ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, the most frequently prescribed treatment for ADHD, appear to regulate brain chemicals and boost their levels. They are not able to cure the disorder and only treat symptoms if taken regularly.
Side effects of ADHD medication can include changes in blood pressure as well as heart rate, anxiety, and tics. Children and teens who take stimulant medications experience a minor reduction in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous stimulant is the most commonly used drug used to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety forms such as a chewable tablet, a liquid and a long-acting disintegrating orally disintegrating tablet, and an extended-release pill. The drug increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This helps to improve concentration. It may also reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Methylphenidate can be a successful treatment for ADHD in combination with other treatments, like behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate is a drug that blocks transporters that remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The medication can cause a slight increase in blood pressure and heart rate. People with diabetes should also be cautious when taking this medication since it can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar. Talk to your doctor if you notice any of these signs. Methylphenidate can also cause the condition known as Raynaud's phenomenon, which causes numbness and discomfort in the fingers and toes. This is a rare, but serious side effect. It is crucial to inform your doctor if any of these symptoms develop.
There are some who believe that methylphenidate may slow children's growth. However it hasn't been proven. If your child is taking methylphenidate make sure you be attentive to their weight and height. If your child is taking chewable tablets of methylphenidate, it contains phenylalanine, which is a risk for children suffering from the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). If you suffer from PKU consult your physician about other formulations of methylphenidate.
Certain people have issues with stimulants which are the primary choice of medication for treating ADHD. In these cases, doctors may prescribe other medications that work in a similar way. In addition to methylphenidate, there are other stimulants such as dexamfetamine and Lisdexamfetamine. These substances can last longer and are stronger than methylphenidate. They are typically taken two to three times a day, but some people can take them more frequently. Psychological treatments are also available to treat ADHD however, they are less likely to be effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also called Strattera and is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that improves concentration, while decreasing the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It's part of a class of drugs known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and is a stimulant of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers that control the brain's activity. It is popular with children and adults who want an alternative to stimulants such as Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is crucial to understand that atomoxetine isn't a drug that works instantly. It may take up to six weeks before the effects of this drug are evident. In addition, you may be afflicted by side effects such as reduced appetite, drowsiness and stomach upset. However, the benefits of atomoxetine outweigh the risks for most patients.
In a double-blind placebo-controlled study that was conducted on 297 ADHD patients between the ages of 12 and 18 years old, the effectiveness of atomoxetine is verified. 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 the atomoxetine and placebo groups depression symptoms were reduced. The atomoxetine group saw greater improvements in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was only modest (Michelson et al 2001).
In another open trial, 10 patients with ADHD who failed to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine for 8 weeks. The group treated with atomoxetine showed improvement in ADHD symptoms when compared to the placebo group and scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version and Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale increasing significantly. One patient however, experienced an allergic reaction and was removed from the study. In addition, three patients reported transient gastrointestinal disturbances and one experienced increased fatigue (Kratochvil and co., 2005).
Talk to your doctor before you begin treatment with atomoxetine about your medical history, which includes any medications or supplements you're taking. This includes herbal remedies and other over-the-counter medicines. Tell your doctor when any of the following conditions occur such as narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid or adrenal gland tumor; high blood pressure; heart disease or sudden death. It is also recommended to avoid atomoxetine if taken an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid linezolid or methylene blue injection rasagiline, phenelzine or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a nonstimulant can help improve ADHD symptoms. It also helps reduce impulsivity and boost concentration, but it doesn't affect the brain in the same way as stimulants. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will decide the best dose for you. Bupropion is available in tablets and extended-release capsules. It's important to take the medication exactly as instructed. If you stop taking it abruptly you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
The most common dosage is two or three doses daily divided by 4-6 hours. The dosage can range from 100mg twice or three times per day up to 150mg three or four times every day. The drug is absorbed by the digestive system and excreted in urine. It cannot enter breast milk. However, it is able to enter the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion can increase blood pressure. It is essential to monitor it frequently.
In addition to helping improve the symptoms of ADHD In addition, bupropion may reduce depression. It also helps treat bipolar disorder. It is a method of blocking dopamine receptors inside your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine, from entering your brain. This helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other medications It's therefore important to inform your doctor of any other medications you're taking. adhd treatment without medication to let your doctor know if are suffering from any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants as they can cause side effects to become worse.
Numerous studies have compared bupropion to placebos in adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and the majority of them were not well-designed. Many of these studies did not include participants with psychiatric co-morbidity. Nevertheless, the data suggest that bupropion has a modest effect on ADHD. More research is needed to determine the positive effects for patients, including the improvement in their quality of life. Furthermore, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is needed before effective treatment can be developed. This includes a better understanding of the relation between the various 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 with ADHD are not effective or cause adverse side adverse effects. These drugs, which include imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), work by increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to help people concentrate. These are old drugs that can have challenging side effects, so they're typically only considered when other drugs have failed.
The first choice of antidepressants for depression is typically a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram, or escitalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants that have been around for decades, may still be used in some cases. These medications are also effective in reducing neuropathic pain. They also have an additional pain-relieving effect which is distinct from their antidepressant effect. They potentiate the noradrenephrine receptor through blocking its reuptake, and they also act as descending moderators for pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs have lower risks of toxicity, and less serious side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also safer during pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic to animals or humans. If abruptly stopped, they can cause significant withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor may recommend slowly lowering the dose over several weeks to reduce the effects.
While not officially approved by the FDA as a treatment for adhd, bupropion is a commonly prescribed antidepressant off-label for ADHD. It is believed to increase neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which improves concentration. It is also believed to alleviate anxiety and stress. It can be used in conjunction with stimulants to produce faster and longer-lasting results.
Although there aren't any other FDA-approved nonstimulant drugs for ADHD however, many people get relief from the use of supplements to their diets and herbs. A diet low on fat and sugar can help reduce ADHD symptoms. Also, avoiding caffeine can be beneficial for some. It is essential to inform your doctor about all the medications your child or you uses, including prescription drugs and herbal remedies. This will help minimize unwanted side effects as well as prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect everyone differently, so it's sometimes a process of trial and error to determine the appropriate dosage and medication for your child or yourself.