoxetine was verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled trial with 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18. Participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine in a daily dose of 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 reduced. The atomoxetine group saw more improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. The improvement was modest.
In a different open trial in another open trial, 10 patients with ADHD who failed to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine for 8 weeks. The group treated with atomoxetine showed improvement in ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo, with scores on Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Rated screening version and Clinical Global Impression of Severity scales increasing significantly. However, one patient developed an allergic reaction and was removed from the study. Three patients reported intermittent gastrointestinal problems and one experienced increased fatigue (Kratochvil and colleagues, 2005).
Talk to your doctor before you start treatment with atomoxetine regarding your medical history, which includes any supplements or medications you're taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as prescription medications. Inform your doctor whether any of the following conditions exist such as narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid or adrenal gland tumour or a high blood pressure heart disease or sudden death. You should avoid Atomoxetine in addition to if you've taken an MAO-inhibitor such as isocarboxazid and linezolid in the last 14 days, or rasagiline, Methylene Blue Injection, phenelzine or tranylcypromine.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant, can help to improve ADHD symptoms. It also helps reduce impulsivity and improve concentration, but it doesn't affect the brain in the same way as stimulants. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate dosage for you. Bupropion comes in tablets and extended-release capsules. It is essential to follow the prescriptions. There are withdrawal symptoms that can occur when you stop abruptly.
The typical dosage is two or three doses per day, separated by four to six hours. The dosage can vary from 100 mg two or three times daily up to 150 mg three or four times a day. The drug is absorbed into the digestive tract, and then is excreted in urine, which means it cannot be absorbed into breast milk. It can, however, be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion increases blood pressure. It is important to check it regularly.
Bupropion, in addition to improving ADHD symptoms it can also help reduce depression. It can also treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking the dopamine receptors in your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter, dopamine, from reaching your brain. This helps to stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other drugs It's therefore important to inform your doctor of any other medications you're taking. It is important to inform your doctor know if have any allergies. It is also important to avoid caffeine or 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 with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed, and the majority of studies were not conducted properly. Additionally, many excluded people with psychiatric comorbidity. The data indicate that bupropion has an impact on ADHD. More research is required to determine the positive effects for patients, such as an improvement in the quality of living. Furthermore, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is required before effective treatment can be created. This requires a deeper understanding of the relationship between the various molecular pathways. Furthermore, it's essential to understand how different anti-ADHD drugs work with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants are often prescribed by doctors if stimulants prescribed for children suffering from ADHD are not effective or cause adverse side negative effects. These drugs, like imipramine and Nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor), increase the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which helps people focus. These are older medications which can cause serious adverse reactions, and are typically only considered when other medications have failed.
The first choice for depression-related antidepressants is typically a serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like sertraline, fluoxetine or citalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants are still being used in certain cases, despite their long history. These medications are also effective in treating neuropathic pain and have a second pain-relieving action which is distinct from their antidepressant properties. They potentiate noradrenephrine by inhibiting its reuptake, and also act as descending modulators of pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs have lower risks of toxicity and have less severe side effects than the tricyclic antidepressants. They are also safer during pregnancy and do not appear to be teratogenic to humans or animals. However, they may cause severe withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. To reduce the risk of these side effects, your doctor may suggest reducing the dose gradually over several weeks.
While not officially approved by the FDA as a medication for adhd, bupropion is a commonly prescribed antidepressant off-label for ADHD. It is believed to work by increasing neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which improves concentration. It also has been proven to reduce anxiety, and it can be utilized in conjunction with stimulants to get faster and long-lasting results.
While there are no other FDA-approved nonstimulant drugs for ADHD however, many people get relief from the use of nutritional supplements and herbs. A diet that is low in sugar and fat can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people may benefit by avoiding caffeine. Discuss with your doctor any medications that you or your child are taking as well as herbal remedies and prescription medications. This will help prevent interactions and minimize unwanted adverse effects. ADHD medications can affect every person differently, so it's sometimes a process of trial and error to determine the right drug and dosage for your child or yourself.