ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD and are believed to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals. However, they cannot cure the condition and can only help with symptoms as long as they are taken regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication could include a change in heart rate and blood pressure and stomach upset, anxiety and tics. Some children and teenagers who take stimulant drugs have a slight decrease in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant and the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. It comes in a variety forms including chewable tablet, a liquid and a long-acting disintegrating orally disintegrating tablet, and an extended release pill. The drug boosts the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This improves concentration. It can also help reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Methylphenidate is a proven treatment for ADHD when combined with other treatments, such as behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate works by blocking the transporters that remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The medication can cause a slight increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Patients with diabetes should be cautious when taking this medication as it could cause a rapid rise in blood sugar. Consult your physician in the event that you have any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate can also cause the condition known as Raynaud's phenomenon, which causes numbness and pain in the fingers and toes. This is a rare but serious side effect. It is crucial to inform your doctor if these symptoms are observed.
There is a concern that methylphenidate slows the growth of children, but it hasn't been proven to be the situation. If you have a child being treated with methylphenidate be sure to keep track of his or her weight and height carefully. If your child takes a methylphenidate tablet, the phenylalanine in it could be harmful for children suffering from phenylketonuria. If you suffer from PKU consult your doctor about the different forms of methylphenidate.
Certain people have issues with stimulants, which are the first option for treating ADHD. In these cases, doctors could prescribe another medication that performs in a similar manner. Apart from methylphenidate there are other stimulants like dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine. These drugs are a little more powerful than methylphenidate and may last longer. These drugs are typically taken twice or three times daily However, some people might be able to take them more often. Psychological treatments are also available to treat ADHD however they are less likely to be beneficial than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known by the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that improves concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It belongs to a class called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It works by boosting levels of norepinephrine and dopamine two chemical messengers that regulate brain's activity. It is popular among people of all ages who need an alternative to stimulants like Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is crucial to understand that atomoxetine does not work immediately. It could take up to six weeks before the effects of this medication are evident. Additionally, you could experience side-effects such as reduced appetite, drowsiness and stomach upset. However, the benefits of atomoxetine far surpass the risks for many patients.
In a double-blind, placebo controlled study conducted on 297 ADHD patients aged between 12 and 18 years old, the effectiveness of atomoxetine was confirmed. Participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine at a daily dose 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for a period of 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine as well as placebo groups, symptoms of depression were less. The atomoxetine treatment group had better improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. The improvement was modest.
In another open trial, 10 patients suffering from ADHD who were unable to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine over 8 weeks. The atomoxetine treatment group demonstrated improved ADHD symptoms in comparison to placebo, with scores on Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Rated screening version and the Clinical Global Impression Severity scales gaining significant. One patient however, experienced an allergic reaction and was removed from the study. Three patients also reported temporary stomach symptoms, and one complained of increased fatigue.
Talk to your doctor prior to you start treatment with atomoxetine. Discuss your medical history, including any supplements or medications you're taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as prescription medications. Discuss with 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 a history sudden death. You should also avoid atomoxetine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid linezolid or methylene blue injection rasagiline, phenelzine or tranylcypromine within the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a nonstimulant, can help to improve ADHD symptoms. It can also reduce impulsivity, and increase concentration. However it doesn't affect the brain in the same way that stimulants do. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate dosage for you. Bupropion is available as capsules and tablets. It is important to follow the prescriptions. If you stop taking it suddenly, you may have withdrawal symptoms.
It's typically taken two or three times per day with 4-6 hours between each dose. The dosage can range from 100 mg twice or three times daily to 150 mg three or four times daily. The drug is absorbed in the digestive tract, and then eliminated into urine, which means that it cannot be absorbed into breast milk. However, it could be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion may increase blood pressure, which is why it's important to check it often.
In addition to reducing the symptoms of ADHD, bupropion can also reduce depression. It also helps treat bipolar disorder. It is accomplished by blocking dopamine receptors within your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine, from entering your brain. This helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other drugs, so it's important to inform your doctor about any other medications you're taking. It's also important to determine whether you are allergic to. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants because they can cause side effects to become worse.
A number of studies have compared bupropion to placebos in adults suffering from ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed, and most studies were not conducted properly. Furthermore, many of them excluded participants with psychiatric comorbidity. The research suggests that bupropion has a modest impact on ADHD. However there is a need for more research to identify positive outcomes for patients like improvements in quality of life. Furthermore, a better 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. Additionally, it's important to know how various anti-ADHD agents work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants are often prescribed by doctors when stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD don't work or cause adverse side negative effects. These drugs, which include imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, website Pamelor), are effective in boosting the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain to aid in concentration. These are old drugs which can cause serious side effects, so they're usually only used when other drugs have failed.
The first choice of antidepressants for depression is typically a selective serotonin receptor inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram or escitalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants continue to be used in certain instances, despite their long history. They are also effective in treating neuropathic pain and have an additional pain-relieving effect that is separate from their antidepressant properties. They increase the activity of the noradrenephrine receptor through blocking its reuptake, and they also act as descending modulators for pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less harmful and have less adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They're also safer in pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic in humans or animals. If abruptly stopped, they could cause withdrawal symptoms that are severe. To reduce the risk of these side effects, your doctor might suggest reducing the dosage gradually over a period of time.
Bupropion, an antidepressant commonly that is used off-label to treat ADHD, is not FDA approved as a drug for adhd. It's thought to work by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine and acetylcholine within the brain, which improves concentration. It is also believed to ease anxiety and can be utilized in conjunction with stimulants for more rapid and lasting results.
While there aren't any FDA-approved nonstimulant medications for ADHD Many people get relief from the use of supplements to their diets and herbs. A diet that is low in fat and sugar may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Some people may also benefit by staying clear of caffeine. It's important to tell your doctor about all the medications your child or you takes, including over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies. This will avoid interactions and reduce the risk of unwanted adverse effects. ADHD medications can affect every person differently, and it's often a process of trial and error to find the right dosage and drug for your child or yourself.