ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD, and appear to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals. However, they don't cure the condition and will only help manage symptoms as long as they are taken regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication could include an increase in heart rate and blood pressure as well as upset stomach anxiety and tics. Some children and teens who are taking stimulant medication experience a slight reduction in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nerve stimulant is the most commonly used medication used to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms, such as tablets that chew liquid as well as an oral disintegrating tablet that acts long and has an extended release. The drug increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, helping to increase focus. It may also reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Methylphenidate is a proven treatment for ADHD in combination with other treatments, including behavioural therapy.
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 on guard when taking this medication as it could cause a rapid rise in blood sugar. Speak to your doctor in the event that you notice any of these signs. Methylphenidate is also known to cause Raynaud's phenomenon, which causes numbness of the fingers and feet. This is a rare, but serious side result. It is essential to notify your doctor if any of these symptoms develop.
There is a concerns that methylphenidate may slow the growth of children, but this has not been proved to be the situation. If you have a child being treated with methylphenidate ensure that you monitor his or her weight and height carefully. If your child is taking chewable tablets containing methylphenidate, it contains phenylalanine, which is potentially dangerous for children with the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). If you have PKU, consult your doctor about the different formulations of methylphenidate.
Stimulants are considered the first-choice medication for treating ADHD however, some people have trouble with these medications. In these instances, doctors might prescribe a different medication that functions in a similar way. There are other stimulants, like dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine, besides methylphenidate. These drugs can last longer and are stronger than methylphenidate. They are usually taken twice or three times daily, but some people might be able to take them more often. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD however they are not as effective as stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also called Strattera and is a non-stimulant ADHD drug that boosts concentration, while decreasing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It belongs to a category called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It works by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers which control the brain's activity. It is popular among children and adults who want a different medication than stimulants such as Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is important to realize that atomoxetine doesn't work instantly. It may take up to six weeks before the effects of this medication begin to show. You may also experience side effects such as nausea and drowsiness. However, the benefits of atomoxetine far outweigh the risks for a majority of patients.
The efficacy of atomoxetine was verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled study with 297 ADHD patients ages 12 to 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. Both the atomoxetine and the placebo group experienced a reduction in depression symptoms. The atomoxetine treatment group showed better improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However, the improvement was modest (Michelson and colleagues 2001).
In a second open study that included 10 ADHD patients who were not responding to stimulants received an atomoxetine treatment over 8 weeks. The group receiving atomoxetine had improved ADHD symptoms when compared to the placebo group and 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 had to withdraw due to an rash. Additionally, three patients reported transient gastrointestinal disturbances and one experienced increased fatigue (Kratochvil and co., 2005).
Talk to your doctor before you begin treatment with atomoxetine about your medical history, which includes any supplements or medications you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over-the-counter medications. Inform your doctor if any of the following conditions exist such as narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid or adrenal gland tumor and high blood pressure heart disease or a history sudden death. It is also recommended to be wary of atomoxetine in the event that you have taken an MAO inhibitor like isocarboxazid, linezolid or methylene blue injection rasagiline, phenelzine or tranylcypromine, click here in the past 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a nonstimulant that can improve the symptoms of ADHD. It can also decrease the impulsivity of children and improve focus. However, it does not affect the brain in the same way that stimulants do. It's only available with a prescription. Your doctor will determine the right dosage for you. Bupropion comes in tablets as well as extended-release capsules. It's important to take the medication exactly as prescribed. You may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop suddenly.
It is usually taken two or three times a day with a 4-6 hour interval between each dose. The dosage can range between 100 mg twice or three times per day to 150 mg three or four times a day. The drug is taken up by the digestive system and excreted into urine. It isn't able to penetrate breast milk. However, it can enter the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion can increase your blood pressure, which is why it's vital to monitor it regularly.
Bupropion, in addition to improving ADHD symptoms and reducing depression, also helps to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. It can also be used to treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors within your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine from reaching your brain, which helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion can interact with other medications. Inform your doctor if taking any other medication. It's also important to determine whether you are allergic to. You should also stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants that can make the side effects more severe.
In several studies in a variety of studies, bupropion was compared with placebos for adults with ADHD. These studies produced mixed results and were not conducted properly. Moreover, many of them did not include participants with psychiatric disorders. However, the evidence suggests that bupropion has a modest impact on ADHD. However it is necessary to conduct more research to identify positive outcomes for patients like improvements in quality of life. Before effective treatments can be created it is essential to understand the underlying causes of the molecular causes of ADHD. This is a greater understanding of the relation between different molecular pathways. It's also important to understand the way that anti-ADHD medications work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed for children suffering from ADHD don't work or cause adverse side effects, doctors might look to antidepressants for treatment. These drugs, like imipramine and Nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor) boost the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which helps people focus. These older medications can cause serious negative side consequences. They are usually only used when other medications are not working.
The first option for antidepressants in depression is usually 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. These medications are effective in treating pain caused by neuropathic or other, but their antidepressant effect is not the identical. They potentiate the noradrenephrine receptor through blocking its reuptake. They also act as descending modulators for pain pathways in spinal cord.
SSRIs are less toxic and have less side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. In addition, they're safer during pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic in animals or humans. But they can have significant withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. Your doctor might suggest gradually lowering the dose over several weeks to reduce the effects.
Bupropion, a common antidepressant prescribed off-label to treat ADHD, is not FDA approved as a drug for adhd. It is believed to increase neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain, which enhances concentration. It also has been proven to reduce anxiety and can be used in conjunction with stimulants for more rapid and long-lasting results.
While there aren't any FDA-approved medications that are nonstimulant for ADHD however, many people feel relief through the use of nutritional supplements and herbs. A diet low in fat and sugar can also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Some people may benefit by staying clear of caffeine. Tell your doctor all medications that you or your child are taking as well as herbal remedies and prescription drugs. This will help minimize unwanted side effects and help prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect every person differently, which is why it's often a process of trial and error to determine the right dosage and drug for you or your child.