ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD are believed to balance brain chemicals and boost their levels. However, they don't cure the condition and will only help manage symptoms as long as they're taken regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication can include a change in heart rate and blood pressure, upset stomach as well as anxiety and tics. Some teens and children who take stimulant medications experience a slight reduction in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant and the most commonly used drug for treating ADHD. It is available in various forms, such as tablets that chew liquid and an oral disintegrating tablet, which acts long, and a pill with extended release. The drug boosts the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This helps to improve concentration. It can also help reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Methylphenidate is an effective treatment for ADHD in combination with other treatments, including behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug can cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure. It can also cause an abrupt change in blood sugar levels, which is why diabetics should be aware when taking this medication. If you have any of these side effects, talk to your physician. Methylphenidate may also cause Raynaud’s phenomenon that causes numbness in the fingers and feet. This is a rare but serious side result. It is crucial to notify your doctor in the event that these symptoms occur.
Some people are concerned that methylphenidate may slow the growth of children. However this hasn't been proved. If your child is taking methylphenidate be sure to keep an eye on their weight and height. If your child takes a methylphenidate tablet and phenylalanine is present, it could be harmful to children with Phenylketonuria. Ask your doctor about a different methylphenidate formula if you have PKU.
Some people are unable to take stimulants which are the most popular choice of medication for treating ADHD. In these cases doctors might prescribe other medications that function similarly. There are also other stimulants, like dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine in addition to methylphenidate. These substances are stronger than methylphenidate and can last longer. They are typically taken twice to three times per day, but some people can 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 known as Strattera and is a nonstimulant ADHD drug that increases concentration while reducing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It's part of a group of medications called selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitors. medication for adult adhd increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers that regulate the brain's activity. It is a popular choice for children and adults who prefer a different type of medication from stimulants such as Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is important to remember that atomoxetine does not work immediately, and it may take up to 6 weeks for the effects of the drug to be apparent. In addition, you may experience side-effects such as diminished appetite, drowsiness and stomach upset. However the benefits of atomoxetine far outweigh the risks for a majority of patients.
The efficacy of atomoxetine has been verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled study involving 297 ADHD patients between the ages of 12 and 18. The participants were randomized to receive atomoxetine, a daily dose of 0.6 mg per kilogram or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine as well as placebo groups depression symptoms were reduced. The atomoxetine treatment group showed greater improvement 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 improvements in ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo with scores on Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Version of the screening and the Clinical Global Impression Severity scales improving significantly. However, one patient experienced an rash and resigned from the study. Three patients reported intermittent gastrointestinal problems and one experienced increased fatigue (Kratochvil and colleagues, 2005).
Consult your physician before you begin treatment with atomoxetine regarding your medical history, including any supplements or medications you take. This includes herbal remedies as well as other over-the-counter medicines. It is crucial to inform your doctor if you suffer from narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor, high blood pressure, heart disease or an unusually sudden death. It is also recommended to be wary of atomoxetine in the event that you have taken an MAO inhibitor like isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, rasagiline, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine, in the past 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a nonstimulant can help improve ADHD symptoms. It can also decrease the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. However it doesn't affect the brain in the way stimulants do. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will determine the most effective dosage for you. Bupropion is available as capsules and tablets. It is crucial to follow the directions. If you stop taking it suddenly, you may have withdrawal symptoms.
It's typically taken two or three times daily with 4-6 hours between each dose. The dosage can range from 100mg two or three times per day to 150mg three or four times every day. The drug is absorbed into the digestive tract and excreted into urine, which means that it isn't able to enter breast milk. However, it can be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause harm to other organs. Bupropion can increase your blood pressure, making it important to check it often.
In addition to helping improve the symptoms of ADHD, bupropion can also reduce depression. It is also a treatment for bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors that are located in your brain. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, is blocked from entering your brain, which helps to regulate your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other medications. Inform your doctor if you're taking any other medications. It's important to let your doctor know if have any allergies. It is also important to avoid caffeine or other stimulants, which could make the adverse effects more severe.
In several studies, bupropion was compared to placebos for adults suffering from ADHD. These studies produced mixed results and were not conducted properly. A majority of these studies excluded participants with psychiatric co-morbidity. Nevertheless, the data suggest that bupropion can have a slight impact on ADHD. More research is needed to determine the positive effects for patients, such as the improvement in their quality of living. Before effective treatments can be developed it is essential to have a better understanding of the molecular causes of ADHD. This includes a better knowledge of the relationship between molecular pathways. Moreover, it's critical to know how various anti-ADHD agents work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants can be prescribed by doctors when stimulants prescribed for children with ADHD do not work or cause adverse side negative effects. These medications, such as imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), work by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which help people concentrate. These older drugs may cause serious side negative effects. They are typically used when other medications are not working.
The first choice of antidepressants in depression is usually an inhibitor of serotonin reuptake (SSRI), such as fluoxetine, sertraline or citalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants are still being used in some cases despite their long history. These medications are effective in treating neuropathic pain and other conditions but their antidepressant action is not the same. They increase the activity of the noradrenephrine receptor, by preventing its reuptake. They also act as descending moderators for pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs have less risk of toxicity, and less serious adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. In addition, they're safer during pregnancy and aren't teratogenic in humans or animals. If abruptly stopped, they may cause significant withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor may suggest slowly reducing the dose over a few weeks to minimize these effects.
While not officially approved by the FDA as a medication for adhd, bupropion is a commonly prescribed antidepressant off-label for ADHD. It's believed to be effective by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine and acetylcholine within the brain, which improves concentration. It is also known to relieve stress and anxiety. It can be combined with stimulants to achieve quicker and lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved nonstimulant ADHD medications, but many people find relief from dietary supplements and herbal remedies. A diet that is low in fat and sugar may help to reduce ADHD symptoms. In the same way, removing caffeine can be beneficial for some. It is essential to inform your doctor about all the medications that you or your child is taking, including prescription medications and herbal remedies. This will prevent interactions and minimize unwanted side effects. ADHD medications can affect individuals differently. It could take a bit of trial and error to determine the best dosage and drug for your child or you.