ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, which are the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD seem to regulate brain chemicals and boost their levels. However, they cannot cure the condition and will only help with symptoms as long as they are taken regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication can include a change in blood pressure and heart rate and stomach upset as well as anxiety and tics. Certain teenagers and children who take stimulant drugs notice a slight reduction in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant and is the most widely used drug for treating ADHD. It is available in various forms, such as chewable tablets with liquid as well as an oral disintegrating tablet that acts long and has an extended release. The drug boosts the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This improves concentration. It may also reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. When coupled with other treatments, such as behavioral therapy, methylphenidate can be an effective treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that normally remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug could cause a slight increase in heart rate or blood pressure. It may also trigger a rapid change in blood sugar levels, and those with diabetes must be cautious when taking this medication. Talk to your doctor in the event that you notice any of these signs. Methylphenidate may also cause Raynaud’s phenomenon which causes numbness in the fingers and feet. This is an uncommon side effect, however it is essential to inform your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
There is some concerns that methylphenidate can slow the growth of children, but this hasn't been proven to be the case. If you have a child being treated with methylphenidate be sure to keep track of the child's weight and height closely. If your child is taking a methylphenidate tablet and phenylalanine is present, it could be harmful for children suffering from phenylketonuria. Ask your doctor about a different formulation of methylphenidate when you suffer from PKU.
Stimulants are the most popular medication for treating ADHD however, some people have trouble with these medications. In these cases doctors may prescribe another medication that works similarly. There are also other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine, besides methylphenidate. These drugs can last longer and are more potent than methylphenidate. They are typically taken two to three times per day however some people may take them more often. Psychological treatments are also available to treat ADHD however, they are less likely to prove effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera and is a nonstimulant ADHD drug that increases concentration, while decreasing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It belongs to a category called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It is a drug that increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers which control brain activity. It is a favorite among adults and children who seek a different medication than stimulants like Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is important to know that atomoxetine isn't a drug that works instantly. It can take up six weeks before the effects of this medication are evident. Additionally, you could experience side-effects such as drowsiness, decreased appetite, and upset stomach. For the majority of patients the benefits of taking atomoxetine are greater than any risk.
In a double-blind, placebo controlled study of 297 ADHD patients between the ages of 12 and 18 years old, the effectiveness of atomoxetine is confirmed. The participants were randomized to receive atomoxetine, which is a daily dose of 0.6 mg per kilogram or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine and placebo groups depression symptoms were less. The atomoxetine group experienced greater improvements in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However, the improvement was modest (Michelson et al 2001).
In a separate open study in another open trial, 10 patients with ADHD who were unable to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine for 8 weeks. The atomoxetine treatment group showed improved 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 increasing significantly. However, one patient developed a rash and withdrew from the study. In addition, three patients reported transient gastrointestinal disturbances and one reported increased fatigue (Kratochvil and co., 2005).
Talk to your doctor before you start treatment with atomoxetine about your medical history, including any medications or supplements you're taking. This includes herbal remedies and prescription medications. It is particularly important to inform your doctor if you suffer from narrow-angle glaucoma or a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor or high blood pressure, heart disease, or an unusually sudden death. It is also recommended to avoid atomoxetine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor like isocarboxazid, linezolid or methylene blue injection rasagiline, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine, in the past 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a nonstimulant that can aid in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It can also reduce the impulsivity of children and improve focus. However it doesn't affect the brain the way stimulants do. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will determine the right dosage for you. Bupropion comes in capsules and tablets. It is important to take the medication exactly as directed. You might experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop abruptly.
It's typically taken two or three times per day with a 4-6 hour interval between each dose. The dosage can vary from 100 mg twice or three times a day up to 150 mg three or four times daily. The drug is taken up by the digestive system and excreted in urine. It isn't able to penetrate breast milk. It can, however, get into the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion can raise blood pressure, so it's important to check it often.
Bupropion can, in addition to helping to reduce ADHD symptoms it can also help reduce depression. It can also be used to treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors within your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine from entering your brain, which helps stabilize mood.
add in adults medication may interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor if taking any other medications. It's also important to know whether you suffer from any allergies. Also, avoid caffeine and other stimulants, as they could make the adverse effects more severe.
Several studies have compared bupropion with placebos in adults suffering from ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed, and the majority of studies were not well-designed. Many of these studies did not include participants with psychiatric co-morbidity. The results suggest that bupropion does have an impact on ADHD. However it is necessary to conduct more research to establish positive outcomes for patients such as improvements in quality of life. Before effective treatments can be created it is essential to gain a better understanding of the molecular causes of ADHD. This includes a better knowledge of the relationship between the molecular pathways. It is also crucial to know how anti-ADHD drugs work in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
If the stimulants prescribed to children suffering from ADHD don't work or cause troublesome side effects, the doctor may turn to antidepressants as a treatment. These medications, such as imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), are effective in boosting the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to help people concentrate. These older medications can cause serious adverse effects. They are usually only employed when other drugs do not work.
The first choice of antidepressant for depression is usually a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram, or escitalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants are still used in some cases despite their long-standing history. They are also effective in reducing neuropathic pain. They also have a second pain-relieving action that is distinct from their antidepressant effect. They enhance the noradrenephrine receptor through blocking its reuptake. They also act as descending moderators for pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs have lower risks of toxicity and have less severe side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also less harmful during pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic to humans or animals. If suddenly stopped, they may cause significant withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor might suggest gradually decreasing the dosage over several weeks to lessen the negative effects.
Bupropion, a popular antidepressant prescribed off-label to treat ADHD however, it is not FDA approved as an adhd drug. It is believed to work by increasing neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain, which improves concentration. It's also known to relieve anxiety and can be utilized in conjunction with stimulants to achieve more rapid and lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved non-stimulant ADHD medications, however many people experience relief from dietary supplements and herbal remedies. A diet that is low in fat and sugar can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Certain people can benefit from staying clear of caffeine. Tell your doctor all medications you or your child take such as herbal remedies and prescription medications. This will avoid interactions and reduce unwanted side effects. add adult medications can affect individuals differently. It may take some trial and error before you find the right dosage and drug for your child or you.