ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, which are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD seem to balance brain chemicals and boost their levels. However, they don't cure the condition and can only help manage symptoms as long as they are used regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication could include an increase in blood pressure and heart rate and stomach upset, anxiety and tics. Some children and teens who are taking stimulant medication experience a slight reduction in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant and is the most frequently prescribed drug to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms such as a liquid, chewable tablet, a long-acting orally disintegrating tablet, and an extended-release pill. The drug is effective by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, helping to improve focus. It can also help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. When used in conjunction with other treatments such as behavioral therapy, methylphenidate can be an effective treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters which remove these neurotransmitters normally from the brain. The medication can cause a slight increase in heart rate and blood pressure. It can also cause a rapid change in blood sugar levels, so diabetics should be aware when taking this medication. Talk to your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate can also trigger Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness in the feet and fingers. This is an uncommon side effect, but it is important to tell your doctor if you have these symptoms.
Some people are concerned that methylphenidate could slow children's growth. However it hasn't been proved. If your child is taking methylphenidate, be sure to be aware of their weight and height. If your child is on chewable tablets of methylphenidate is a phenylalanine-based tablet, which is potentially dangerous for children with the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). Consult your physician about a different formulation of methylphenidate if you have PKU.
Stimulants are the most popular treatment for ADHD however, some individuals have issues with them. In these instances doctors might prescribe other drugs that function in a similar way. There are also other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine, in addition to the methylphenidate. These drugs are a little stronger than methylphenidate and can last longer. These drugs are typically taken twice or three times daily however some individuals might be able 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 reduces hyperactivity as well as impulsiveness. It's part of a class of medications known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and works by boosting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers that regulate the brain's activity. It is a favorite option for adults and children who prefer a different kind of medication than stimulants like Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is important to remember that atomoxetine is not effective immediately, and it may take up to 6 weeks for the effects of the medication to be evident. There are also negative side effects, such as drowsiness and nausea. For most patients the advantages of taking atomoxetine far outweigh the risks.
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 verified. 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 group saw more improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was not as dramatic (Michelson et al 2001).
In a second open trial in a second open trial, 10 ADHD patients who did not respond to stimulants were given the treatment of atomoxetine for eight weeks. The atomoxetine treatment group showed improved ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo, with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Version of the screening and the Clinical Global Impression of Severity scales increasing significantly. One patient however, experienced an rash and resigned from the study. Three patients also reported temporary stomach symptoms, and one noticed an increase in fatigue.
Before you begin treatment with atomoxetine, talk with your physician about your medical history and any other medications or supplements that you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as prescription medications. Inform your doctor if any of the following conditions exist for narrow-angle glaucoma thyroid or adrenal gland tumor and high blood pressure heart disease or a history sudden death. It is also recommended to avoid atomoxetine if taken an MAO inhibitor like isocarboxazid, linezolid or methylene blue injection rasagiline or phenelzine, as well as tranylcypromine within the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant medication that can aid in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It can also reduce impulsivity, and increase concentration. However, it does not affect the brain in the similar way that stimulants do. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will determine the right dosage for you. Bupropion is available in tablets and extended-release capsules. It's important to take the medication exactly as directed. If you stop taking it suddenly you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
It is usually taken two or three times daily with a 4-6 hour interval between each dose. The dosage can range between 100mg and three times a day to 150mg three or four time daily. The drug is absorbed by the digestive system and excreted into urine. It is not able to enter breast milk. However, it could enter the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion can raise blood pressure, making it important to check it often.
Bupropion is a great drug that, in addition to reducing ADHD symptoms and reducing depression, also helps to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. It can also treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors within your brain. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, is blocked from entering your brain, which helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other medications. Inform your doctor if taking any other medication. It's important to let your doctor know if are suffering from any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants since they can make side effects worse.
Several studies have compared bupropion with placebos in adults with ADHD. These studies yielded mixed results and were not conducted properly. Moreover, many of them excluded participants with psychiatric comorbidity. The research suggests that bupropion does have an impact on ADHD. More research is needed to determine the positive effects for patients, such as an improvement in quality of life. Before effective treatments can be created it is essential to here understand the underlying causes of the molecular forms of ADHD. This includes a better understanding of the relation between different molecular pathways. It is also crucial to know how anti-ADHD drugs function in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants may be prescribed by doctors when stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD do not work or cause side effects. These drugs, which include imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), are effective in boosting the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which help people focus. These older drugs may cause severe adverse effects. They are typically employed when other drugs fail.
The first option for antidepressants in depression is usually a serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like sertraline, fluoxetine or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants, which have been around for a long time, can be utilized in certain instances. These drugs are effective in treating neuropathic and other pains however their antidepressant effect is not the same. They increase the potency of noradrenephrine by reducing its reuptake. They also function as lower modulators of pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs have lower risks of toxicity, and less serious side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also less harmful during pregnancy and do not appear to be teratogenic to humans or animals. But they can have significant withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. To lessen the negative side effects, your doctor might suggest reducing the dosage gradually over a period of several weeks.
Bupropion, an antidepressant commonly prescribed off-label to treat ADHD however, it is not FDA approved as a drug for adhd. It is believed to increase neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which enhances concentration. It is also known to relieve stress and anxiety. It can be paired with stimulants to achieve quicker and lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved non-stimulant ADHD medications, but many people find relief from dietary supplements and herbal remedies. A diet that is low in sugar and fat can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Also, avoiding caffeine may be beneficial for some. It's important to tell your doctor about all medications your child or you takes, including over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies. This will avoid interactions and reduce the risk of unwanted adverse effects. ADHD medication can affect people differently. It could take a bit of trial and error before you find the right dosage and dose for your child or you.