ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD, and appear to increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. They do not solve the problem and can only treat symptoms if they are taken regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medications may include changes in blood pressure as well as heart rate, anxiety and tics. Some teens and children who take stimulant medications 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 a variety of forms, such as chewable tablets with liquid and an oral disintegrating tablet, which acts long and has an extended release. The drug increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This helps to improve concentration. It can also help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Methylphenidate is a proven treatment for ADHD in combination with other treatments, such as behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters which remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug can cause a small increase in heart rate and blood pressure. It can also cause a rapid change in blood sugar levels, which is why diabetics should be cautious when taking this medication. Talk to your doctor in the event that you have any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate may also cause Raynaud’s phenomenon, which causes numbness of the fingers and feet. This is a rare side effect, but it is important to tell your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
Some people are concerned that methylphenidate can slow down children's growth. However it hasn't been proved. If you have a child being treated with methylphenidate be sure to monitor the child's weight and height closely. If your child is taking a methylphenidate tablet, the phenylalanine in it could pose a risk to children with Phenylketonuria. Consult your physician about an alternative methylphenidate formulation when you suffer from PKU.
Stimulants are often considered to be the first choice treatment for ADHD However, some individuals have issues with these medications. In these cases, doctors could prescribe another medication that performs in a similar manner. Besides 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 every day, either twice or three times However, some people might be able take them more often. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD however, they are less 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 norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers that regulate the brain's activity. It is a popular choice for children and adults who prefer a different kind 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 become apparent. There is also the possibility of experiencing adverse effects like nausea and drowsiness. For most patients the advantages of taking atomoxetine far outweigh any risks.
The efficacy of atomoxetine has been verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled study with 297 ADHD patients between the ages of 12 and 18. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either atomoxetine in a daily dose of 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine group as well as the placebo group experienced reduction in depression symptoms. The atomoxetine-treated group had greater improvements in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. The improvement was not significant.
In a second open trial that included 10 ADHD patients who did not respond to stimulants were given the treatment of atomoxetine for eight weeks. The group treated with atomoxetine showed improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version as well as the Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale increasing significantly. One patient had to withdraw due to an skin rash. Three patients reported intermittent gastrointestinal problems and one experienced increased fatigue (Kratochvil and co., 2005).
Consult your physician before you begin treatment with atomoxetine. Discuss your medical history, including any supplements or medications you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over the counter medications. It is particularly important to inform your doctor if you suffer from narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor and high blood pressure heart disease, or an unusually sudden death. Avoid atomoxetine as well when you've been taking 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 drug can help improve ADHD symptoms. It can also reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. However it doesn't affect the brain the same way that stimulants do. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will determine the best dosage for you. Bupropion comes in capsules and tablets. It is essential to follow the prescriptions. You may experience withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop abruptly.
It's usually taken twice or three times daily with a 4-6 hour interval between each dose. The dosage can range between 100 mg two or three times a day to 150 mg three or four times a day. The drug is in the digestive system and excreted in urine. It is not able to enter breast milk. However, it can get into the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion increases blood pressure. It's important to keep it in check regularly.
Bupropion, in addition to improving ADHD symptoms, can also reduce depression. It also helps treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking the dopamine receptors in your brain. This prevents the neurotransmitter dopamine from reaching your brain, which can help stabilize mood.
Bupropion can interact with other medications, so it's important to tell your doctor about any other medications you're taking. It's also important to find out if you have any allergies. It is also important to avoid caffeine or other stimulants, which could make the adverse effects more severe.
In a variety of studies, bupropion was compared to placebos for adults with ADHD. The results of these check here studies were mixed and the majority of them were not conducted properly. Many of these studies did not include people with psychiatric disorders co-morbidity. The data indicate that bupropion does have a modest impact on ADHD. However it is necessary to conduct more research to establish positive outcomes for patients such as improvements in quality of life. Before effective treatments can be developed, it is necessary to have a better understanding of the molecular causes of ADHD. This is a greater understanding of the connection between the various molecular pathways. It's also important to understand the way that anti-ADHD medications work in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants are often prescribed by doctors if stimulants prescribed for children suffering from ADHD do not work or cause side adverse effects. These drugs, like imipramine and Nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor), increase the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps people to focus. These are old drugs that can have challenging adverse effects, so they're usually only used when other medications have failed.
The first option for antidepressants in depression is usually a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine, sertraline or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants, that have been in use for a long time, can be utilized in certain instances. These medications are also effective in treating neuropathic pain and have a second pain-relieving action that is separate from their antidepressant effect. They increase the potency of noradrenephrine by reducing its reuptake. They also function as lower modulators of pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less harmful and have less side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. In addition, they're safer in the womb and aren't teratogenic in humans or animals. If abruptly stopped, they can cause significant withdrawal symptoms. To minimize these side effects, your doctor may suggest reducing the dose gradually over a period of time.
While not officially approved by the FDA as an adhd medication bupropion is commonly prescribed antidepressant off-label for ADHD. It is believed to be effective by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine and acetylcholine in the brain, which improves concentration. It also helps alleviate anxiety and stress. It can be paired with stimulants to achieve quicker and lasting results.
While there are no other FDA-approved nonstimulant drugs for ADHD Many people feel relief through the use of nutritional supplements and herbs. A diet that is low in sugar and fat may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Some people might benefit by avoiding caffeine. Discuss with your doctor any medications you or your child is taking such as herbal remedies and prescription medications. This will help prevent interactions and reduce unwanted side effects. ADHD medication can affect each person differently, which is why it's often a trial and error to find the right dosage and drug for you or your child.