ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD, and appear to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals. They cannot cure the disorder and only treat symptoms if taken regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication may include changes in blood pressure and heart rate and stomach upset anxiety and tics. Some children and teenagers who take stimulant drugs notice a slight reduction in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, a central nervous stimulant is the most commonly used drug used to treat ADHD. It is available in many forms such as a liquid, chewable tablet and a long-acting disintegrating orally disintegrating tablet and an extended-release pill. The drug increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, helping to improve focus. It may also reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. When coupled with other treatments, such as behavioral therapy, methylphenidate can be an effective treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that are normally responsible for removing these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug may cause a slight increase in blood pressure and heart rate. It can also cause rapid changes in blood sugar levels, so diabetics should be aware when taking this medication. If you encounter any of these side effects, speak to your doctor. Methylphenidate is also known to cause Raynaud's phenomenon which causes numbness in the fingers and feet. This is an uncommon side effect, but it is important to notify your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
Some people are concerned that methylphenidate can slow down children's growth. However, this has not been proven. If your child is taking methylphenidate make sure you be attentive to their weight and height. If your child is taking a methylphenidate tablet, the phenylalanine in it can be dangerous for children suffering from Phenylketonuria. Consult your physician about a different methylphenidate formula if you have PKU.
Some people are unable to take stimulants which are the primary choice of medication for treating ADHD. In these cases doctors may prescribe another medication that performs in a similar way. There are also other stimulants, like dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine, in addition to the methylphenidate. These substances are more powerful than methylphenidate and may last longer. They are typically taken two to three times daily, but some people can take them more often. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD however, they are less effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known by the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that increases concentration and reduces hyperactivity as well as impulsiveness. It belongs to a category known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It works by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers which control the brain's activity. It is popular with adults and children who seek a different medication than stimulants like Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is crucial to understand that atomoxetine does not work immediately. It can take up six weeks before the effects of this medication are evident. Additionally, medication for adult add may suffer from side effects like drowsiness, decreased appetite, and upset stomach. However the benefits of atomoxetine outweigh the risks for most patients.
The efficacy of atomoxetine has been confirmed in a multisite double-blind placebo-controlled study with 297 ADHD patients between the ages of 12 and 18. 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. Both the atomoxetine group and the placebo group experienced a reduction in depression symptoms. The atomoxetine treatment group had more improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group. The improvement was sporadic.
In a separate open study, 10 patients with ADHD who were unable to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine over 8 weeks. The group receiving atomoxetine had improved ADHD symptoms compared to placebo group and scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version and Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale improving significantly. One patient withdrew due to a skin rash. Three patients also reported transient stomach symptoms, and one noticed an increase in fatigue.
Before you begin treatment with atomoxetine, talk with your physician about your medical background and any other medications or supplements that you are taking. This includes herbal remedies and over-the-counter medications. Tell your doctor when any of the following conditions exist for narrow-angle glaucoma thyroid or adrenal gland tumour or a high blood pressure heart disease or a history sudden death. Avoid the use of atomoxetine in the event that you've taken an MAO inhibitor like isocarboxazid or linezolid within the last 14 days, or rasagiline Methylene Blue Injection phenelzine, or tranylcypromine.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant medication that can help improve symptoms of ADHD. It can also reduce impulsivity and boost concentration, but it does not affect the brain in the same way as stimulants. Only prescriptions are approved. Your doctor will determine the right dosage for you. Bupropion is available as tablets and capsules. It is important to take the medication as instructed. There are withdrawal symptoms that can occur when you stop abruptly.
It's usually taken twice or three times daily with a gap of 4-6 hours between each dose. The dose can range between 100 mg two or three times daily to 150 mg three or four times a day. The drug is absorbed in the digestive tract, and then excreted into urine, meaning it can't enter breast milk. However, it could get into the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion raises blood pressure. It's important to monitor it frequently.
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 reaching your brain. This helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other drugs It's therefore important to inform your doctor of any other medications you're taking. It is important to inform your doctor know that you are suffering from any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants as they can make side effects worse.
In medication for adult add of studies the bupropion drug was compared with placebos for adults with ADHD. These studies had mixed results, and many were not conducted properly. Furthermore, many of them excluded people with psychiatric comorbidity. The research suggests that bupropion does have a modest impact on ADHD. More research is required to determine positive outcomes for patients, including an improvement in the quality of living. Additionally, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is required before effective treatment can be developed. This is a greater understanding of the connection between the different molecular pathways. It's also important to understand how anti-ADHD drugs work in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants can be prescribed by doctors when stimulants prescribed for children suffering from ADHD do not work or cause adverse side negative effects. These medications, including imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), help by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain, which aid in concentration. These are older drugs which can cause serious side effects, so they're usually only used when other medications have failed.
The first choice of depression-related antidepressants is typically an inhibitor of serotonin reuptake (SSRI) like fluoxetine, sertraline or citalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants are still being used in some cases, despite their long history. These medications are effective in treating pain caused by neuropathic or other however their antidepressant effect is not the identical. They increase the potency of noradrenephrine by reducing its reuptake. They also function as lower modulators of pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs have less risk of toxicity and have less severe side effects than the tricyclic antidepressants. They are also safer during pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic for animals or humans. But they can have significant withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. To lessen the negative side effects, your doctor may suggest reducing the dose gradually over a period of several weeks.
Bupropion, an antidepressant commonly prescribed off-label to treat ADHD but isn't FDA approved as a drug for adhd. It is believed to be effective by increasing neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain, which increases concentration. It is also known to reduce anxiety and stress. It can be paired with stimulants to produce quicker and lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved nonstimulant ADHD medication, however many people find relief from dietary supplements and herbal remedies. A diet that is low in fat and sugar may aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. In the same way, removing caffeine can also be helpful for some. Discuss with your doctor any medications that you or your child is taking such as herbal remedies and prescription drugs. This will minimize unwanted side effects and prevent interactions. ADHD medication can affect each person differently, so it's sometimes a process of trial and error to discover the appropriate dosage and medication for you or your child.