ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD, appear to regulate brain chemicals and boost their levels. However, they cannot cure the condition and can only aid in managing symptoms so long as they're taken regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medication can include a change in blood pressure and heart rate and stomach upset, 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 stimulant is the most commonly used drug used to treat ADHD. It is available in various forms, such as chewable tablets with liquid as well as an oral disintegrating tablet, which acts long, and a pill with extended release. The drug increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This improves concentration. It can also help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. When combined with other treatments like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate could be a successful treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that are normally responsible for removing these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug can cause a slight increase in blood pressure or heart rate. It may also trigger a rapid change in blood sugar levels, and those with diabetes must be careful when taking this medication. If you encounter any of these side effects, talk with your doctor. Methylphenidate can also cause the condition known as Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness as well as discomfort in the fingers and toes. This is a rare but serious side effect. It is crucial to notify your doctor if any of these symptoms occur.
There are some who believe that methylphenidate can slow down the growth of children. However this hasn't been proved. If your child is taking methylphenidate be sure to be attentive to their weight and height. If your child takes a methylphenidate tablet, the phenylalanine in it could pose a risk to children suffering from phenylketonuria. Ask your doctor about an alternative methylphenidate formulation when you suffer from PKU.
Certain people have issues with stimulants, which are the first choice of medication for treating ADHD. In these cases doctors might prescribe other medications that work in a similar way. There are also other stimulants like dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine in addition to methylphenidate. These substances are more potent than methylphenidate, and they can last longer. They are usually taken at least three times a day, but some people might be able to take them more frequently. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD however they are less effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known under the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that improves concentration and reduces hyperactivity as well as impulsiveness. It is part of a class known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It works by boosting levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers which regulate brain's activity. It is a popular option for adults and children who prefer a different type of medication from stimulants such as Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is important to remember that atomoxetine doesn't work immediately, and it may take up to six weeks for the effects of the medication to be apparent. In addition, you may be afflicted by side effects such as diminished appetite, drowsiness and upset stomach. For the majority of patients, the advantages of taking atomoxetine far outweigh any risk.
In a double-blind placebo controlled study that was conducted on 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18, the effectiveness of atomoxetine is confirmed. The participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine, which is a daily dose of 0.6 mg per kilogram or 1.2 mg/kg, or a placebo for 9 weeks. In both the atomoxetine and placebo groups, symptoms of depression were reduced. The atomoxetine treatment group showed better improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. The improvement was not significant.
In a second open study, 10 ADHD patients who were not responding to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine treatment for 8 weeks. The atomoxetine treatment group showed improved ADHD symptoms in comparison to placebo, with scores on Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Version of the screening and the Clinical Global Impression Severity scales increasing significantly. However, one patient experienced an rash and resigned from the study. Three patients also reported transient gastrointestinal symptoms, and one patient noticed an increase in fatigue.
Consult your physician before you begin treatment with atomoxetine regarding your health history, including any medications or supplements you're taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over the counter medications. Tell your doctor if any of the following conditions are present: narrow-angle glaucoma; a thyroid or adrenal gland tumour; high blood pressure; heart disease or sudden death. You should stay clear of Atomoxetine in addition to when you've been taking an MAO-inhibitor such as isocarboxazid and linezolid in the past 14 days, or rasagiline, Methylene Blue Injection, phenelzine or tranylcypromine.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a nonstimulant that is a non-stimulant, can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. It can also reduce impulsivity and boost focus, although it does not affect the brain in the same way that stimulants do. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will determine the right dosage for you. Bupropion is available in tablets and extended-release capsules. It is important to take the medication as instructed. If you stop taking it abruptly you could experience withdrawal symptoms.
The most common dosage is two or three doses per day, separated by 4-6 hours. The dosage can vary from 100 mg twice or three times daily up to 150 mg daily, three or four times. The drug is absorbed in the digestive tract and is excreted in urine, which means it isn't able to enter breast milk. However, it is able to enter the bloodstream and impact other organs. Bupropion may increase blood pressure, so it's important to monitor it frequently.
In addition to improving the symptoms of ADHD Bupropion can also reduce depression. It can also be used to treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors within your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine from entering your brain, which helps stabilize mood.
Bupropion may interact with other medications It's therefore important to inform your doctor of any other medications you're taking. It's important to let your doctor know if you suffer from any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants because they can make the side effects worse.
In several studies in a variety of studies, bupropion was compared with placebos for adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and most studies were poorly conducted. Many of these studies did not include participants with psychiatric co-morbidity. However, the evidence suggests that bupropion can have a slight effect on ADHD. However there is a need for more research to determine positive patient-centered outcomes such as improvement in quality of life. Furthermore, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is essential before a successful treatment can be developed. This includes a better knowledge of the interplay between the molecular pathways. It's also important to understand the way that anti-ADHD medications work in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants may be prescribed by doctors when stimulants prescribed for children with ADHD don't work or cause side effects. These drugs, like imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor) boost the neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine in the brain, which aids in helping people concentrate. These are old drugs that may have a number of adverse effects, so they're usually only used after other medications have failed.
The first choice of antidepressants in depression is usually a serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as sertraline, fluoxetine or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants, that have been around for decades, may still be utilized in certain instances. They are also effective in treating neuropathic pain. They have a second pain-relieving action that is distinct from their antidepressant activity. 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 toxic and have less adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also safer during pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic to humans or animals. If they are more info abruptly stopped, they could cause severe withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor might suggest gradually decreasing the dosage over several weeks to minimize these effects.
While not officially approved by the FDA as an adhd medication, bupropion is a commonly prescribed antidepressant off-label for ADHD. It's believed to work by increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and acetylcholine in the brain to improve concentration. It also has been proven to reduce anxiety, and it can be combined with stimulants for more rapid and sustained results.
While there are no other FDA-approved nonstimulant drugs for ADHD, many people do 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. Certain people can also benefit from avoiding caffeine. It's important to tell your doctor about all the medications your child or you is taking, including prescription medications and herbal remedies. This will avoid interactions and reduce the risk of unwanted adverse effects. ADHD medication can affect people differently. It could take a bit of trial and error to discover the ideal dosage and drug for your child or yourself.