ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD and are believed to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals. They are not able to treat the disorder, but rather manage symptoms if taken regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medications can include changes in blood pressure as well as heart rate, anxiety and tics. Certain teenagers and children who take stimulant drugs notice a slight reduction in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant and is the most frequently prescribed drug to treat ADHD. It is available in a variety of forms, such as tablets that chew liquid, an orally disintegrating tablet, which acts long, and a pill with extended release. The drug increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps to increase focus. It may also reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. When combined with other treatments like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate may be a very effective treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters which remove these neurotransmitters normally from the brain. The drug could cause a slight increase in blood pressure or heart rate. It can also cause a rapid change in blood sugar levels, so diabetics should be cautious when taking this medication. If you experience any of these side effects, talk to your doctor. Methylphenidate can also trigger Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness in the fingers and feet. This is a rare side effect however, it is crucial to inform your doctor if you have these symptoms.
There are some who believe that methylphenidate could slow the growth of children. However this hasn't been proven. If you have a child being treated with methylphenidate, be sure to keep track of the weight and height closely. If your child takes a methylphenidate tablet, the phenylalanine in it could be harmful to children suffering from phenylketonuria. If you suffer from PKU consult your doctor about the different formulations of methylphenidate.
Certain people have issues with stimulants which are the most popular treatment for ADHD. In these cases doctors might prescribe other medications that work in a similar way. Besides methylphenidate, there are other stimulants such as dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine. These substances are stronger than methylphenidate and can last longer. They are usually taken every day, either twice or three times However, some people may be able to take them more frequently. Psychological treatments are also available for treating ADHD however they are less likely to prove effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera and is a nonstimulant ADHD drug that boosts concentration while reducing the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It belongs to a category known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It works by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine two chemical messengers that regulate brain's activity. It is a favorite choice for children and adults who prefer a different kind of medication from stimulants such as Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is important to remember that atomoxetine does not work instantly, and it can take up to six weeks for the effects of the medication to be evident. Additionally, you could suffer from side effects like reduced appetite, drowsiness and stomach upset. For the majority of patients, the advantages of taking atomoxetine far outweigh any risks.
The effectiveness of atomoxetine was verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled trial with 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18. 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 over 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine and placebo groups depression symptoms were reduced. The atomoxetine treatment group showed more improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However, the improvement was modest (Michelson and co. 2001).
In a follow-up open trial that included 10 ADHD patients who were not responding to stimulants received atomoxetine treatment for 8 weeks. The group receiving atomoxetine had improved ADHD symptoms when compared to the placebo group, with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version and Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale improving significantly. One patient had to withdraw due to a rash. In addition, three patients reported intermittent gastrointestinal problems and one reported increased fatigue (Kratochvil and colleagues, 2005).
Before beginning treatment with atomoxetine, talk to your doctor about your health background and any other supplements or medications that you're taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over-the-counter medications. It is especially important to inform your doctor if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor, high blood pressure, heart disease, or a history of sudden death. You should avoid the use of atomoxetine when you've been taking an MAO-inhibitor, such isocarboxazid or linezolid in the past 14 days, or rasagiline, Methylene Blue Injection, phenelzine or tranylcypromine.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a nonstimulant can help improve ADHD symptoms. It can also reduce impulsivity and improve focus, though it doesn't affect the brain in the same way as stimulants do. Only prescriptions are approved. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate dosage for you. Bupropion comes in capsules and tablets. adhd without medication to take the medication as instructed. If you stop taking it abruptly, you may have withdrawal symptoms.
The most common dosage is two or three doses per day separated by 4 to 6 hours. The dosage can range from 100mg two or three times a day to 150mg three or four time daily. The drug is absorbed by the digestive system, and excreted through urine. It cannot enter breast milk. However, it can be absorbed into the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion raises blood pressure. It is important to keep it in check regularly.
In addition to reducing the symptoms of ADHD In addition, bupropion may reduce depression. It is also a treatment for bipolar disorder. It is a method of blocking dopamine receptors in your brain. This stops the neurotransmitter, dopamine, from entering your brain. This helps to stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other medications. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications. It is important to inform your doctor know that you suffer from any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants because they can make the side effects worse.
Several studies have examined the effects of bupropion versus placebos in adults with ADHD. These studies had mixed results, and many were poorly designed. Many of these studies excluded patients with psychiatric co-morbidity. However, the research suggests that bupropion can have a slight impact on ADHD. More research is required to determine positive outcomes for patients, including the improvement in their quality of living. Additionally, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is essential before a successful treatment can be created. This is a greater understanding of the relationship between the molecular pathways. Additionally, it's important to know how various anti-ADHD medications work with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants can be prescribed by doctors when stimulants prescribed for children with ADHD do not work or cause side effects. These medications, including imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), are effective in boosting the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which aid in concentration. These older drugs can have serious adverse effects. They are generally only employed when other drugs fail.
The first option for depression-related antidepressants is typically a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as fluoxetine, sertraline, or citalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants continue to be used in some cases, despite their long history. These medications are also effective in treating neuropathic pain. They have an additional pain-relieving effect that is distinct from their antidepressant activity. They potentiate noradrenephrine by inhibiting its reuptake. They also function as descending modulators of pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs have lower risks of toxicity and have less severe adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also safer during pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic for animals or humans. If they are abruptly stopped, they may cause significant withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor may recommend slowly decreasing the dosage over several weeks to lessen the negative effects.
Bupropion, a common antidepressant prescribed off-label to treat ADHD, is not FDA approved as a drug for adhd. It's thought to increase the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine and acetylcholine in the brain, which improves concentration. It's also known to relieve anxiety and can be utilized in conjunction with stimulants for more rapid and sustained results.
There are no FDA-approved nonstimulant ADHD medications, however many people have found relief through herbal remedies and dietary supplements. A diet that is low in fat and sugar may aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Similarly, eliminating caffeine can be beneficial for some. Tell your doctor all medicines you or your child is taking, including herbal remedies and over-the-counter medicines. This will avoid interactions and reduce unwanted adverse effects. ADHD medications can affect individuals differently. It could take a bit of trial and error to find the right dosage and drug for your child or yourself.