ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD are believed to balance brain chemicals and boost their levels. However, they cannot cure the condition and will only help with symptoms as long as they are used regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication may include changes in blood pressure and heart rate, upset stomach, anxiety and tics. Some children and teenagers who take stimulant medications notice a slight reduction in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant and is the most frequently used drug for treating ADHD. It is available in many forms, including a chewable tablet that is 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 can also lessen the symptoms of anxiety and depression. When used in conjunction with other treatments such as behavioral therapy, methylphenidate could be a very effective treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate works by blocking the transporters that are normally responsible for removing these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug can cause a slight increase in heart rate or blood pressure. It can also cause an abrupt change in blood sugar levels, and diabetics should be careful when taking this medication. Talk to your doctor in the event that you notice any of these signs. Methylphenidate may also trigger a condition called Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness as well as pain in the toes and fingers. This is a rare but serious side result. It is important to notify your doctor in the event that these symptoms develop.
There is some concerns that methylphenidate can slow children's growth, however this hasn't been proved to be the case. If your child is taking methylphenidate, ensure that you be attentive to their weight and height. If your child takes a methylphenidate tablet that contains phenylalanine, it could be harmful for children suffering from phenylketonuria. If you suffer from PKU consult your physician about other formulations of methylphenidate.
Stimulants are considered the first-choice treatment for ADHD However, some individuals have issues with these medications. In these instances, doctors may prescribe other medications that work in a similar manner. Apart from methylphenidate there are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine and Lisdexamfetamine. These drugs are a little stronger than methylphenidate and can last longer. They are usually taken twice to three times per day However, some people take them more frequently. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD, but these are not as effective as stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also called Strattera and is a nonstimulant ADHD drug that increases concentration, while decreasing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It's part of a group of medications known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers that regulate the brain's activity. It is a preferred option for adults and children who prefer a different type of medication than stimulants such as Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is crucial to understand that atomoxetine does not work immediately. It could take up to six weeks before the effects of this medication begin to show. There is also the possibility of experiencing negative side effects, such as nausea and drowsiness. However the benefits of atomoxetine far outweigh the risks for a majority of patients.
The efficacy of atomoxetine has been verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled trial with 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18. 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 a reduction in depression symptoms. The atomoxetine group saw greater improvements in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. The improvement was modest.
In a different open trial in another open trial, 10 patients with ADHD who failed to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine for 8 weeks. The group treated with atomoxetine showed improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version as well as the Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale increasing significantly. One patient however, experienced a rash and withdrew from the study. Three patients also reported temporary digestive symptoms, and one complained of increased fatigue.
Talk to your doctor prior to you start treatment with atomoxetine about your medical history, including any supplements or medications you're taking. This includes herbal remedies and over-the-counter medications. It is especially important to tell your doctor if there is narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor or high blood pressure, heart disease or an unusually sudden death. Also, avoid atomoxetine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid linezolid, methylene blue injection rasagiline or phenelzine, as well as tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant medication that can help improve symptoms of ADHD. It also helps to reduce impulsivity and boost focus, although it does not affect the brain in the same way as stimulants do. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will decide the best dosage for you. Bupropion comes in capsules and tablets. It is important to follow the prescriptions. You might experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop abruptly.
medication for adhd adults is two or three doses daily divided by four to six hours. The dosage can range between 100mg and three times per day to 150mg three or four times every day. The drug is in the digestive system, and excreted through urine. It isn't able to penetrate breast milk. It can, however, enter the bloodstream and cause harm to other organs. Bupropion raises blood pressure. It is important to check it frequently.
Bupropion, in addition to improving ADHD symptoms, can also 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 reaching your brain, which helps stabilize mood.
Bupropion may interact with other medications, so it's important to inform your doctor about any other medications you're taking. It's important to let your doctor know that you are suffering from any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants because they can make the side effects worse.
In several studies in a variety of studies, bupropion was compared with placebos for adults suffering from ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and the majority of studies were not well-designed. Moreover, many of them excluded people with psychiatric comorbidity. The results suggest that bupropion has a modest impact 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 needed before effective treatment can be developed. This includes a better understanding of the relation between the different molecular pathways. Additionally, it's important to understand how different anti-ADHD medications work with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
If the stimulants prescribed to children suffering from ADHD do not work or cause undesirable side effects, doctors may look to antidepressants for treatment. These medications, such as imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), are effective in boosting the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain to help people concentrate. These are old drugs that can have challenging adverse reactions, and are typically only considered when other drugs have failed.
The first option of antidepressants for depression is typically a selective serotonin receptor inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine sertraline, citalopram, or escitalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants continue to be used in some cases despite their long-standing history. These medications are also effective in treating neuropathic pain. They have a second pain-relieving action that is separate from their antidepressant activity. They enhance noradrenephrine through inhibiting its reuptake, and also act as antagonists of pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs have less risk of toxicity and less serious side effects than the tricyclic antidepressants. They're also safer in pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic in humans or animals. If abruptly stopped, they may cause severe withdrawal symptoms. To lessen the negative side effects, your doctor may suggest reducing the dose gradually over a period of time.
While not officially approved by the FDA as a treatment for adhd Bupropion is a widely prescribed antidepressant off-label to treat ADHD. It is believed to increase neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain, which increases concentration. It also helps alleviate anxiety and stress. It can be used in conjunction with stimulants for quicker and lasting results.
Although there aren't any other FDA-approved nonstimulant medications for ADHD, many people do find relief with the use of supplements to their diets and herbs. A diet low on sugar and fat may also help reduce ADHD symptoms. Certain people can benefit by abstaining from caffeine. Inform your doctor about all medicines you or your child take, including herbal remedies and over-the-counter medicines. This can help reduce unwanted side effects and help prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect individuals differently. It could take a bit of trial and error to find the right dosage and dose for your child or yourself.