ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, which are the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD are believed to balance brain chemicals and boost their levels. However, they do not cure the condition and can only help manage symptoms as long as they are taken regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medication can include an increase in blood pressure and heart rate and stomach upset anxiety and tics. Certain teenagers and children who take stimulant medications notice a slight reduction in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant for the central nervous system and is the most frequently used drug for treating ADHD. It is available in various forms, such as tablets that chew liquid and an oral disintegrating tablet that acts long, and a pill with extended release. The drug works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, helping to increase concentration. It can also help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. When coupled with other treatments, like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate could be a successful treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug could cause a slight increase in heart rate or blood pressure. It may also trigger an abrupt change in blood sugar levels, so diabetics should be cautious when taking this medication. If you encounter any of these side effects, talk to your doctor. Methylphenidate is also known to cause a condition known as Raynaud's phenomena that causes numbness and pain in the fingers and toes. This is a rare, but serious side result. It is essential to inform your doctor if these symptoms develop.
There is a concerns that methylphenidate can slow children's growth, but it hasn't been proven to be the case. If you have a child who is receiving treatment with methylphenidate be sure to monitor his or her height and weight closely. If your child is taking a methylphenidate tablet, the phenylalanine in it can be dangerous to children suffering from phenylketonuria. If you suffer from PKU consult your doctor about the different forms of methylphenidate.
Stimulants are the most popular treatment for ADHD, but some people have trouble with these medications. In these cases, doctors may prescribe other drugs that function similarly. Apart from methylphenidate there are other stimulants such as dexamfetamine and Lisdexamfetamine. These are more potent than methylphenidate, and they can last longer. They are usually taken between two and three times per day, but some people can take them more frequently. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD, but these are less effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known by the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that boosts concentration and reduces hyperactivity as well as impulsiveness. It's part of a class of medications called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers that control the brain's activity. It is a favorite among adults and children who seek an alternative to stimulants like Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is important to remember that atomoxetine does not work instantly and it could take up to six weeks for the effects of the drug to become apparent. There are also side effects such as drowsiness and nausea. However, the benefits of atomoxetine far surpass the risks for many patients.
The efficacy of atomoxetine has been confirmed in a multisite double-blind placebo-controlled study involving 297 ADHD patients between the ages of 12 and 18. The 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. In both atomoxetine as well as placebo groups depression symptoms were reduced. The atomoxetine group saw more improvements in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. The improvement was sporadic.
In a different open trial in another open trial, 10 patients with ADHD who were unable to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine for 8 weeks. The atomoxetine group demonstrated improved ADHD symptoms when compared to the placebo group and scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version and Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale increasing significantly. One patient was unable to continue treatment due to an outbreak of skin rash. Three patients also reported transient digestive symptoms, and one patient reported increased fatigue.
Before you begin treatment with atomoxetine to your doctor about your medical history as well as any other supplements or medications that you're taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as prescription medications. It is crucial to tell your doctor if you suffer from narrow-angle glaucoma, thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor and high blood pressure click here heart disease or an unusually sudden death. Avoid Atomoxetine in addition to if you've taken 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 improve the symptoms of ADHD. It can also reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. However it doesn't affect the brain the same way that stimulants do. It's only available with a prescription. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate dosage for you. Bupropion comes in tablets and capsules. It is essential to follow the prescriptions. If you stop taking it suddenly you could experience withdrawal symptoms.
The usual dosage is two or three doses per day separated by 4 to 6 hours. The dose can range between 100 mg two or three times per day to 150 mg daily, three or four times. The drug is absorbed into the digestive tract and excreted into urine, which means it isn't able to enter breast milk. However, it can get into the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion increases blood pressure. It's important to keep it in check frequently.
Bupropion, in addition to improving 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 can help to regulate your mood.
Bupropion can interact with other medications. Inform your doctor if taking any other medications. It's also important to find out if you have any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants as they can make side effects worse.
In a number of studies, bupropion was compared to placebos for adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and the majority of them were not conducted properly. Many of these studies did not include patients with psychiatric co-morbidity. However, the research suggests that bupropion may have a small impact on ADHD. However it is necessary to conduct more research to identify positive outcomes for patients such as improvements in quality of life. Additionally, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is essential before a successful treatment can be created. This requires a deeper understanding of the relationship between molecular pathways. It is also crucial to know the way that anti-ADHD medications work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants are often prescribed by doctors if stimulants prescribed for children with ADHD do not work or cause side negative effects. These drugs, like imipramine and Nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor) boost the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which aids in helping people focus. These older medications can cause serious side negative effects. They are typically employed when other drugs are not working.
The first choice for depression treatment is typically a serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as sertraline, fluoxetine or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants, which have been around for decades, may still be used in some cases. They are effective in treating neuropathic pain and other conditions but their antidepressant action is not the same. They enhance the noradrenephrine receptor by blocking its reuptake, and they also act as descending moderators for pain pathways in spinal cord.
SSRIs have lower risks of toxicity and have less severe side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. Additionally, they're safe in the womb and aren't teratogenic in humans or animals. If abruptly stopped, they may cause severe withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor might suggest gradually decreasing the dosage over several weeks to minimize these effects.
Bupropion, a popular antidepressant that is prescribed off-label for treating ADHD however, it is not FDA approved as a treatment for adhd. It's thought to increase the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine and acetylcholine that are found in the brain, which improves concentration. It is also known to alleviate anxiety and stress. It can be used in conjunction with stimulants to produce quicker and lasting results.
While there are no other FDA-approved nonstimulant drugs for ADHD, many people do find relief with the use of nutritional supplements and herbs. A diet low on sugar and fat may also aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Certain people can benefit by staying clear of caffeine. It is essential to inform your doctor about all medications you or your child uses, including prescription drugs and herbal remedies. This can help reduce unwanted side effects as well as prevent interactions. ADHD medication can affect each person differently, which is why it's often a process of trial and error to find the right drug and dosage for you or your child.