ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD, appear to regulate brain chemicals and boost their levels. However, they cannot cure the condition and can only help manage symptoms as long as they're taken regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medications may include changes in blood pressure as well as heart rate, anxiety and tics. Some teens and children who take stimulant medications notice a slight slowing in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant and is the most widely used drug for treating ADHD. It is available in a variety of forms, such as a liquid chewable tablet as well as an oral disintegrating tablet that performs long and has an extended release. The drug is effective by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, helping to enhance focus. It can also lessen the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Methylphenidate can be a successful treatment for ADHD when combined with other treatments, including behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters which remove these neurotransmitters normally from the brain. The medication can cause a slight increase in blood pressure and heart rate. It can also cause rapid changes in blood sugar levels, and diabetics should be aware when taking this medication. Talk to your doctor when you have any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate is also known to cause Raynaud's phenomenon which causes numbness in the feet and fingers. This is an uncommon side effect, but it is important to tell your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms.
There is a concerns that methylphenidate may slow children's growth, however it hasn't been proved to be the case. If your child is taking methylphenidate be sure to be aware of their weight and height. If your child takes a tablet containing methylphenidate that contains phenylalanine, it could pose a risk to children suffering from Phenylketonuria. If you have PKU, consult your doctor about the different forms of methylphenidate.
Stimulants are considered the first-choice treatment for ADHD however, some individuals have issues with them. In these instances doctors might prescribe other medications that work in a similar manner. In addition to methylphenidate, there are other stimulants like dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine. These drugs can last for longer and are more potent than methylphenidate. The typical dosage is every day, either twice or three times however some individuals may be able to take them more frequently. Psychological treatments are also available to treat ADHD however, they are less likely to prove helpful than a stimulant.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also called Strattera and is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that improves concentration while reducing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It's part of a class of medications known as selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitors. It is a stimulant of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers that regulate the brain's activity. It is popular among children and adults who want an alternative to stimulants like Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is important to know that atomoxetine does not work immediately. It may take up to 6 weeks before the effects of this medication begin to show. Additionally, you could be afflicted by side effects such as reduced appetite, drowsiness and stomach upset. For the majority of patients the benefits of taking atomoxetine outweigh any risks.
In a double-blind, placebo controlled study of 297 ADHD patients between the ages of 12 and 18, the effectiveness of atomoxetine has been verified. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either atomoxetine at a daily dose 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine and placebo groups, symptoms of depression were less. The treatment group with atomoxetine showed greater improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However, the improvement was modest (Michelson and co. 2001).
In another open trial, 10 patients with ADHD who were unable to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine over 8 weeks. The group receiving atomoxetine had improved ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version and Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale gaining significant. One patient withdrew due to a rash. In addition, three patients reported intermittent gastrointestinal problems and one experienced increased fatigue (Kratochvil and colleagues, 2005).
Consult your physician before you begin treatment with atomoxetine. Discuss your health history, including any supplements or medications you're taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over the counter medications. It is particularly important to inform your doctor if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor or high blood pressure, heart disease, or an unusually sudden death. You should also be wary of atomoxetine in the event that you have taken an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid linezolid, methylene blue injection, rasagiline or phenelzine, as well as tranylcypromine, in the past 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant medication that can improve the symptoms of ADHD. It can also reduce more info impulsivity and improve focus, although it does not affect the brain in the same way as stimulants do. It's available by prescription only. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate dosage for you. Bupropion is available as tablets and capsules. It is important to take the medication exactly as instructed. If you stop taking it abruptly, you may have withdrawal symptoms.
It's typically taken two or three times a day with a gap of 4-6 hours between each dose. The dosage can range between 100 mg twice or three times daily up to 150 mg daily, three or four times. The drug is absorbed by the digestive tract and is excreted in urine, which means it isn't able to enter breast milk. However, it is able to enter the bloodstream and impact other organs. Bupropion may increase blood pressure, which is why it's important to check it often.
Bupropion is a great drug that, in addition to reducing ADHD symptoms and reducing depression, also helps to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. It can also treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking the dopamine receptors within your brain. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, is blocked from reaching your brain, which helps stabilize mood.
Bupropion may interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor if you're taking any other medications. It's important to let your doctor know if you suffer from any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants because 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 most studies were not well-designed. Many of these studies excluded participants with psychiatric co-morbidity. However, the evidence suggests that bupropion may have a small impact on ADHD. More research is needed to determine positive outcomes for patients, including an improvement in the quality of living. Before effective treatments can be developed it is essential to gain a better understanding of the molecular causes of ADHD. This is a greater understanding of the interplay between molecular pathways. It's also important to understand the way that anti-ADHD medications work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants can be prescribed by doctors if stimulants prescribed for children with ADHD are not effective or cause side negative effects. These medications, such as imipramine and Nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor), increase the neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine in the brain, which aids in helping people to focus. These older drugs can have serious negative side consequences. They are usually only used when other medications do not work.
The first choice of antidepressants in depression is usually a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as sertraline, fluoxetine or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants, which have been around for decades, may still be utilized in certain instances. These medications are also effective in reducing neuropathic pain. They also provide a pain-relieving effect that is distinct from their antidepressant properties. They enhance noradrenephrine through inhibiting its reuptake. They also function as antagonists of pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less toxic and have fewer side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They're also safer in pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic in humans or animals. If suddenly stopped, they can cause withdrawal symptoms that are severe. Your doctor might suggest gradually lowering the dose over several weeks to minimize these effects.
Bupropion, a popular antidepressant that is prescribed off-label for treating ADHD, is not FDA approved as an adhd drug. It's believed to be effective by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine and acetylcholine within the brain to increase concentration. It is also believed to ease anxiety and can be used in conjunction with stimulants to get faster and long-lasting results.
While there aren't any FDA-approved nonstimulant medications for ADHD Many people find relief with the use of nutritional supplements and herbs. A diet that is low in sugar and fat can also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Certain people can also benefit from abstaining from caffeine. It is important to inform your doctor about all medications you or your child uses, including prescription drugs and herbal remedies. This will prevent interactions and reduce the risk of unwanted adverse effects. ADHD medication can affect each person differently, so it's sometimes a trial and error to discover the appropriate dosage and medication for you or your child.