ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD, appear to regulate brain chemicals and boost their levels. They cannot treat the disorder, but rather manage symptoms if used regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication can include a change in heart rate and blood pressure as well as upset stomach anxiety and tics. Some children and teenagers who take stimulant medications notice a slight reduction in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant for the central nervous system and the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. It is available in many forms such as a chewable tablet, a liquid, a long-acting orally disintegrating tablet, and an extended release pill. The drug increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This improves concentration. It can also help reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. When combined with other treatments like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate could be an effective treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that remove these neurotransmitters normally from the brain. The drug can cause a small increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Patients with diabetes should be on guard when taking this medication since it can cause rapid increases in blood sugar. If you experience any of these side effects, speak with your doctor. Methylphenidate may also cause Raynaud’s phenomenon which causes numbness in the feet and fingers. This is a rare, but serious side effect. It is important to notify your doctor if any of these symptoms develop.
Some people are concerned that methylphenidate could slow the growth of children. However, this has not been proved. If you have a child receiving treatment with methylphenidate be sure to monitor the child's weight and height closely. If your child takes a methylphenidate tablet and phenylalanine is present, it can be dangerous to children suffering from Phenylketonuria. If you suffer from PKU consult your doctor about the different forms of methylphenidate.
Some people are unable to take stimulants, which are the first treatment for ADHD. In these cases, doctors could prescribe a different medication that functions in a similar manner. In addition to methylphenidate, there are other stimulants like dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine. These drugs can last longer and are stronger than methylphenidate. The typical dosage is every day, either twice or three times, but some people might be able to take them more frequently. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD however they are less effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also called Strattera and is a non-stimulant ADHD drug that boosts concentration while reducing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It is part of a class called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It is a drug that increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers which control the brain's activity. It is popular with adults and children who seek a different medication than stimulants such as Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is crucial to keep in mind that atomoxetine doesn't work instantly and it could take up to 6 weeks for the effects of the medication to become apparent. Additionally, you may suffer from side effects like reduced appetite, drowsiness and stomach upset. However the benefits of atomoxetine outweigh the risks for a majority of patients.
The efficacy of atomoxetine was verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled study involving 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18. 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 over 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine and the placebo group experienced a decrease in the symptoms of depression. 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 trial in a second open trial, 10 ADHD patients who did not respond to stimulants received an atomoxetine treatment over 8 weeks. The group treated with atomoxetine showed improvement in ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo, with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Version of the screening and the Clinical Global Impression of Severity scales improving significantly. One patient withdrew due to an eruption. Three patients also reported transient gastrointestinal symptoms, and one patient complained of increased fatigue.
Talk to your doctor prior to you begin treatment with atomoxetine regarding your medical history, including any medications or supplements you're taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as prescription medications. It is especially important to tell your doctor if you suffer from narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor and high blood pressure heart disease, or a history of sudden death. It is also recommended to avoid atomoxetine if taken an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid linezolid, methylene blue injection rasagiline, phenelzine or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant drug that can improve the symptoms of ADHD. It also helps reduce impulsivity, and increase focus. However it doesn't affect the brain in the same way that stimulants do. It's available by prescription only. Your doctor will decide on the most effective dosage for you. Bupropion comes in capsules and tablets. It is crucial to follow the instructions. There are withdrawal symptoms that can occur in the event that you stop abruptly.
It's usually taken twice or three times daily with 4-6 hours between each dose. The dosage can vary between 100 mg two or three times a day up to 150 mg three or four times a day. The drug is taken up by the digestive system, and excreted through urine. It cannot enter breast milk. However, it could be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause harm to other organs. Bupropion can raise blood pressure, which is why it's important to check it often.
Bupropion, in addition to improving ADHD symptoms, can also reduce depression. It is also used to treat bipolar disorder. It is a method of blocking dopamine receptors in your brain. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, is blocked from entering your brain, which helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other drugs, so it's important to inform your doctor about any other medications you're taking. It's essential to let your doctor know if have any allergies. Also, avoid caffeine and other stimulants that could make the adverse effects worse.
In several studies in a variety read more of studies, bupropion was compared with placebos for adults with ADHD. These studies had mixed results, and many were poorly designed. Many of these studies did not include people with psychiatric disorders co-morbidity. The results suggest that bupropion can have a small effect on ADHD. Further research is needed to determine the positive effects for patients, such as an improvement in quality of life. Before effective treatments can be created it is crucial to gain a better understanding of the molecular causes of ADHD. This requires a deeper understanding of the connection between molecular pathways. It's also important to understand how anti-ADHD drugs work in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants are often prescribed by doctors if stimulants prescribed for children suffering from ADHD do not work or cause adverse side adverse effects. These drugs, which include imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), work by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain, which help people focus. These older medications can cause severe side consequences. They are typically employed when other drugs do not work.
The first choice of depression treatment is typically a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as sertraline, fluoxetine or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants that have been in use for a long time, can be used in some cases. They are also effective in treating neuropathic pain. They provide a pain-relieving effect that is distinct from their antidepressant effect. They increase the activity of the noradrenephrine receptor by blocking its reuptake, and they also act as descending moderators for pain pathways in spinal cord.
SSRIs have a lower risk of toxicity, and less serious adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They're also safer in pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic in humans or animals. However, they may cause severe withdrawal symptoms if they are stopped abruptly. Your doctor might suggest gradually reducing the dose over a few weeks to lessen the negative effects.
Bupropion, a common antidepressant that is used off-label to treat ADHD, is not FDA approved as a drug for adhd. It is believed to increase neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which increases concentration. It is also believed to relieve stress and anxiety. It can be paired with stimulants to produce quicker and lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved nonstimulant ADHD medications, however many people find relief from herbal remedies and dietary supplements. A diet low in fat and sugar can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Similarly, eliminating caffeine may be beneficial to some people. Inform your doctor about all medications that you or your child take such as herbal remedies and prescription medications. This will help prevent interactions and minimize unwanted side effects. ADHD medication can affect each person differently, and it's often a process of trial and error to discover the right dosage and drug for you or your child.