ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD and are believed to increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. However, they cannot solve the problem and will only aid in managing symptoms so long as they are taken regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication may include an increase in blood pressure and heart rate as well as upset stomach anxiety and tics. Certain teens and children who are taking stimulant medication notice a slight slowing in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nerve stimulant is the most well-known drug used to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms including chewable tablet, a liquid and a long-acting disintegrating orally disintegrating tablet, and an extended-release pill. The drug increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This improves concentration. It may also reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. When combined with other treatments such as behavioral therapy, methylphenidate can be a successful treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate works by blocking the transporters that remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug may cause a slight increase in heart rate and blood pressure. It may also trigger a rapid change in blood sugar levels, and people with diabetes should be cautious when taking this medication. Speak to your doctor in the event that you have any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate is also known to cause Raynaud's phenomenon which causes numbness in the feet and fingers. This is a rare but serious side effect. It is crucial to inform your doctor if any of these symptoms are observed.
Some people are concerned that methylphenidate can slow down the growth of children. However it hasn't been proven. If you have a child receiving treatment with methylphenidate ensure that you monitor the weight and height carefully. If your child takes tablets containing methylphenidate and phenylalanine is present, it can be dangerous for children suffering from Phenylketonuria. Consult your physician about a different methylphenidate formula when you suffer from PKU.
Stimulants are considered the first-choice medication for treating ADHD However, some individuals have issues with them. In these cases, doctors may prescribe other drugs that function in a similar manner. Besides 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 two to three times daily however some people may 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 improves concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It belongs to a category known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It works by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers which control the brain activity. It is a preferred option for adults and children who prefer a different kind of medication than stimulants such as Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is crucial to keep in mind that atomoxetine is not effective immediately, and it may take up to 6 weeks for the effects of the drug to become apparent. There is also the possibility of experiencing negative side effects, such as drowsiness and nausea. For most patients the advantages of taking atomoxetine far outweigh any risk.
The efficacy of atomoxetine has been confirmed in a multisite double-blind placebo-controlled study with 297 ADHD patients between the ages of 12 and 18. Participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine at a daily dose 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine group as well as the placebo group experienced a reduction in symptoms of depression. The atomoxetine treatment group showed better improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was not as dramatic (Michelson and colleagues 2001).
In a second open trial in a second open trial, 10 ADHD patients who were not responding to stimulants were treated with the treatment of atomoxetine for eight weeks. The group treated with atomoxetine showed improvements in ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo with scores on Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Version of the screening and Clinical Global Impression of Severity scales gaining significant. One patient had to withdraw due to an outbreak of eruption. Three patients also reported transient digestive symptoms, and one patient noticed an increase in fatigue.
Talk to your doctor before you start treatment with atomoxetine about your health history, including any medications or supplements you're taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over the counter medications. Inform your doctor whether any of the following conditions occur such as narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid or adrenal gland tumour and high blood pressure heart disease or sudden death. It is also recommended to avoid atomoxetine if taken an MAO inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid or methylene blue injection rasagiline, phenelzine or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant drug that can improve the symptoms of ADHD. It also helps reduce impulsivity and improve focus, although it doesn't affect the brain in the same way as stimulants. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will determine the best dosage for you. Bupropion comes in tablets and capsules. It is crucial to follow the instructions. If you stop taking it abruptly you could experience withdrawal symptoms.
It is usually taken two or three times daily with 4-6 hours between each dose. The dose can range between 100 mg twice or three times daily to 150 mg three or four times a day. The drug is absorbed by the digestive system and excreted in urine. It isn't able to penetrate breast milk. However, it is able to be absorbed into the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion can increase your blood pressure, so it's important to monitor it frequently.
Bupropion can, in addition to helping to reduce ADHD symptoms, can also reduce depression. It is also a treatment for bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors within your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine, from entering your brain. This helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other medications. Inform your doctor if taking any other medication. It's also important to determine whether you suffer from any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants because they can cause side effects to become worse.
Numerous studies have examined the effects of bupropion versus placebos in adults suffering from ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and the majority of studies were not well-designed. A majority of these studies excluded patients with psychiatric co-morbidity. The results suggest that bupropion has a modest impact on ADHD. However, more research is needed to identify positive outcomes for patients such as improvements in quality of life. Before effective treatments can be developed it is crucial to gain a better understanding of the molecular types of ADHD. This is a greater understanding of the interplay between molecular pathways. It's also important to understand the way that anti-ADHD medications work in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed to children suffering from ADHD aren't effective or cause undesirable side effects, doctors may turn to antidepressants as a treatment. These medications, such as imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor) are able to increase the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which help people concentrate. These are older drugs which can cause serious adverse effects, so they're typically only considered when other drugs have failed.
The first choice of depression treatment is typically a serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as fluoxetine, sertraline or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants that have been around for a long time, can be used in some cases. They are effective in treating pain caused by neuropathic or other, but their antidepressant effect is not the same. They potentiate noradrenephrine by inhibiting its reuptake, and also act as descending modulators of pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs have less risk of toxicity and less serious side effects than the tricyclic antidepressants. They are also less harmful during pregnancy and do not appear to be here teratogenic to animals or humans. If they are abruptly stopped, they could cause withdrawal symptoms that are severe. To minimize these side effects, your doctor may suggest reducing your dose gradually over several weeks.
While not officially approved by the FDA as a treatment for adhd bupropion is commonly prescribed antidepressant that is off-label for ADHD. It's believed to be effective by increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and acetylcholine that are found in the brain, which improves concentration. It is also known to reduce anxiety and stress. It can be used in conjunction with stimulants for faster and longer-lasting results.
While there are no other FDA-approved nonstimulant drugs for ADHD, many people do get relief from the use of supplements to their diets and herbs. A diet low in fat and sugar may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Some people might also benefit from staying clear of caffeine. It is essential to inform your doctor about all medications your child or you is taking, including prescription medications and herbal remedies. This will help minimize unwanted side effects and prevent interactions. ADHD medication can affect each person differently, so it's sometimes a trial and error to find the appropriate dosage and medication for you or your child.