ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD and are believed to increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. However, they cannot cure the condition and can only help with symptoms as long as they are used regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication may include a change in heart rate and blood pressure as well as upset stomach anxiety and tics. Certain teens and children who are taking stimulant medication notice a slight slowing in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous stimulant is the most well-known drug used to treat ADHD. It is available in many forms such as a liquid, chewable tablet and a long-acting disintegrating orally disintegrating tablet, and an extended-release pill. The drug increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This helps to improve concentration. It may also reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Methylphenidate is an effective treatment for ADHD when combined with other treatments, such as behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate works by blocking the transporters that normally remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug can cause a slight increase in blood pressure or heart rate. It can also cause a rapid change in blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes should be careful when taking this medication. If you encounter any of these side effects, speak to your physician. Methylphenidate is also known to cause the condition known as Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness and discomfort in the toes and fingers. It is a rare but serious side effect. It is essential to inform your doctor if these symptoms occur.
There are some who believe that methylphenidate could slow the growth of children. However this hasn't been proved. If you have a child who is being treated with methylphenidate, be sure to monitor his or her height and weight closely. If your child is taking chewable tablets of methylphenidate that contains phenylalanine which is potentially dangerous for children who have the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). If you have PKU, ask your doctor about different forms of methylphenidate.
Stimulants are the most popular treatment for ADHD However, some people have trouble with these medications. In these cases doctors may prescribe a different medication that functions similarly. In addition to methylphenidate, there are other stimulants like dexamfetamine and Lisdexamfetamine. These drugs can last longer and are stronger than methylphenidate. on front page are typically taken at least three times a day however some individuals might be able to take them more often. Psychological treatments are also available for treating ADHD, but they are less likely to be effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also known as the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that increases concentration and reduces hyperactivity as well as impulsiveness. It's part of a group of drugs known as selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitors. It increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers that regulate the brain's activity. It is a popular option for adults and children who prefer a different type of medication than stimulants, like Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is crucial to understand that atomoxetine doesn't work instantly. It may take up to 6 weeks before the effects of this medication are evident. In addition, you may suffer from side effects like reduced appetite, drowsiness and stomach upset. For the majority of patients the benefits of taking atomoxetine outweigh any risks.
The efficacy of atomoxetine has been confirmed in a multisite double-blind placebo-controlled trial with 297 ADHD patients between the ages of 12 and 18. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either atomoxetine at a daily dose 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over a period of 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine and placebo groups, symptoms of depression were less. The atomoxetine treatment group showed more improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group. The improvement was sporadic.
In a second open study that included 10 ADHD patients who were not responding to stimulants were given an atomoxetine treatment over 8 weeks. The atomoxetine group demonstrated improved ADHD symptoms when compared to the placebo group, with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version and Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale improving significantly. One patient however, experienced an rash and resigned from the study. Additionally, three patients experienced gastrointestinal issues that were transient and one patient reported fatigue that was more severe (Kratochvil et al 2005).
Talk to your doctor prior to you start treatment with atomoxetine regarding your medical history, including any supplements or medications you're taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over-the-counter medications. Tell your doctor whether any of the following conditions occur: narrow-angle glaucoma; a thyroid or adrenal gland tumour or a high blood pressure heart disease or a history sudden death. You should avoid atomoxetine as well when you've been taking an MAO-inhibitor, such isocarboxazid or linezolid within the last 14 days or rasagiline, Methylene Blue Injection, phenelzine or tranylcypromine.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug that is a non-stimulant, can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. It also helps reduce impulsivity and boost concentration, but it does not affect the brain in the same way as stimulants. Only prescriptions are approved. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate dosage for you. Bupropion comes in tablets and capsules. It is essential to take the medication exactly as directed. If you stop taking it suddenly you could experience withdrawal symptoms.
The most common dosage is two or three doses daily, separated by 4 to 6 hours. The dose can range between 100 mg two or three times per day up to 150 mg three or four times a day. The drug is absorbed into the digestive tract, and then excreted into urine, which means it can't enter breast milk. However, it can enter the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion raises blood pressure. It is important to check it frequently.
In addition to helping improve the symptoms of ADHD, bupropion can also reduce depression. It can also treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors that are located in your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter, dopamine, from entering your brain. This helps to stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other medications. Inform your doctor if you're taking any other medication. It's also important to know if you have any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants as they can make the side effects worse.
Numerous studies have compared bupropion with placebos in adults suffering from ADHD. These studies yielded mixed results, and many were not conducted properly. Furthermore, many of them did not include participants with psychiatric disorders. However, the research suggests that bupropion has a modest impact on ADHD. However, more research is needed to establish positive outcomes for patients like improvements in quality of life. Furthermore, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is required before effective treatment can be created. This includes a better knowledge of the connection between the molecular pathways. Moreover, it's critical to know how various anti-ADHD agents work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD aren't effective or cause troublesome side effects, doctors might turn to antidepressants as a treatment. These medications, including imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), help by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain, which aid in concentration. These older drugs can have severe adverse consequences. They are generally only used when other medications are not working.
The first option for depression treatment is typically an inhibitor of serotonin reuptake (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, or citalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants are still being used in certain cases, despite their long history. They are also effective in treating neuropathic pain and provide a pain-relieving effect which is distinct from their antidepressant effect. They enhance the noradrenephrine receptor through blocking its reuptake. They also act as descending moderators for pain pathways in spinal cord.
SSRIs are less toxic and have less side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. In addition, they're safer in pregnancy and do not appear to cause teratogenicity in animals or humans. If suddenly stopped, they can cause significant withdrawal symptoms. To lessen the negative adverse effects, your physician might suggest reducing the dosage gradually over several weeks.
Bupropion, a common antidepressant prescribed off-label to treat ADHD, is not FDA approved as an adhd drug. It is believed to work by increasing neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain, which enhances concentration. It's also known to relieve anxiety and can be combined with stimulants for more rapid and lasting results.
While there are no other FDA-approved nonstimulant medications for ADHD, many people do feel relief through the use of nutritional supplements and herbs. A diet that is low in fat and sugar can help reduce ADHD symptoms. on front page may also benefit from staying clear of caffeine. It is important to inform your doctor about all the medications that you or your child uses, including prescription drugs and herbal remedies. This will help prevent interactions and reduce unwanted side effects. ADHD medications can affect every person differently, which is why it's often an exercise of trial and error to find the appropriate dosage and medication for your child or yourself.