ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD and can increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. They are not able to treat the disorder, but rather manage symptoms if used regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medication can include changes in blood pressure, heart rate, anxiety, and tics. Children and teens who take stimulant medications experience a minor reduction in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant for the central nervous system and is the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. It is available in a variety of forms, such as chewable tablets with liquid, an orally disintegrating tablet that acts long, and a pill with extended release. The drug increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which help to enhance concentration. It can also help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Methylphenidate is an effective treatment for ADHD when combined with other treatments, such as behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate blocks transporters that remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug can cause an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. It may also trigger a rapid change in blood sugar levels, so diabetics should be careful when taking this medication. If you have any of these side effects, talk with your doctor. Methylphenidate may also trigger the condition known as Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness as well as discomfort in the fingers and toes. This is an uncommon side effect, however it is essential to notify your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
Some people are concerned that methylphenidate may slow children's growth. However it hasn't been proved. If your child is taking methylphenidate, make sure you be attentive to their weight and height. If your child is taking chewable tablets containing methylphenidate that contains phenylalanine which is potentially dangerous for children with the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). If you suffer from PKU ask your doctor about different methylphenidate formulations.
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 function in a similar way. There are also other stimulants, like dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine, besides the methylphenidate. These drugs are a little more powerful than methylphenidate and may last longer. They are usually taken twice or three times daily, but some people might 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 the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that increases concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It's part of a class of drugs known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and is a stimulant of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers that regulate the brain's activity. It is popular with children and adults who want an alternative to stimulants such as Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is important to remember that atomoxetine does not work instantly and it could take up to six weeks for the effects of the drug to be evident. Additionally, you could be afflicted by side effects such as drowsiness, decreased appetite, and upset stomach. However the benefits of atomoxetine surpass the risks for many patients.
In a double-blind placebo-controlled study conducted on 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18 years old, the efficacy of atomoxetine is confirmed. Participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine at 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 symptoms of depression. The atomoxetine treatment group had better improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. The improvement was not significant.
In a second open trial that included 10 ADHD patients who were not responding to stimulants were treated with the treatment of atomoxetine for eight weeks. The group treated with atomoxetine showed improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to placebo group, with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version as well as the Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale improving significantly. One patient was unable to continue treatment due to a rash. Additionally, three patients reported intermittent gastrointestinal problems and one experienced increased fatigue (Kratochvil and co., 2005).
Talk to your doctor prior to you start treatment with atomoxetine. Discuss your health history, including any medications or supplements you are taking. This includes herbal remedies and other over-the-counter medicines. It is particularly important to tell your doctor if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor or high blood pressure, heart disease, or a history of sudden death. It is also recommended to be wary of atomoxetine in the event that you have taken an MAO inhibitor like isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, rasagiline or phenelzine, as well as tranylcypromine, in the past 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant that is a non-stimulant, can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. It also helps reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve focus. However it doesn't affect the brain in the similar way that stimulants do. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will determine the right dosage for you. Bupropion is available as tablets and capsules. It is important to take the medication exactly as prescribed. You might experience withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop abruptly.
The typical dosage is two or three doses per day separated by 4 to 6 hours. The dosage can vary from 100 mg two or three times a day up to 150 mg three or four times a day. The drug is absorbed by the digestive system and excreted in urine. It is not able to enter breast milk. However, it can be absorbed into the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion can raise blood pressure, so it's important to monitor it frequently.
Bupropion can, in addition to helping to reduce ADHD symptoms, can also reduce depression. It can also treat bipolar disorder. It is accomplished by blocking dopamine receptors in your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine from reaching your brain, which helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other medications, so it's important to tell your doctor about any other medications you're taking. It's also important to know whether you suffer from any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants because they can make side effects worse.
Numerous studies have compared bupropion to placebos in adults suffering from ADHD. These studies produced mixed results, and a lot were poorly conducted. Furthermore, many of them excluded participants with psychiatric comorbidity. The research suggests that bupropion can have an impact on ADHD. Further research is needed to determine the positive effects for patients, such as an improvement in quality of life. Before effective treatments can be developed it is crucial to have a better understanding of the molecular types of ADHD. This requires a deeper understanding of the connection between molecular pathways. Moreover, it's critical to know how various anti-ADHD medications work with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants may be prescribed by doctors if stimulants prescribed for children with ADHD are not effective or cause adverse side effects. These medications, such as imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor), increase the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which aids in helping people concentrate. These are older drugs that can have challenging adverse effects, so they're usually tried only when other drugs have failed.
The first choice of depression treatment is typically an inhibitor of serotonin reuptake (SSRI) like fluoxetine, sertraline or citalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants are still used in some cases despite their long history. They also work in reducing neuropathic pain. They also have a second pain-relieving action that is separate from their antidepressant properties. They enhance noradrenephrine through inhibiting its reuptake. They also function as antagonists of pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less toxic and have less side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They're also safer in the womb and do not appear to cause teratogenicity in animals or humans. If suddenly stopped, they could cause significant withdrawal symptoms. To lessen the negative adverse effects, your physician may suggest reducing the dose gradually over several weeks.
Although it isn't officially recognized by the FDA as a treatment for adhd Bupropion is a widely prescribed antidepressant that is off-label for ADHD. best adhd medication is believed to work by increasing neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which improves concentration. It also has been proven to reduce anxiety, and it can be used in conjunction with stimulants to get faster and sustained results.
There are no FDA-approved non-stimulant ADHD medications, however many people find relief from herbal remedies and supplements to their diets. A diet that is low in fat and sugar can also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Some people may benefit by avoiding caffeine. Tell your doctor all medications that you or your child is taking as well as herbal remedies and prescription medications. This will help minimize unwanted side effects as well as prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect people differently. It could take a bit of trial and error to find the right dosage and drug for your child or yourself.