ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, the most frequently prescribed treatment for ADHD, appear 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.
Side effects of ADHD medication can include changes in blood pressure and heart rate, anxiety and tics. Some teens and children who are taking stimulant medication notice a slight slowing in their growth.
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 forms including 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 can help improve concentration. It can also help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Methylphenidate is an effective treatment for ADHD in combination with other treatments, like behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate works by blocking the transporters that are normally responsible for removing 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, and people with diabetes should be aware when taking this medication. Talk to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate is also known to cause a condition known as Raynaud's phenomena, which causes numbness and discomfort in the fingers and toes. This is a rare, but serious side effect. It is crucial to inform your doctor if any of these symptoms are observed.
There is some concerns that methylphenidate may slow children's growth, however it hasn't been proven to be the case. If your child is taking methylphenidate, make sure you be attentive to their weight and height. If your child takes a methylphenidate tablet, the phenylalanine in it could pose a risk to children suffering from phenylketonuria. If you suffer from PKU, ask your doctor about different methylphenidate formulations.
Some people have difficulty with stimulants which are the primary option for treating ADHD. In these cases, doctors may prescribe other medications that work in a similar manner. In addition to methylphenidate, there are other stimulants such as dexamfetamine and Lisdexamfetamine. These are more powerful than methylphenidate and may last longer. They are usually taken twice to three times a day however some people may take them more often. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD, but these are not as effective as stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also called Strattera and is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that improves concentration while decreasing the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It belongs to a category called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It works by boosting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine two chemical messengers that control the brain's activity. It is popular among adults and children who seek a different medication than stimulants such as Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is important to remember that atomoxetine doesn't work instantly and it could take up to 6 weeks for the effects of the drug to be apparent. Additionally, you may suffer from side effects like drowsiness, decreased appetite, and upset stomach. However, the benefits of atomoxetine surpass the risks for many patients.
The efficacy of atomoxetine was confirmed in a multisite double-blind placebo-controlled trial with 297 ADHD patients between the ages of 12 and 18. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either atomoxetine at a daily dose 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine as well as placebo groups depression symptoms were reduced. The atomoxetine treatment group had better improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group. However the improvement was not as dramatic (Michelson and colleagues 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 over 8 weeks. The atomoxetine group demonstrated improved ADHD symptoms compared to placebo group and scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version as well as the Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale gaining significant. One patient withdrew due to an skin rash. Additionally, three patients reported transient gastrointestinal disturbances and one patient reported fatigue that was more severe (Kratochvil and colleagues, 2005).
Before you begin treatment with atomoxetine to your doctor about your health history and any other medications or supplements that you're taking. This includes herbal remedies and over-the-counter medications. It is particularly important to inform your doctor if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, 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, a non-stimulant drug that is a non-stimulant, can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. It also helps 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 best dosage for you. Bupropion comes in tablets and extended-release capsules. It is important to take the medication as directed. There are withdrawal symptoms that can occur when you stop abruptly.
The most common dosage is two or three doses daily divided by 4 to 6 hours. The dose can range between 100 mg twice or three times per day to 150 mg three or four times daily. The drug is absorbed by the digestive system, and excreted through urine. It cannot enter breast milk. However, it could enter the bloodstream and impact other organs. Bupropion can raise blood pressure, so it's important to check it often.
Bupropion is a great drug that, in addition to reducing ADHD symptoms, can also reduce depression. It can also be used to treat bipolar disorder. It is accomplished by blocking dopamine receptors within your brain. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, is blocked from reaching your brain, which helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion can interact with other drugs It's therefore important to inform your doctor of any other medications you're taking. It's also important to know if you have any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants as they can make the side effects worse.
Several studies have compared bupropion with placebos in adults suffering from ADHD. These studies produced mixed results and were poorly designed. Many of these studies excluded patients with psychiatric co-morbidity. The research suggests that bupropion has a small effect on ADHD. However it is necessary to conduct more research to establish positive outcomes for patients such as improvement in quality of life. Furthermore, a better understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is essential before a successful treatment can be developed. This requires a deeper understanding of the interplay between molecular pathways. It's also important to understand how anti-ADHD drugs work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed to children suffering from ADHD aren't effective or cause undesirable side effects, doctors may consider antidepressants as a treatment. These medications, like imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor) are able to increase the neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine in the brain, which aids in helping people concentrate. These older drugs may cause serious adverse consequences. They are typically employed when other drugs fail.
The first option for depression treatment is typically an inhibitor of serotonin reuptake (SSRI) like fluoxetine, sertraline, or citalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants are still being used in website some cases despite their long-standing history. They are also effective in treating neuropathic pain and have an additional pain-relieving effect which is distinct from their antidepressant properties. They increase the potency of noradrenephrine by reducing its reuptake, and also act as lower modulators of pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less harmful and have less adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. In addition, they're safer in the womb and aren't teratogenic in animals or humans. But they can have significant withdrawal symptoms if they are stopped abruptly. To lessen the negative side effects, your doctor might suggest reducing the dosage gradually over several weeks.
Bupropion, a common antidepressant that is prescribed off-label for treating ADHD however, it is not FDA approved as a drug for adhd. It is believed to be effective by increasing neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain, which improves concentration. It is also believed to ease anxiety, and it can be combined with stimulants for more rapid and long-lasting results.
While there are no other FDA-approved nonstimulant drugs for ADHD Many people find relief with the use of supplements to their diets and herbs. A diet that is low in sugar and fat can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. In the same way, removing caffeine can be beneficial for some. It's important to tell your doctor about all medications your child or you is taking, including prescription medications and herbal remedies. This will minimize unwanted side effects and prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect people differently. It could take a bit of trial and error before you discover the ideal dosage and drug for your child or you.