ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD and can increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. They do not cure the disorder and only treat symptoms if they are taken regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication may include a change in heart rate and blood pressure as well as upset stomach as well as anxiety and tics. Children and teens who take stimulant medications have a slight decrease in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant for the central nervous system and is the most widely used drug for treating ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms, including a chewable tablet, a liquid as well as a long-acting oral disintegrating tablet, and an extended-release pill. The drug increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This improves concentration. It can also lessen the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Methylphenidate is an effective treatment for ADHD in conjunction with other treatments, including behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate works by blocking the transporters that remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug can cause an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. People who suffer from diabetes should be aware of this medication because it can cause an abrupt rise in blood sugar. Speak to your doctor when you notice any of these signs. Methylphenidate is also known to cause the condition known as Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness and discomfort in the toes and fingers. This is a rare, but serious side result. It is essential to notify your doctor in the event that these symptoms occur.
There is medications for adhd in adults that methylphenidate can slow children's growth, but this hasn't been proved to be the case. If your child is taking methylphenidate, be sure to keep an eye on their weight and height. If your child is taking a methylphenidate tablet, the phenylalanine in it can be dangerous to children with Phenylketonuria. Ask your doctor about a different formulation of methylphenidate when you suffer from PKU.
Stimulants are often considered to be the first choice treatment for ADHD However, certain people are not able to use these medications. In these instances, doctors may prescribe other medications that function similarly. There are other stimulants, like dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine in addition to methylphenidate. These are stronger than methylphenidate and can last longer. The typical dosage is at least three times a day However, some people might be able to take them more often. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD, but these are not as effective as stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also known as the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that boosts concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It is part of a class called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It works by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers which control the brain activity. It is a preferred option for adults and children who prefer a different kind of medication than stimulants like Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is important to realize that atomoxetine doesn't work instantly. It may take up to 6 weeks before the effects of this medication become apparent. There are also side effects such as nausea and drowsiness. For most patients, the benefits of taking atomoxetine outweigh any risks.
The efficacy of atomoxetine was verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled study involving 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18. Participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine in a daily dose of 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over a period of 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine group and the placebo group experienced reduction in depression symptoms. The atomoxetine group experienced greater improvements in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. The improvement was not significant.
In a follow-up open trial, 10 ADHD patients who were not responding to stimulants were given the treatment of atomoxetine for eight weeks. The atomoxetine treatment group demonstrated 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 increasing significantly. One patient was unable to continue treatment due to an outbreak of eruption. In addition, three patients reported transient gastrointestinal disturbances and one patient reported fatigue that was more severe (Kratochvil et al 2005).
Talk to your doctor before you start treatment with atomoxetine regarding your health history, including any supplements or medications you take. This includes herbal remedies and over-the-counter medications. Discuss with your doctor if any of the following conditions are present such as narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid or adrenal gland tumor or a high blood pressure heart disease or a history sudden death. Avoid atomoxetine as well in the event that you've taken an MAO inhibitor like isocarboxazid or linezolid in the last 14 days, or rasagiline, Methylene Blue Injection, phenelzine or tranylcypromine.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant medication that can improve the symptoms of ADHD. It can also reduce the impulsivity of children and improve concentration. However, it does not affect the brain the way stimulants do. Only prescriptions are approved. Your doctor will decide the most effective dosage for you. Bupropion comes in tablets and extended-release capsules. It's important to take the medication exactly as prescribed. You might experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop abruptly.
It is usually taken two or three times per day with 4-6 hours between each dose. The dose can range from 100 mg twice or three times a day up to 150 mg daily, three or four times. The drug is taken up by 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 your blood pressure, which is why it's important to monitor it frequently.
Bupropion, in addition to improving ADHD symptoms, can also reduce depression. It can also be used to treat bipolar disorder. It is accomplished by blocking dopamine receptors inside your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine, from entering your brain. This helps to stabilize your mood.
Bupropion can interact with other drugs So it's crucial to inform your doctor of any other medications you're taking. It's essential to let your doctor know if you have any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants because they can make the side effects worse.
Numerous studies have compared bupropion with placebos in adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed, and most studies were poorly conducted. Additionally, many excluded participants with psychiatric comorbidity. The research suggests that bupropion has a modest impact on ADHD. More research is required to determine positive outcomes for patients, including the improvement in their quality of living. Before effective treatments can be created it is essential to understand the underlying causes of the molecular forms of ADHD. This requires a deeper understanding of the connection between the different molecular pathways. It is also crucial to know how anti-ADHD drugs function in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants are often prescribed by doctors when stimulants prescribed for children suffering from ADHD do not work or cause adverse side adverse effects. These drugs, like imipramine and Nortriptyline, (Aventyl and Pamelor) are able to increase the neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine in the brain, which helps people to focus. These older drugs may cause serious side negative effects. They are typically used when other medications fail.
The first choice of depression-related antidepressants is typically an inhibitor of serotonin reuptake (SSRI) like fluoxetine, sertraline or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants, that have been in use for decades, may still be used in some cases. These drugs are effective in treating pain caused by neuropathic or other, but their antidepressant effect is not the identical. They potentiate noradrenephrine by inhibiting its reuptake and also act as lower modulators of pain pathways within 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 to humans or animals. However, they may cause severe withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped. To lessen the negative side effects, your doctor might suggest reducing the dosage gradually over a period of several weeks.
Although not officially recognized by the FDA as an adhd medication, bupropion is a commonly prescribed antidepressant that is off-label for ADHD. It is believed to increase neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which enhances concentration. It is also known to reduce anxiety and stress. It can be used in conjunction with stimulants to achieve quicker and lasting results.
While there aren't any FDA-approved nonstimulant drugs for ADHD, many people do feel relief through the use of nutritional supplements and herbs. A diet that is low in fat and sugar can help reduce ADHD symptoms. Some people might benefit from avoiding caffeine. It is essential to inform your doctor about all the medications you or your child uses, including prescription drugs and herbal remedies. This will avoid interactions and reduce unwanted side effects. ADHD medications can affect everyone differently, which is why it's often an exercise of trial and error to determine the right drug and dosage for your child or yourself.