ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD are believed to balance brain chemicals and increase their levels. However, they do not solve the problem and will only help manage symptoms as long as they are used regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medications can include changes in blood pressure and heart rate, anxiety and tics. Some children and teenagers who take stimulant drugs have a slight decrease 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 forms such as a chewable tablet that is liquid and a long-acting disintegrating orally disintegrating tablet, and an extended release pill. The drug is effective by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which help to increase focus. more.. can also lessen the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Methylphenidate is an effective treatment for ADHD in combination with other treatments, such as behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that eliminate these neurotransmitters naturally from the brain. The drug can cause an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. Patients with diabetes should be on guard when taking this medication as it could cause an abrupt rise in blood sugar. Speak to your doctor when you experience any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate may also cause Raynaud’s phenomenon which causes numbness in the feet and fingers. It is a rare but serious side result. It is important to notify your doctor in the event that these symptoms are observed.
Some people are concerned that methylphenidate could slow children's growth. However it hasn't been proven. If your child is taking methylphenidate make sure you be aware of their weight and height. If your child takes tablets containing methylphenidate, the phenylalanine in it can be dangerous to children with Phenylketonuria. If you suffer from PKU consult your physician about other forms of methylphenidate.
Certain people have issues with stimulants which are the most popular option for treating ADHD. In these instances, doctors may prescribe other medications that work in a similar way. There are other stimulants, like dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine in addition to methylphenidate. These substances can last longer and are more potent than methylphenidate. They are usually taken between two and three times per day, but some people can take them more often. Psychological treatments are also available to treat ADHD however they are less likely to be beneficial than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known under the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that boosts concentration and reduces hyperactivity as well as impulsiveness. It belongs to a class known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It works by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine two chemical messengers that control brain activity. It is popular with adults and children who seek a different medication than stimulants such as Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is important to know that atomoxetine doesn't work instantly. It can take up 6 weeks before the effects of this medication are evident. There is also the possibility of experiencing side effects such as drowsiness and nausea. For the majority of patients, the benefits of taking atomoxetine outweigh any risk.
In a double-blind placebo-controlled study conducted on 297 ADHD patients between the ages of 12 and 18, the effectiveness of atomoxetine is confirmed. The participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine, 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 less. The atomoxetine-treated group had greater improvements in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. The improvement was not significant.
In a different open trial in another open trial, 10 patients with ADHD who failed to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine over 8 weeks. The atomoxetine treatment group demonstrated improved ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Screening version rated and the Clinical Global Impression of Severity scales improving significantly. One patient had to withdraw due to an outbreak of eruption. In addition, three patients reported transient gastrointestinal disturbances and one patient reported fatigue that was more severe (Kratochvil et al 2005).
Before beginning treatment with atomoxetine, talk to your doctor about your medical background and any other medications or supplements that you're taking. This includes herbal remedies and other over-the-counter medicines. Discuss with your doctor when any of the following conditions occur for narrow-angle glaucoma thyroid or adrenal gland tumour or a high blood pressure heart disease or a history sudden death. You should also avoid atomoxetine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor like isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection rasagiline or phenelzine, as well as tranylcypromine within the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant can help improve ADHD symptoms. 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 accepted. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate dosage for you. Bupropion comes in tablets as well as extended-release capsules. It is important to take the medication as instructed. There are withdrawal symptoms that can occur when you stop abruptly.
The most common dosage is two or three doses per day separated by 4 to 6 hours. The dosage can range from 100 mg two or three times a day up to 150 mg three or four times daily. The drug is in the digestive system and excreted in urine. It isn't able to penetrate breast milk. It can, however, get into the bloodstream and cause harm to other organs. Bupropion can increase your blood pressure, which is why it's important to check it often.
In addition to improving the symptoms of ADHD, bupropion can also reduce depression. It is also used to treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors in your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter, dopamine, from entering your brain. This helps to stabilize your mood.
Bupropion can interact with other medications So it's crucial to inform your doctor of any other medications you're taking. It is important to inform your doctor know if you have any allergies. You should also avoid caffeine or other stimulants, which can make the side effects more severe.
Several studies have examined the effects of bupropion versus placebos in adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and the majority of them were not conducted properly. Moreover, many of them excluded people with psychiatric comorbidity. The data indicate that bupropion can have a small effect on ADHD. More research is needed to determine positive outcomes for patients, such as the improvement in their 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 understanding of the relation between the different molecular pathways. It's also important to understand the way that anti-ADHD medications work in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants are often prescribed by doctors when stimulants prescribed for children suffering from ADHD don't work or cause side effects. These medications, like imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor) boost the neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine in the brain, which aids in helping people concentrate. These are older medications that can have challenging adverse reactions, and are usually tried only when other medications have failed.
The first choice of depression-related antidepressants is typically a serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine, sertraline, or citalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants continue to be used in certain instances, despite their long history. They are also effective in treating neuropathic pain and provide a pain-relieving effect which is distinct from their antidepressant activity. They enhance noradrenephrine through 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. Additionally, they're safe in the womb and do not appear to cause teratogenicity in humans or animals. If suddenly stopped, they could cause significant withdrawal symptoms. To minimize these side effects, your doctor may suggest reducing the dose gradually over several weeks.
Although not officially recognized by the FDA as a medication for adhd bupropion is commonly prescribed antidepressant off-label for ADHD. It is believed to increase the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine and acetylcholine within the brain, which improves concentration. It's also known to relieve anxiety, and it can be utilized in conjunction with stimulants to achieve more rapid and sustained results.
Although there aren't any other FDA-approved nonstimulant medications for ADHD however, many people find relief with the use of nutritional supplements and herbs. A diet low in fat and sugar can also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Similarly, eliminating caffeine may be beneficial for certain people. It is important to inform your doctor about all medications you or your child uses, including prescription drugs and herbal remedies. This will minimize unwanted side effects and prevent interactions. ADHD medication can affect each person differently, and it's often a process of trial and error to find the appropriate dosage and medication for your child or you.