ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD seem to regulate brain chemicals and boost their levels. However, they don't solve the problem and will only help with symptoms as long as they are taken regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medications can include changes in blood pressure, heart rate, anxiety, and tics. Certain teenagers and children who take stimulant medications experience a minor reduction in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant for the central nervous system and is the most widely used drug for treating ADHD. It is available in a variety of forms, such as chewable tablets with liquid as well as an oral disintegrating tablet that performs long, and a pill with extended release. The drug works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps to enhance concentration. It can also help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. When used in conjunction with other treatments such as behavioral therapy, methylphenidate may be a successful treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate is a drug that blocks transporters that are normally responsible for removing these neurotransmitters from the brain. The medication can cause a slight increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Patients with diabetes should be on guard when taking this medication since it can cause an abrupt rise in blood sugar. Talk to adhd anxiety medication when you notice any of these signs. Methylphenidate can also trigger Raynaud's phenomenon which causes numbness in the fingers and feet. This is an uncommon side effect, however, it is crucial to inform your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
There are some who believe that methylphenidate could slow the growth of children. However it hasn't been proven. If you have a child who is receiving treatment with methylphenidate ensure that you monitor the child's weight and height carefully. If your child is on a methylphenidate chewable tablet, it contains phenylalanine, which is potentially dangerous for children with the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). If you suffer from PKU, ask your doctor about different forms of methylphenidate.
Stimulants are the most popular treatment for ADHD However, some individuals have issues with these medications. In these instances, doctors may prescribe other medications that function similarly. There are other stimulants, like dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine in addition to the methylphenidate. These substances are stronger than methylphenidate and can last longer. The typical dosage is at least three times a day However, some people might be able to take them more frequently. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD however they are not as effective as 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 belongs to a class called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It is a drug that increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine two chemical messengers that regulate brain activity. It is a favorite among children and adults who want an alternative to stimulants such as Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is important to realize that atomoxetine isn't a drug that works instantly. It can take up six weeks before the effects of this medication begin to show. There is also the possibility of experiencing negative side effects, such as nausea and drowsiness. However, the benefits of atomoxetine outweigh the risks for most patients.
The efficacy of atomoxetine was verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled study with 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18. The participants were randomized 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 group saw more improvements in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was only modest (Michelson and co. 2001).
In a separate open study, 10 patients with ADHD who failed 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 increasing significantly. However, one patient experienced an rash and resigned from the study. Three patients also reported temporary stomach symptoms, and one reported increased fatigue.
Before beginning treatment with atomoxetine, talk to your doctor about your health background and any other supplements or medications that you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as prescription medicines. It is crucial to tell your doctor if there is narrow-angle glaucoma or a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor, high blood pressure, heart disease, or a history of sudden death. You should stay clear of the use of atomoxetine if you've taken an MAO-inhibitor such as isocarboxazid and linezolid in the last 14 days, or rasagiline, Methylene Blue Injection, phenelzine or tranylcypromine.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant drug that can aid in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It also helps reduce impulsivity and increase focus, although it does not affect the brain in the same way as stimulants. It's only available on prescription. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate dosage for you. Bupropion is available in tablets and capsules. It's important to take the medication as prescribed. If you stop taking it abruptly you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
The most common dosage is two or three doses daily separated by four to six hours. The dosage can vary between 100 mg two or three times a day to 150 mg three or four times daily. The drug is absorbed by 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 harm to other organs. Bupropion may increase blood pressure, which is why it's important to monitor it frequently.
In addition to reducing the symptoms of ADHD In addition, bupropion may reduce depression. It also helps treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors in your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine from reaching your brain, which can help stabilize mood.
Bupropion may interact with other drugs. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medication. It's essential to let your doctor know that you have any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants because they can make side effects worse.
A number of studies have examined the effects of bupropion versus placebos in adults with ADHD. These studies produced mixed results, and a lot were poorly designed. Moreover, many of them excluded participants with psychiatric comorbidity. The results suggest that bupropion has an impact on ADHD. However there is a need for more research to establish positive outcomes for patients such as improvement in quality of life. Furthermore, a better understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is needed before effective treatment can be created. This includes a better knowledge of the connection between molecular pathways. Moreover, it's critical to understand how different anti-ADHD agents work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants may be prescribed by doctors when stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD are not effective or cause side negative effects. These medications, including imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), help by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain to help people focus. These older drugs can have serious negative side effects. They are usually only used when other medications do not work.
The first option of antidepressants for depression is typically a selective serotonin receptor inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram or escitalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants, that have been in use for a long time, can be utilized in certain instances. These medications are also effective in treating neuropathic pain. They provide a pain-relieving effect which is distinct from their antidepressant effect. They enhance the noradrenephrine receptor by blocking its reuptake, and they also function as descending modulators for pain pathways in spinal cord.
SSRIs are less harmful and have fewer side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also less harmful during pregnancy and do not appear to be teratogenic to animals or humans. If suddenly stopped, they may cause withdrawal symptoms that are severe. To minimize these adverse effects, your physician may suggest reducing the dose gradually over a period of time.
Although it isn't officially recognized by the FDA as a medication for adhd, bupropion is a commonly prescribed antidepressant that is off-label for ADHD. It's believed to be effective by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine and acetylcholine within the brain to increase concentration. It is also known to alleviate anxiety and stress. It can be combined with stimulants for more rapid and lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved non-stimulant ADHD medication, however many people find relief from dietary supplements and herbal remedies. A diet that is low in fat and sugar can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Certain people can also benefit from avoiding caffeine. It's important to tell your doctor about all the medications you or your child is taking, including prescription medications and herbal remedies. This will prevent interactions and reduce the risk of unwanted adverse effects. ADHD medications can affect everyone differently, which is why it's often an exercise of trial and error to determine the right dosage and drug for your child or yourself.