ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD, and appear to increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. They do not cure the disorder and only treat symptoms if they are taken regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medication can include changes in blood pressure as well as heart rate, anxiety and tics. Children and teens who take stimulant drugs notice a slight reduction in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous stimulant is the most commonly used drug used to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms including liquid, chewable tablet and a long-acting disintegrating orally disintegrating tablet, and an extended release pill. The drug is effective by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which help to enhance focus. It may also reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. When used in conjunction with other treatments such as behavioral therapy, methylphenidate can be a very effective treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that are normally responsible for removing these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug may cause a slight increase in blood pressure and heart rate. People who suffer from diabetes should be cautious when taking this medication because it can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar. If you encounter any of these side effects, speak with your doctor. Methylphenidate is also known to cause a condition called Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness as well as discomfort in the fingers and toes. This is an uncommon side effect, however, it is crucial to notify your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication are concerned that methylphenidate could slow children's growth. However, this has not been proved. If you have a child being treated with methylphenidate be sure to keep track of the weight and height closely. If your child is on chewable tablets containing methylphenidate, it contains phenylalanine, which is a risk for children suffering from the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). Ask your doctor about a different formulation of methylphenidate if you have PKU.
Stimulants are often considered to be the first choice medication for treating ADHD however, certain people are not able to use these medications. In these instances, doctors may prescribe other drugs that function in a similar way. In addition to methylphenidate, there are other stimulants like dexamfetamine and the lisdexamfetamine. These drugs can last longer and are stronger than methylphenidate. The typical dosage is at least three times a day However, some people might be able to take them more frequently. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD however, they are less effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also known as the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that increases concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It is in a class of medications called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and works by boosting levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers that control the brain's activity. It is a favorite option for adults and children who prefer a different type of medication than stimulants such as Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is important to realize that atomoxetine isn't a drug that works instantly. It can take up six weeks before the effects of this drug begin to show. There is also the possibility of experiencing negative side effects, such as nausea and drowsiness. For the majority of patients, the benefits of taking atomoxetine are greater than any risk.
In a double-blind placebo-controlled study that was conducted on 297 ADHD patients aged between 12 and 18 years old, the efficacy of atomoxetine has been confirmed. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either atomoxetine at a daily dose 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over a period of 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine group and the placebo group experienced a reduction in depression symptoms. The treatment group with atomoxetine showed more improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. The improvement was sporadic.
In a separate open study, 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 when compared to placebo, with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Rated screening version and Clinical Global Impression of Severity scales gaining significant. One patient had to withdraw due to a rash. Additionally, three patients reported transient gastrointestinal disturbances and one reported increased fatigue (Kratochvil and co., 2005).
Before you begin treatment with atomoxetine to your doctor about your medical history and any other supplements or medications that you're taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as prescription medicines. It is crucial to tell your doctor if there is narrow-angle glaucoma, thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor and high blood pressure heart disease, or an unusually sudden death. You should avoid Atomoxetine in addition to if you've taken an MAO-inhibitor, such isocarboxazid or linezolid in the last 14 days or rasagiline Methylene Blue Injection phenelzine, or tranylcypromine.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant drug that can help improve symptoms of ADHD. It also helps reduce impulsivity and boost concentration, but it does not affect the brain in the same way as stimulants. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will decide the best dosage for you. Bupropion is available in tablets and extended-release capsules. It is important to take the medication exactly as prescribed. If you stop taking it abruptly you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
It's usually taken twice or three times per day with a 4-6 hour interval between each dose. The dosage can vary from 100 mg two or three times a day up 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 can enter the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion may increase blood pressure, making it important to monitor it frequently.
In addition to reducing the symptoms of ADHD In addition, bupropion may reduce depression. It is also a treatment for bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors in your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine, from reaching your brain. This helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other medications. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications. It's also important to determine whether you are allergic to. You should also stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants that could make the adverse effects worse.
In a number of studies in a variety of studies, bupropion was compared with placebos for adults suffering from ADHD. These studies produced mixed results and were not conducted properly. Additionally, many excluded participants with psychiatric comorbidity. Nevertheless, the data suggest that bupropion may have a small impact 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 created it is essential to gain a better understanding of the molecular forms of ADHD. This is a greater understanding of the relationship between the molecular pathways. It's also important to understand how anti-ADHD drugs work in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants can be prescribed by doctors when stimulants prescribed for children suffering from ADHD don't work or cause adverse side effects. These medications, such as imipramine and Nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor) boost the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which helps people to focus. These older drugs can have severe negative side consequences. They are usually only used when other medications are not working.
The first choice of antidepressants for depression is typically a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram or escitalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants continue to be used in certain instances, despite their long history. These medications 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 in the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less toxic and have fewer side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also less harmful during pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic for humans or animals. If abruptly stopped, they could cause severe withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor may recommend slowly decreasing the dosage over several weeks to minimize these effects.
Although not officially recognized by the FDA as an adhd medication bupropion is commonly prescribed antidepressant off-label for ADHD. It's believed to increase the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine and acetylcholine that are found in the brain to increase concentration. It is also believed to reduce anxiety and stress. It can be used in conjunction with stimulants for more rapid and lasting results.
Although there aren't any other FDA-approved nonstimulant medications for ADHD Many people find relief with the use of nutritional supplements and herbs. A diet low in fat and sugar can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Certain people can benefit from staying clear of caffeine. It is essential to inform your doctor about all medications you or your child takes, including over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies. This can help reduce unwanted side effects as well as prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect people differently. It could take a bit of trial and error to determine the best dosage and dose for your child or yourself.