ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD, appear to regulate brain chemicals and boost their levels. They do not cure the disorder and only manage symptoms if taken regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medication could include a change in blood pressure and heart rate, upset stomach anxiety and tics. Some children and teens who are taking stimulant medication notice a slight slowing in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous stimulant is the most well-known medication used to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms such as a chewable tablet, a liquid and a long-acting disintegrating orally disintegrating tablet and an extended-release pill. The drug increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This can help improve concentration. It may also reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. When combined with other treatments such as behavioral therapy, methylphenidate may be an effective treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters which remove these neurotransmitters normally from the brain. adhd depression medication may cause a slight increase in heart rate and blood pressure. It can also cause an abrupt change in blood sugar levels, and diabetics should be cautious when taking this medication. Consult your physician if you notice any of these signs. Methylphenidate can also trigger Raynaud's phenomenon, which causes numbness of the fingers and feet. This is a rare side effect, however, it is crucial to notify your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms.
Some people are concerned that methylphenidate can slow down the growth of children. 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 a risk for children who have the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). If you have PKU, consult your physician about other forms of methylphenidate.
Some people have difficulty with stimulants, which are the first treatment for ADHD. In these instances, doctors may prescribe other drugs that function similarly. There are other stimulants, like dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine, besides the methylphenidate. These drugs can last for longer and are stronger than methylphenidate. They are usually taken between two and three times per day however some people may take them more often. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD, but these are less effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known under the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that improves concentration and reduces hyperactivity as well as impulsiveness. It belongs to a category known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It works by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine two chemical messengers that regulate brain activity. It is popular among people of all ages who need an alternative to stimulants like Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is important to remember that atomoxetine doesn't work instantly, and it can take up to six weeks for the effects of the drug to be evident. Additionally, you may suffer from side effects like drowsiness, decreased appetite, and stomach upset. For most patients the advantages of taking atomoxetine far outweigh the risks.
In a double-blind placebo-controlled study of 297 ADHD patients aged between 12 and 18, the effectiveness of atomoxetine is confirmed. Participants were randomly assigned to receive the daily dose of atomoxetine 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine and the placebo group experienced reduction in depression symptoms. The atomoxetine group experienced more improvements in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was only modest (Michelson et al 2001).
In a different open trial in another open trial, 10 patients with ADHD who were unable to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine over 8 weeks. The group treated with atomoxetine showed improvement in ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo, with scores on Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Rated screening version and the Clinical Global Impression Severity scales gaining significant. One patient had to withdraw due to a eruption. Three patients also reported temporary gastrointestinal symptoms, and one patient complained of increased fatigue.
Talk to your doctor before you start treatment with atomoxetine regarding your medical history, which includes any supplements or medications you take. This includes herbal remedies as well as prescription medications. It is especially important to inform 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. Also, avoid atomoxetine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid linezolid or methylene blue injection rasagiline, phenelzine or tranylcypromine within the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug, can help to improve ADHD symptoms. It also helps reduce impulsivity and boost concentration, but it doesn't affect the brain in the same way as stimulants. It's available by prescription only. Your doctor will decide on the most effective dosage for you. Bupropion comes in tablets and extended-release capsules. It is important to take the medication as prescribed. If you stop taking it abruptly you could experience withdrawal symptoms.
The most common dosage is two or three doses daily separated by four to six hours. The dosage can range from 100 mg twice or three times a day to 150 mg daily, three or four times. The drug is in the digestive system and excreted in urine. It is not able to enter breast milk. However, it can enter the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion can increase your blood pressure, so it's important to monitor it frequently.
In addition to helping improve the symptoms of ADHD, bupropion can also reduce depression. It also helps treat bipolar disorder. It is a method of blocking dopamine receptors inside your brain. This stops the neurotransmitter, dopamine, from entering your brain. This helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor if taking any other medication. It's also important to determine whether you are allergic to. It is also important to avoid caffeine or other stimulants, as they can make the side effects more severe.
In several studies the bupropion drug was compared with placebos for adults suffering from ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and the majority of them were poorly conducted. Additionally, many excluded people with psychiatric comorbidity. However, the evidence suggests that bupropion can have a slight effect on ADHD. However it is necessary to conduct more research to determine positive patient-centered outcomes such as improvements in quality of life. Before effective treatments can be developed, it is necessary to gain a better understanding of the molecular types of ADHD. This includes a better knowledge of the interplay between the molecular pathways. It is also crucial to know the way that anti-ADHD medications work in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed to children suffering from ADHD do not work or cause adverse side effects, doctors may turn to antidepressants as a treatment. These medications, such as imipramine and Nortriptyline, (Aventyl and Pamelor) boost the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which aids in helping people to focus. These older medications can cause serious negative side consequences. They are usually only employed when other drugs do not work.
The first choice for depression-related antidepressants is typically a serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine, sertraline, or citalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants are still being used in certain cases, despite their long history. They are also effective in treating neuropathic pain and provide a pain-relieving effect which is distinct from their antidepressant activity. They increase the activity of the noradrenephrine receptor by blocking its reuptake. They also function as descending modulators for pain pathways in spinal cord.
SSRIs have a lower risk of toxicity and have less severe side effects than the tricyclic antidepressants. They're also safer in the womb and aren't teratogenic in animals or humans. However, they may cause severe withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. To minimize these side effects, your doctor might suggest reducing the dosage gradually over several weeks.
Bupropion, an antidepressant commonly prescribed off-label to treat ADHD, is not FDA approved as an adhd drug. It is believed to increase neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which increases concentration. It's also known to relieve anxiety and can be combined with stimulants to get faster and long-lasting results.
Although there aren't any other FDA-approved medications that are nonstimulant for ADHD, many people do find relief with the use of nutritional supplements and herbs. A diet low on fat and sugar may aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Similarly, eliminating caffeine can be beneficial for some. Tell your doctor all medications you or your child is taking such as herbal remedies and prescription medications. This will minimize unwanted side effects and prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect individuals differently. It may take some trial and error to determine the best dosage and dose for your child or yourself.