ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD and are believed to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals. They cannot cure the disorder and only help manage symptoms if they are used regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medication may include an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, upset stomach, anxiety and tics. Some children and teenagers who take stimulant medications notice a slight reduction in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant and the most commonly prescribed drug to treat ADHD. It is available in various forms, including chewable tablets with liquid as well as an oral disintegrating tablet that acts long, and a pill with extended release. The drug increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This can help improve concentration. It may also reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Methylphenidate can be a successful treatment for ADHD when combined with other treatments, like behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate works by blocking the transporters that normally remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug could cause a slight increase in blood pressure or heart rate. It can also cause an abrupt change in blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes should be aware when taking this medication. Consult your physician when you experience any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate can also trigger Raynaud's phenomenon, which causes numbness of the fingers and feet. This is an uncommon side effect, however, it is crucial to inform your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms.
There are some who believe that methylphenidate may slow the growth of children. However this hasn't been proved. If your child is taking methylphenidate, make sure you be attentive to their weight and height. If your child is taking tablets containing methylphenidate that contains phenylalanine, it could pose a risk to children with phenylketonuria. Consult your physician about a different formulation of methylphenidate in case you suffer from PKU.
Stimulants are the most popular treatment for ADHD, but some individuals have issues with these medications. In these cases, doctors could prescribe another medication that works in a similar way. There are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine in addition to methylphenidate. These drugs can last longer and are stronger than methylphenidate. They are usually taken between two and three times a day, but some people can take them more frequently. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD, but these are less effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera and is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that improves concentration while reducing the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It belongs to a class called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It is a drug that increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine two chemical messengers that regulate brain's activity. It is a preferred option for adults and children who prefer a different type of medication from stimulants like Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is important to realize that atomoxetine isn't a drug that works instantly. It could take up to 6 weeks before the effects of this drug become apparent. In addition, you may be afflicted by side effects such as diminished appetite, drowsiness and stomach upset. For the majority of patients, the advantages of taking atomoxetine far outweigh the risks.
In a double-blind placebo controlled study that was conducted on 297 ADHD patients between the ages of 12 and 18 years old, the efficacy of atomoxetine has been confirmed. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either atomoxetine at a daily dose 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine and placebo groups, symptoms of depression were reduced. The atomoxetine group experienced greater improvements in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was not as dramatic (Michelson et al 2001).
In a second open study that included 10 ADHD patients who did not respond to stimulants received the treatment of atomoxetine for eight weeks. The group treated with atomoxetine showed improvement in ADHD symptoms in comparison to placebo, with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Screening version rated and the Clinical Global Impression of Severity scales gaining significant. However, one patient experienced a rash and withdrew from the study. Three patients experienced gastrointestinal issues that were transient and one reported increased fatigue (Kratochvil et al 2005).
Before you begin treatment with atomoxetine, talk with your physician about your medical history as well as any other supplements or medications that you're taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as prescription medications. Tell your doctor if any of the following conditions exist such as narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid or adrenal gland tumor or a high blood pressure heart disease or sudden death. It is also recommended to be wary of atomoxetine in the event that you have taken an MAO inhibitor like isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection rasagiline, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine within the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug, can help to improve ADHD symptoms. It also helps reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve focus. However, it does not affect the brain the way stimulants do. It's only available with a prescription. Your doctor will decide on the best dose for you. Bupropion is available in capsules and tablets. It's important to take the medication as instructed. If you stop taking it abruptly you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
The typical dosage is two or three doses daily separated by 4-6 hours. The dose can vary from 100mg twice or three times per day to 150mg three or four times every day. The drug is taken up by the digestive system and excreted into urine. It isn't able to penetrate breast milk. However, it is able to enter the bloodstream and impact other organs. Bupropion increases blood pressure. It is important to check it frequently.
Bupropion, in addition to improving ADHD symptoms, can also reduce depression. 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 to stabilize your mood.
Bupropion can interact with other medications. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medication. It's also important to determine if you have any allergies. It is also important to avoid caffeine or other stimulants, which could make the adverse effects worse.
In a variety of studies the bupropion drug was compared with placebos for adults suffering from ADHD. These studies yielded mixed results, and a lot were poorly designed. A majority of these studies excluded people with psychiatric disorders co-morbidity. The results suggest that bupropion does have a small effect on ADHD. More research is required to determine positive outcomes for patients, such as an improvement in the quality of life. Additionally, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is needed before effective treatment can be created. This is a greater understanding of the connection between molecular pathways. click here Moreover, it's critical to understand how different anti-ADHD agents work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed to children suffering from ADHD do not work or cause undesirable side effects, doctors may look to antidepressants for treatment. These medications, such as imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), are effective in boosting the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain, which help people concentrate. These older drugs may cause severe adverse negative effects. They are usually only used when other medications are not working.
The first choice for depression-related antidepressants is typically a serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as fluoxetine, sertraline, or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants, which have been around for a long time, can be used in certain situations. They are effective in treating neuropathic pain and other conditions however their antidepressant effect is not the identical. They increase the potency of noradrenephrine by reducing its reuptake. They also function as descending modulators of pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs have a lower risk of toxicity and less serious side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. Additionally, they're safe during pregnancy and do not appear to cause teratogenicity in animals or humans. However, they can cause significant withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped. To reduce the risk of these adverse effects, your physician might suggest reducing the dosage gradually over a period of time.
Although it isn't officially recognized by the FDA as an adhd medication, bupropion is a commonly prescribed antidepressant off-label for ADHD. It's believed to increase the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine and acetylcholine in the brain to increase concentration. It is also believed to alleviate anxiety and stress. It can be used in conjunction with stimulants to achieve quicker and lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved non-stimulant ADHD medications, but many people have found relief through dietary supplements and herbal remedies. A diet that is low in fat and sugar may aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people may also benefit from avoiding caffeine. Discuss with your doctor any medicines you or your child is taking as well as herbal remedies and prescription medications. This will prevent interactions and minimize unwanted side effects. ADHD medications can affect individuals differently. It may take some trial and error before you determine the best dosage and drug for your child or yourself.