ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, the most frequently prescribed treatment for ADHD seem to balance brain chemicals and boost their levels. They do not solve the problem and can only manage symptoms if taken regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication may include a change in blood pressure and heart rate, upset stomach as well as anxiety and tics. Some children and teenagers who are taking stimulant drugs notice a slight reduction in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant for the central nervous system and is the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. It is available in a variety of forms, including a liquid chewable tablet and an oral disintegrating tablet that acts long and has an extended release. The drug boosts the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This helps to improve concentration. It may also reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Methylphenidate is an effective treatment for ADHD in combination with other treatments, including behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters which remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug may cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure. People with diabetes should also be on guard when taking this medication because it can cause an abrupt rise in blood sugar. If you encounter any of these side effects, speak to your doctor. Methylphenidate can also trigger Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness in the feet and fingers. This is an uncommon side effect, however, it is crucial to tell your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
There is a concern that methylphenidate slows children's growth, however this has not been proven to be the case. If you have a child being treated with methylphenidate be sure to keep track of his or her weight and height closely. If your child is taking a tablet containing methylphenidate, the phenylalanine in it can be dangerous to children suffering from phenylketonuria. Ask your doctor about an alternative methylphenidate formulation when you suffer from PKU.
Some people are unable to take stimulants which are the primary treatment for ADHD. In these cases doctors might prescribe other drugs that function similarly. There are also other stimulants like dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine, besides methylphenidate. These substances can last longer and are more potent than methylphenidate. They are typically taken two to three times daily However, some people take them more frequently. Psychological treatments are also available for treating ADHD however, they are less likely to be effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known under the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that increases concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It's part of a group of drugs known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It works by boosting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers that regulate the brain's activity. It is a favorite choice for both adults and children who want a different type of medication from stimulants such as Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is important to know that atomoxetine isn't a drug that works instantly. It may take up to 6 weeks before the effects of this medication become apparent. There is also the possibility of experiencing negative side effects, such as drowsiness and nausea. For most patients, the benefits of taking atomoxetine are greater than any risks.
The effectiveness of atomoxetine was verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled study with 297 ADHD patients ages 12 to 18. Participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine at a daily dose 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over 9 weeks. In both the atomoxetine and placebo groups, symptoms of depression were less. The atomoxetine-treated group had more improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was not as dramatic (Michelson and co. 2001).
In a different open trial, 10 patients suffering from ADHD who failed to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine over 8 weeks. The atomoxetine treatment group showed improvement in ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo, with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Version of the screening and the Clinical Global Impression Severity scales gaining significant. One patient however, experienced a rash and withdrew from the study. Three patients also reported transient gastrointestinal symptoms, and one noticed an increase in fatigue.
Before you begin treatment with atomoxetine to your doctor about your health history and any other medications or supplements that you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over-the-counter medications. Inform your doctor when any of the following conditions occur for narrow-angle glaucoma thyroid or adrenal gland tumor; high blood pressure; heart disease or a history sudden death. You should stay clear of atomoxetine as well if you've taken an MAO-inhibitor such as isocarboxazid and linezolid in the past 14 days, or rasagiline Methylene Blue Injection phenelzine or tranylcypromine.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug, can help to improve ADHD symptoms. It can also decrease the impulsivity of children and improve concentration. However it doesn't affect the brain in the way stimulants do. It's only available on prescription. Your doctor will determine the best dosage for you. Bupropion comes in capsules and tablets. It is important to follow the instructions. If you stop taking it abruptly you could experience withdrawal symptoms.
It's usually taken twice or three times per day with a 4-6 hour interval between each dose. The dosage can range from 100mg twice or three times per day to 150mg three or four time each day. The drug is absorbed in the digestive tract and excreted into urine, meaning it cannot be absorbed into breast milk. However, it is able to be absorbed into the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion can increase blood pressure. It is essential to check it regularly.
In addition to reducing the symptoms of ADHD, bupropion can also reduce depression. It can also treat bipolar disorder. It is accomplished by blocking dopamine receptors in your brain. This prevents the neurotransmitter dopamine from entering your brain, which helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion can interact with other medications So it's crucial to inform your doctor about any other medications you're taking. It's also important to find out whether you suffer from any allergies. Also, avoid caffeine or other stimulants that can make the side effects more severe.
In several studies, bupropion was compared to placebos for adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and the majority of them were not well-designed. Additionally, many excluded participants with psychiatric comorbidity. The results suggest that bupropion has an impact on ADHD. More research is required to determine positive outcomes for patients, such as an improvement in the quality of living. Before effective treatments can be developed, it is necessary to have a better understanding of the molecular forms of ADHD. This requires a deeper understanding of the relationship between the molecular pathways. Moreover, it's critical to understand how different anti-ADHD agents work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants can be prescribed by doctors if stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD do not work or cause adverse side adverse effects. These medications, like imipramine and Nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor) boost the neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine in the brain, which helps people to focus. These are older drugs that can have challenging adverse effects, so they're usually tried only after other medications have failed.
The first choice of antidepressants for depression is typically a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine sertraline, citalopram and escitalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants continue to be used in certain instances, despite their long history. These drugs are effective in treating neuropathic pain and other conditions, but their antidepressant effect is not the same. They enhance the noradrenephrine receptor by blocking its reuptake. They also act as descending modulators for pain pathways in spinal cord.
SSRIs have lower risks of toxicity and have less severe side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They're also safer during pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic in animals or humans. If abruptly stopped, they can cause withdrawal symptoms that are severe. To reduce the risk of these side effects, your doctor may suggest reducing your dose gradually over a period of time.
Bupropion, an antidepressant commonly that is used off-label to treat ADHD, is not FDA approved as an adhd drug. It is believed to increase neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which increases concentration. It's also known to relieve anxiety and can be used in conjunction with stimulants to achieve more rapid and lasting results.
While there are no other FDA-approved nonstimulant medications for ADHD, many people do find relief website with the use of supplements to their diets and herbs. A diet low in fat and sugar can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people might benefit by avoiding caffeine. Tell your doctor all medicines you or your child are taking as well as herbal remedies and prescription drugs. This will help prevent interactions and reduce unwanted side effects. ADHD medications can affect individuals differently. It could take a bit of trial and error before you discover the ideal dosage and drug for your child or you.