ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD are believed to regulate brain chemicals and boost their levels. However, they cannot solve the problem and will only help with symptoms as long as they are used regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication could include changes in heart rate and blood pressure, upset stomach, anxiety and tics. Some children and teens who take stimulant drugs have a slight decrease in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nerve stimulant, is the most common medication used to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms such as a chewable tablet that is liquid and a long-acting disintegrating orally disintegrating tablet, and an extended-release pill. The drug increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This improves concentration. It may also reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. When coupled with other treatments, like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate can be a successful treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters which remove these neurotransmitters normally from the brain. The drug can cause an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. It may also trigger rapid changes in blood sugar levels, which is why diabetics should be aware when taking this medication. Talk to your doctor in the event that you experience any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate can also cause a condition known as Raynaud's phenomena, which causes numbness and pain in the toes and fingers. This is an uncommon side effect, however it is essential to notify your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms.
There is a concern that methylphenidate slows the growth of children, but this has not been proven to be the situation. If you have a child who is receiving treatment with methylphenidate ensure that you monitor the weight and height carefully. If your child takes a tablet containing methylphenidate that contains phenylalanine, it can be dangerous for children suffering from phenylketonuria. If you have PKU, consult your doctor about the different methylphenidate formulations.
Some people are unable to take stimulants, which are the first choice of medication for treating ADHD. In these instances, doctors may prescribe other medications that function in a similar manner. Besides methylphenidate, there are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine and Lisdexamfetamine. These are more potent than methylphenidate, and they can last longer. These drugs are typically taken every day, either twice or three times however some individuals might be able to take them more often. 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 improves concentration and reduces hyperactivity as well as impulsiveness. It is in a class of medications called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It is a stimulant of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers that control the brain's activity. It is a favorite choice for both adults and children who prefer a different kind of medication than stimulants like Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is important to realize that atomoxetine does not work immediately. It may take up to six weeks before the effects of this medication begin to show. There are also negative side effects, such as nausea and drowsiness. For most patients, the benefits of taking atomoxetine are greater than any risk.
In a double-blind, placebo controlled study conducted on 297 ADHD patients aged between 12 and 18 years old, 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 for 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine and the placebo group experienced a reduction in symptoms of depression. The atomoxetine treatment group had greater improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group. The improvement was not significant.
In a different open trial in another open trial, 10 patients with ADHD who were unable to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine over 8 weeks. The group treated with atomoxetine showed improvement in ADHD symptoms when 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 gaining significant. One patient withdrew due to an rash. In addition, three patients reported transient gastrointestinal disturbances and one experienced increased fatigue (Kratochvil and colleagues, 2005).
Talk to your doctor before you begin treatment with atomoxetine about your medical history, including any medications or supplements you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over the counter medicines. Tell your doctor if any of the following conditions are present such as narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid or adrenal gland tumour; high blood pressure; heart disease or a history sudden death. Avoid Atomoxetine in addition to when you've been taking an MAO-inhibitor like isocarboxazid or linezolid within the last 14 days, or rasagiline Methylene Blue Injection phenelzine or tranylcypromine.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a nonstimulant that can aid in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It also helps reduce the impulsivity of children and improve concentration. However, it does not affect the brain the similar way that stimulants do. Only prescriptions are approved. Your doctor will determine the most effective dosage for you. Bupropion comes in tablets as well as extended-release capsules. It is crucial to follow the instructions. You might experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop abruptly.
It is usually taken two or three times daily with a gap of 4-6 hours between each dose. The dosage can range from 100 mg two or three times daily to 150 mg daily, three or four times. The drug is absorbed into the digestive tract and eliminated into urine, which means it cannot be absorbed into breast milk. It can, however, get into the bloodstream and cause harm to other organs. Bupropion can increase blood pressure. It's important to keep it in check regularly.
Bupropion can, in addition to helping to reduce ADHD symptoms and reducing depression, also helps to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. It is also used to treat bipolar disorder. It is accomplished by blocking dopamine receptors inside your brain. This stops the neurotransmitter, dopamine, from entering your brain. This helps to stabilize your mood.
Bupropion can interact with other drugs, so it's important to inform your doctor of any other medications you're taking. It's also important to know whether you are allergic to. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants since they can make the side effects worse.
In several studies the bupropion drug was compared with placebos for adults with ADHD. These studies produced mixed results and were poorly conducted. A majority of these studies excluded patients with psychiatric co-morbidity. The research suggests that bupropion does have an impact on ADHD. However there is a need for more research to identify positive outcomes for patients like improvements in quality of life. Before effective treatments can be created it is essential to have a better understanding of the molecular types of ADHD. This requires a deeper understanding of the relation between different molecular pathways. Additionally, it's important to understand how different anti-ADHD medications work with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD aren't effective or cause adverse side effects, doctors may look to antidepressants for treatment. These medications, like imipramine and Nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor) are able to increase the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which help people focus. These older drugs may cause severe adverse effects. They are generally only used when other medications fail.
The first option for antidepressants in depression is usually an inhibitor of serotonin reuptake (SSRI) like fluoxetine, sertraline or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants which have been around for decades, may still be utilized in certain instances. These medications are effective in treating neuropathic pain and other conditions however their antidepressant effect is not the identical. They increase the potency of noradrenephrine by reducing its reuptake, and also act as lower modulators of pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less harmful and have less adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also safer during pregnancy and do not appear to be teratogenic for humans or animals. But they can have significant withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. To lessen the negative adverse effects, your physician may suggest reducing your dose gradually over several weeks.
Bupropion, an antidepressant commonly that is used off-label to treat ADHD however, it is not FDA approved as a drug for adhd. It is believed to be effective by increasing neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which improves concentration. It is also believed to ease anxiety, and it can be used in conjunction with stimulants for more rapid and sustained results.
While there are no other FDA-approved nonstimulant medications for ADHD, many people do feel relief through the use of nutritional supplements and herbs. adhd depression medication that is low in fat and sugar can help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Certain people can benefit by staying clear of caffeine. Inform your doctor about all medicines you or your child is taking such as herbal remedies and over-the-counter medicines. This will help minimize unwanted side effects and prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect people differently. It may take some trial and error before you determine the best dosage and drug for your child or yourself.