ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, which are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD are believed to regulate brain chemicals and increase their levels. They cannot solve the problem and can only treat symptoms if taken regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medication may include a change in blood pressure and heart rate as well as upset stomach, anxiety and tics. Certain teens and children who are taking stimulant medication have a slight decrease in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant for the central nervous system and is the most frequently used drug for treating ADHD. It is available in a variety of forms, including chewable tablets with liquid as well as an oral disintegrating tablet that performs long and has an extended release. The drug increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This improves concentration. It can also lessen the symptoms of anxiety and depression. When combined with other treatments like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate could be an effective treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that are normally responsible for removing these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug can cause a small increase in heart rate and blood pressure. People with diabetes should also be on guard when taking this medication since it can cause rapid increases in blood sugar. If you have any of these side effects, speak to your doctor. Methylphenidate may also trigger a condition known as Raynaud's phenomena that causes numbness and discomfort in the toes and fingers. This is a rare side effect, however, it is crucial to tell your doctor if you have these symptoms.
There is a concerns that methylphenidate may slow the growth of children, but this hasn't been proved to be the case. If your child is taking methylphenidate be sure to be aware of their weight and height. If your child is taking a tablet containing methylphenidate that contains phenylalanine, it could be harmful to children with Phenylketonuria. Ask your doctor about an alternative methylphenidate formulation if you have PKU.
Certain people have issues with stimulants, which are the first option for treating ADHD. In these instances doctors might prescribe other drugs that function similarly. Apart from methylphenidate there are other stimulants like dexamfetamine and the lisdexamfetamine. These drugs can last for longer and are stronger than methylphenidate. They are typically taken between two and 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 is in a class of medications known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers that control the brain's activity. It is a preferred choice for children and adults who prefer a different type of medication than stimulants, such as Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is important to know that atomoxetine doesn't work instantly. It could take up to 6 weeks before the effects of this drug are evident. There is also the possibility of experiencing side effects such as drowsiness and nausea. However, the benefits of atomoxetine far outweigh the risks for a majority of patients.
The efficacy of atomoxetine has been verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled study involving 297 ADHD patients ages 12 to 18. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either the daily dose of atomoxetine 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine group and the placebo group experienced reduction in symptoms of depression. The treatment group with atomoxetine showed more improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However add medication adults was not as dramatic (Michelson et al 2001).
In a different open trial, 10 patients suffering from ADHD who failed to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine for 8 weeks. The atomoxetine treatment group showed improvement in ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Version of the screening and the Clinical Global Impression of Severity scales improving significantly. However, one patient developed a rash and withdrew from the study. Three patients reported intermittent gastrointestinal problems and one reported increased fatigue (Kratochvil and colleagues, 2005).
Before you begin treatment with atomoxetine, talk to your doctor about your health history as well as any other supplements or medications that you're taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over the counter medications. It is crucial to tell your doctor if there is narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor, high blood pressure, heart disease, or an unusually sudden death. You should avoid atomoxetine as well if you've taken an MAO-inhibitor, such isocarboxazid or linezolid in the past 14 days, or rasagiline, Methylene Blue Injection, phenelzine or tranylcypromine.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant medication that can aid in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It can also decrease impulsivity, and increase concentration. However, it does not affect the brain the same way that stimulants do. Only prescriptions are approved. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate dosage for you. Bupropion comes in tablets and extended-release capsules. It is essential to follow the prescriptions. There are withdrawal symptoms that can occur when you stop abruptly.
The usual dosage is two or three doses daily divided by 4 to 6 hours. The dosage can vary from 100 mg twice or three times a day to 150 mg daily, three or four times. The drug is in the digestive system, and excreted through urine. It isn't able to penetrate breast milk. However, it can be absorbed into the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion can increase blood pressure. It is important to monitor it frequently.
Bupropion is a great drug that, in addition to reducing ADHD symptoms, can also reduce depression. It is also a treatment for bipolar disorder. It works by blocking the dopamine receptors that are located in your brain. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, is blocked from reaching your brain, which can help to regulate your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other medications. Tell your doctor if you're taking any other medications. It's essential to let your doctor know if suffer from any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants because they can make side effects worse.
A number of studies have compared bupropion to placebos in adults suffering from ADHD. These studies had mixed results and were not conducted properly. Many of these studies excluded patients with psychiatric co-morbidity. However, the research suggests that bupropion has a modest impact on ADHD. More research is needed 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 essential before a successful treatment can be developed. This includes a better understanding of the relationship between different molecular pathways. Moreover, it's critical to know how various anti-ADHD agents work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed to children suffering from ADHD don't work or cause undesirable side effects, doctors might consider antidepressants as a treatment. These medications, including imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), help by increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which help people concentrate. These are old drugs that may have a number of adverse reactions, and are usually tried only when other medications have failed.
The first choice of antidepressants for depression is typically a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram or escitalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants that have been in use for decades, may still be utilized in certain instances. They are effective in treating neuropathic pain and other conditions, but their antidepressant effect is not the identical. They enhance the noradrenephrine receptor through blocking its reuptake, and they also function as descending modulators for pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs have a lower risk of toxicity, and less serious side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They're also safer in pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic in animals or humans. If they are abruptly stopped, they may cause withdrawal symptoms that are severe. Your doctor might suggest gradually reducing the dose over a few weeks to reduce the effects.
While not officially approved by the FDA as a treatment for adhd Bupropion is a widely prescribed antidepressant off-label for ADHD. It is believed to work by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine and acetylcholine that are found in the brain to increase concentration. It is also believed to ease anxiety, and it can be combined with stimulants to achieve more rapid and sustained results.
There are no FDA-approved nonstimulant ADHD medications, however many people find relief from herbal remedies and supplements to their diets. A diet low in fat and sugar can also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Certain people can benefit by staying clear of caffeine. It is important to inform your doctor about all the medications your child or you takes, including over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies. This will help minimize unwanted side effects and prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect people differently. It may take some trial and error before you discover the ideal dosage and drug for your child or yourself.