ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD, and appear to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals. They are not able to solve the problem and can only manage symptoms if taken regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication can include changes in heart rate and blood pressure, upset stomach anxiety and tics. Certain teens and children who take stimulant drugs experience a slight reduction in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant and the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. It is available in a variety of forms, such as tablets that chew liquid and an oral disintegrating tablet that acts long, and a pill with extended release. The drug boosts the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This helps to improve concentration. adhd and medication can also lessen the symptoms of anxiety and depression. When coupled with other treatments, like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate could be a very effective treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that remove these neurotransmitters normally from the brain. The medication can cause a slight increase in heart rate and blood pressure. People with diabetes should also be aware of this medication as it could cause an abrupt rise in blood sugar. If you experience any of these side effects, talk to your physician. Methylphenidate can also trigger Raynaud's phenomenon which causes numbness in the fingers and feet. It is a rare but serious side effect. It is crucial to notify your doctor if these symptoms occur.
Some people are concerned that methylphenidate can slow down children's growth. However this hasn't been proved. If you have a child who is being treated with methylphenidate, be sure to keep track of the height and weight closely. If your child takes a methylphenidate tablet and phenylalanine is present, it can be dangerous to children with phenylketonuria. Ask your doctor about a different formulation of methylphenidate when you suffer from PKU.
Stimulants are the most popular treatment for ADHD however, certain people are not able to use them. In these instances doctors might prescribe other drugs that function in a similar manner. In addition to methylphenidate, there are other stimulants like dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine. These drugs are a little stronger than methylphenidate and can last longer. They are usually taken between two and three times per day, but some people can take them more often. Psychological treatments are also available to treat ADHD, but they are less likely to be helpful than a stimulant.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known under 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 known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and is a stimulant of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers that control the brain's activity. It is a favorite among adults and children who seek an alternative to stimulants like Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is important to remember that atomoxetine is not effective instantly and it could take up to six weeks for the effects of the drug to become apparent. Additionally, you may experience side-effects such as drowsiness, decreased appetite, and upset stomach. However, the benefits of atomoxetine surpass the risks for many patients.
The effectiveness of atomoxetine was verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled study involving 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18. The participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine, a daily dose of 0.6 mg per kilogram or 1.2 mg/kg, or a placebo for 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine and the placebo group experienced a reduction in symptoms of depression. The atomoxetine group experienced more improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was only modest (Michelson et al 2001).
In a second open study in a second open trial, 10 ADHD patients who were not responding to stimulants were given atomoxetine treatment for 8 weeks. The atomoxetine treatment group demonstrated improvement in ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Rated screening version and Clinical Global Impression of Severity scales improving significantly. One patient withdrew due to an rash. Three patients also reported transient stomach symptoms, and one patient complained of increased fatigue.
Before you begin treatment with atomoxetine, talk with your physician about your medical history as well as any other supplements or medications that you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as prescription medications. Inform your doctor if any of the following conditions occur: narrow-angle glaucoma; a thyroid or adrenal gland tumour and high blood pressure heart disease or sudden death. You should stay clear of Atomoxetine in addition to in the event that you've taken an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid and linezolid within the last 14 days, or rasagiline, Methylene Blue Injection, phenelzine or tranylcypromine.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant can help improve ADHD symptoms. It can also reduce impulsivity, and increase focus. However it doesn't affect the brain in the way stimulants do. It's only available with a prescription. Your doctor will decide on the most effective dosage for you. Bupropion is available in tablets and extended-release capsules. It is essential to take the medication exactly as prescribed. If you stop taking it suddenly, you may have withdrawal symptoms.
The most common dosage is two or three doses per day separated by four to six hours. The dosage can vary between 100 mg two or three times per day to 150 mg three or four times daily. The drug is taken up by the digestive system, and excreted through urine. It isn't able to penetrate breast milk. However, it could enter the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion may increase blood pressure, which is why it's vital to monitor it regularly.
In addition to helping improve the symptoms of ADHD In addition, bupropion may reduce depression. It is also used to treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors in your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter, dopamine, from entering your brain. This helps to 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 is important to inform your doctor know that you are suffering from any allergies. You should also avoid caffeine and other stimulants, as they can make the side effects more severe.
A number of studies have compared bupropion to placebos in adults suffering from ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and the majority of them were not well-designed. Many of these studies did not include patients with psychiatric co-morbidity. However, the evidence suggests that bupropion may have a small impact on ADHD. More research is required to determine positive outcomes for patients, such as an improvement in the quality of life. Before effective treatments can be developed it is essential to gain a better understanding of the molecular types of ADHD. This includes a better understanding of the relation between the different molecular pathways. Furthermore, it's essential to know how various anti-ADHD agents work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants can be prescribed by doctors if stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD do not work or cause adverse side adverse effects. These drugs, which include imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), help by increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which aid in concentration. These older medications can cause serious adverse consequences. They are typically used when other medications do not work.
The first choice of depression treatment is typically a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine, sertraline or citalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants are still being used in certain instances, despite their long history. They also work in treating neuropathic pain. They have a second pain-relieving action that is separate from their antidepressant properties. They potentiate the noradrenephrine receptor through blocking its reuptake. They also act as descending moderators for pain pathways in spinal cord.
SSRIs are less harmful and have less side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They're also safer during pregnancy and aren't teratogenic in animals or humans. If abruptly stopped, they can cause severe withdrawal symptoms. To reduce the risk of these adverse effects, your physician may suggest reducing your dose gradually over a period of time.
While not officially approved by the FDA as an adhd medication, bupropion is a commonly prescribed antidepressant that is off-label for ADHD. It is believed to be effective 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 can be utilized in conjunction with stimulants for more rapid and long-lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved non-stimulant ADHD medications, but many people experience relief from dietary supplements and herbal remedies. A diet that is low in fat and sugar may help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Also, avoiding caffeine can also be helpful for certain people. It's important to tell 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 help prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect people differently. It could take a bit of trial and error to discover the ideal dosage and dose for your child or yourself.