ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD, and appear to increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. They do not solve the problem and can only treat symptoms if taken regularly.
Side effects of ADHD medications can include changes in blood pressure, heart rate, anxiety and tics. Children and teens who take stimulant medications notice a slight reduction in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant for the central nervous system and the most commonly used drug for treating ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms, including tablets that chew liquid and an oral disintegrating tablet that performs long and has an extended release. The drug increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This can help improve concentration. It may also reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Methylphenidate can be a successful treatment for ADHD when combined with other treatments, such as behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters which eliminate these neurotransmitters naturally from the brain. The drug can cause a small increase in blood pressure and heart rate. It may also trigger an abrupt change in blood sugar levels, which is why people with diabetes should be aware when taking this medication. Speak to your doctor when you experience any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate may also cause Raynaud’s phenomenon which causes numbness in the feet and fingers. It is a rare but serious side result. It is essential to inform your doctor if these symptoms develop.
There is a concerns that methylphenidate can slow the growth of children, but this has not been proven to be the situation. If you have a child who is receiving treatment with methylphenidate be sure to keep track of the child's weight and height carefully. If your child is taking a tablet containing methylphenidate and phenylalanine is present, it could be harmful to children with phenylketonuria. If you suffer from PKU, ask your doctor about different formulations of methylphenidate.
Certain people have issues with stimulants which are the primary treatment for ADHD. In these cases doctors may prescribe another medication that performs in a similar way. There are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine in addition to the methylphenidate. These are stronger than methylphenidate and can last longer. They are usually taken twice or three times daily However, some people may be able to take them more frequently. 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 boosts concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It's part of a class of medications called selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitors. It increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers that control the brain's activity. It is a preferred option for adults and children who prefer a different type of medication than stimulants, like Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is important to remember that atomoxetine doesn't work instantly, and it can take up to 6 weeks for the effects of the drug to be evident. There is also the possibility of experiencing negative side effects, such as drowsiness and nausea. However, the benefits of atomoxetine far outweigh the risks for a majority of patients.
In a double-blind placebo-controlled study of 297 ADHD patients between the ages of 12 and 18 years old, the effectiveness of atomoxetine has been confirmed. Participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine at a daily dose 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over 9 weeks. In both the atomoxetine and placebo groups depression symptoms were less. The atomoxetine-treated group had greater improvements in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was only modest (Michelson et al 2001).
In a different open trial, 10 patients with ADHD who failed to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine for 8 weeks. The group receiving atomoxetine had improved ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group, with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version and Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale increasing significantly. One patient was unable to continue treatment due to an rash. Three patients experienced gastrointestinal issues that were transient and one patient reported fatigue that was more severe (Kratochvil et al 2005).
Talk to your doctor prior to you start treatment with atomoxetine. Discuss your health history, including any supplements or medications you're taking. This includes herbal remedies and over-the-counter medications. Inform your doctor whether any of the following conditions exist: narrow-angle glaucoma; a thyroid or adrenal gland tumour; high blood pressure; heart disease or sudden death. Avoid atomoxetine as well when you've been taking 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 drug that can improve the symptoms of ADHD. It can also decrease the impulsivity of children and improve focus. However, it does not affect the brain the similar way that stimulants do. It's only available on prescription. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate dosage for you. Bupropion comes in tablets and extended-release capsules. It is important to take the medication exactly as prescribed. If you stop taking it abruptly you could experience withdrawal symptoms.
It's usually taken twice or three times a day with a gap of 4-6 hours between each dose. The dose can vary from 100mg two or three times per day up to 150mg three or four times every day. The drug is taken up by the digestive system, and excreted through urine. It isn't able to penetrate breast milk. However, it can enter the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion can raise blood pressure, so it's important to check it often.
In addition to improving the symptoms of ADHD, bupropion can also reduce depression. It can also be used to treat bipolar disorder. It is a method of blocking dopamine receptors inside your brain. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, is blocked from reaching your brain, which can help stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other drugs. Inform your doctor if taking any other medications. It is important to inform your doctor know if suffer from any allergies. It is also important to stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants that can make the side effects more severe.
A number of studies have compared bupropion to placebos in adults with ADHD. These studies had mixed results and were not conducted properly. Many of these studies excluded people with psychiatric disorders co-morbidity. The results suggest that bupropion can have an impact on ADHD. More research is required to determine the positive effects for patients, such as the improvement in their quality of life. Furthermore, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is essential before a successful treatment can be created. This is a greater understanding of the connection between the molecular pathways. Furthermore, it's essential to understand how different anti-ADHD medications work with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD do not work or cause adverse side effects, doctors may consider antidepressants as a treatment. These drugs, like imipramine and Nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor) are able to increase the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which help people to focus. These older drugs can have severe side consequences. They are usually only employed when other drugs do not work.
The first choice of antidepressants in depression is usually an inhibitor of serotonin reuptake (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants that have been around for decades, may still be used in certain situations. They are effective in treating neuropathic and other pains but their antidepressant action is not the same. They increase the potency of noradrenephrine by reducing its reuptake. They also function as descending modulators of pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less harmful and have fewer side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They're also safer during pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic in humans or animals. If they are abruptly stopped, they may cause severe withdrawal symptoms. To lessen the negative adverse effects, your physician might suggest reducing the dosage gradually over a period of time.
Bupropion, an antidepressant commonly that is used off-label to treat ADHD, is not FDA approved as an adhd drug. adhd adult medication is believed to be effective by increasing neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which improves concentration. It is also known to relieve stress and anxiety. It can be used in conjunction with stimulants to produce quicker and lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved non-stimulant ADHD medications, but many people experience relief from herbal remedies and supplements to their diets. A diet low in sugar and fat can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. In the same way, removing caffeine can also be helpful for certain people. Discuss with your doctor any medications you or your child are taking as well as herbal remedies and prescription medications. This will avoid interactions and reduce unwanted side effects. ADHD medications can affect individuals differently. It may take some trial and error to find the right dosage and drug for your child or you.