ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD and can boost and balance levels of brain chemicals. However, they do not cure the condition and will only help with symptoms as long as they are taken regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication may include changes in heart rate and blood pressure as well as upset stomach as well as anxiety and tics. Certain teens and children who take stimulant drugs notice a slight slowing in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant and is the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. It comes in a variety of 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 improves concentration. It may also reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Methylphenidate can be a successful treatment for ADHD in combination with other treatments, such as behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that normally remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug can cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure. Patients with diabetes should be on guard when taking this medication because it can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar. If you encounter any of these side effects, talk with your doctor. Methylphenidate can also cause the condition known as Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness as well as discomfort in the toes and fingers. This is a rare side effect however, it is crucial to tell your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
Some people are concerned that methylphenidate may slow the growth of children. However this hasn't been proved. If you have a child who is being treated with methylphenidate, be sure to keep track of the weight and height closely. If your child is taking a tablet containing methylphenidate that contains phenylalanine, it could be harmful to children suffering from phenylketonuria. Consult your physician about a different methylphenidate formula in case you suffer from PKU.
Some people are unable to take stimulants which are the primary choice of medication for treating ADHD. In these instances doctors might prescribe other medications that work in a similar manner. In addition to methylphenidate, there are other stimulants like dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine. These are more powerful than methylphenidate and may last longer. They are usually taken twice to three times daily However, some people take them more frequently. Psychological treatments are also available for treating ADHD, but they are less likely to be beneficial than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera and is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that improves concentration while decreasing the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It belongs to a class called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It works by boosting levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers which control the brain activity. It is popular among people of all ages who need an alternative to stimulants such as Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is important to remember that atomoxetine does not work immediately, and it may 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 stomach upset. For the majority of patients the benefits of taking atomoxetine outweigh the risks.
In a double-blind placebo-controlled study that was conducted on 297 ADHD patients aged between 12 and 18, the effectiveness of atomoxetine was verified. Participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine at a daily dose of 0.6 mg per kilogram or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine group as well as the placebo group experienced reduction in symptoms of depression. The atomoxetine treatment group had more improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group. However the improvement was only modest (Michelson and co. 2001).
In a second open trial in a second open trial, 10 ADHD patients who were not responding to stimulants received an atomoxetine treatment over 8 weeks. The atomoxetine treatment group showed improved ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo with scores on Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Version of the screening and the Clinical Global Impression of Severity scales gaining significant. One patient withdrew due to an outbreak of rash. In addition, three patients reported intermittent gastrointestinal problems and one patient reported fatigue that was more severe (Kratochvil and co., 2005).
Consult your physician before you start treatment with atomoxetine regarding your health history, including any medications or supplements you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as prescription medications. Discuss with your doctor when any of the following conditions occur for narrow-angle glaucoma thyroid or adrenal gland tumor and high blood pressure heart disease or a history sudden death. You should stay clear of the use of atomoxetine when you've been taking an MAO-inhibitor such as isocarboxazid and linezolid within the last 14 days, or rasagiline Methylene Blue Injection phenelzine or tranylcypromine.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant drug that can aid in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It can also reduce impulsivity and improve focus, although it does not affect the brain in the same way as stimulants do. It's only available on prescription. Your doctor will determine the right dosage for you. Bupropion comes in tablets and extended-release capsules. It's important to take the medication as instructed. If you stop taking it abruptly, you may have withdrawal symptoms.
The typical dosage is two or three doses per day, separated by 4 to 6 hours. The dose can vary between 100mg and three times a day to 150mg three or four times daily. The drug is taken up by the digestive system, and excreted through urine. It cannot enter breast milk. However, it is able to be absorbed into the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion can raise blood pressure, which is why it's important to check it often.
Bupropion, in addition to improving ADHD symptoms, can also reduce depression. It is also a treatment for bipolar disorder. It is accomplished by blocking dopamine receptors inside your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine, from reaching your brain. This helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other drugs, so it's important to tell your doctor about any other medications you're taking. It is important to inform your doctor know if you suffer from any allergies. It is also important to avoid caffeine or other stimulants, as they could make the adverse effects more severe.
A number of studies have compared bupropion with placebos in adults suffering from ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed, and the majority of them were poorly conducted. Many of these studies did not include participants with psychiatric co-morbidity. Nevertheless, the data suggest that bupropion may have a small impact on ADHD. However, more research is needed to determine positive patient-centered outcomes such as improvements in quality of life. Furthermore, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is essential before a successful treatment can be developed. This includes a better knowledge of the connection between molecular pathways. Furthermore, it's essential to understand how different anti-ADHD agents work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants are often prescribed by doctors when stimulants prescribed for children with ADHD are not effective or cause side adverse effects. These medications, such as imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor), increase the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps people concentrate. These older drugs may cause serious negative side effects. They are generally only employed when other drugs fail.
The first option for depression-related antidepressants is typically a serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as sertraline, fluoxetine or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants which have been around for a long time, can be used in some cases. They also work in treating neuropathic pain. They have a second pain-relieving action that is separate from their antidepressant activity. They potentiate noradrenephrine by inhibiting its reuptake and also act as descending modulators of pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less toxic and have less adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also less harmful during pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic to humans or animals. If medication for adults with add are abruptly stopped, they could cause significant withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor may suggest slowly decreasing the dosage over several weeks to minimize these effects.
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 thought to be effective by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine and acetylcholine in the brain to improve concentration. It is also believed to reduce anxiety and stress. It can be paired with stimulants for more rapid and lasting results.
While there are no other FDA-approved nonstimulant medications for ADHD, many people do find relief with the use of dietary supplements and herbs. A diet low in sugar and fat can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Similarly, eliminating caffeine can be beneficial for some. It is important to inform your doctor about all the medications you or your child uses, including prescription drugs and herbal remedies. This will minimize unwanted side effects and help prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect people differently. It may take some trial and error before you discover the ideal dosage and dose for your child or yourself.