ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, which are the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD seem to balance brain chemicals and increase their levels. However, they do not cure the condition and will only aid in managing symptoms so long as they're taken regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medication may include an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, upset stomach as well as anxiety and tics. Some children and teens who take stimulant medications notice a slight slowing in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nerve stimulant is the most commonly used drug used to treat ADHD. It is available in many forms such as a liquid, chewable tablet, a long-acting orally disintegrating tablet and an extended-release pill. The drug works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which help to enhance concentration. It can also help 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 works by blocking the transporters that are normally responsible for removing these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug could cause a slight increase in blood pressure or heart rate. It may also trigger an abrupt change in blood sugar levels, which is why diabetics should be careful when taking this medication. If you have any of these side effects, speak to your physician. Methylphenidate may also trigger a condition called Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness as well as discomfort in the toes and fingers. This is a rare but serious side result. It is important to notify your doctor if any of these symptoms are observed.
There are some who believe that methylphenidate may slow the growth of children. However this hasn't been proved. If your child is taking methylphenidate be sure to be attentive to their weight and height. If your child is on a methylphenidate chewable tablet that contains phenylalanine which is a risk for children suffering from the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). Consult your physician about an alternative methylphenidate formulation when you suffer from PKU.
Stimulants are often considered to be the first choice medication for treating ADHD however, some people have trouble with them. In these instances doctors might prescribe other medications that work similarly. In addition to methylphenidate, there are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine and the lisdexamfetamine. These drugs can last for longer and are more potent than methylphenidate. They are usually taken twice to three times per day However, some people take them more often. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD, but these are less effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known under the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that increases concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It's part of a group of medications known as selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitors. It increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. two chemical messengers that regulate 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 remember that atomoxetine doesn't work immediately, and it may take up to six weeks for the effects of the medication to become apparent. You may also experience negative side effects, such as nausea and drowsiness. For the majority of patients the benefits of taking atomoxetine outweigh any risk.
In a double-blind, placebo controlled study that was conducted on 297 ADHD patients aged between 12 and 18 years old, the effectiveness of atomoxetine has been verified. The participants were randomized to receive atomoxetine, a daily dose of 0.6 mg per kilogram or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine and placebo groups depression symptoms were less. The atomoxetine treatment group had better improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was only modest (Michelson et al 2001).
In a second open trial, 10 ADHD patients who did not respond to stimulants were given an atomoxetine treatment over 8 weeks. The atomoxetine group demonstrated improved ADHD symptoms compared to 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. One patient had to withdraw due to an outbreak of eruption. Three patients reported transient gastrointestinal disturbances and one patient reported fatigue that was more severe (Kratochvil and colleagues, 2005).
Consult your physician before you begin treatment with atomoxetine about your medical history, which includes any medications or supplements you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over the counter medicines. It is especially important to inform your doctor if there is narrow-angle glaucoma or a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor and 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 such as isocarboxazid linezolid, methylene blue injection rasagiline, phenelzine or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a nonstimulant, can help to improve ADHD symptoms. It can also reduce impulsivity, and increase focus. However it doesn't affect the brain in the similar way that stimulants do. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will determine the right dosage for you. Bupropion comes in tablets as well as extended-release capsules. It is essential to take the medication as directed. If you stop taking it suddenly you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
It's typically taken two or three times daily with a 4-6 hour interval between each dose. The dose can range between 100 mg twice or three times a day to 150 mg daily, three or four times. The drug is absorbed into the digestive tract, and then eliminated into urine, which means it can't enter breast milk. However, it could enter the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion can increase blood pressure. It is essential to keep it in check regularly.
In addition to helping improve the symptoms of ADHD, bupropion can also reduce depression. It also helps treat bipolar disorder. It is a method of blocking dopamine receptors inside your brain. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, is blocked from reaching your brain, which helps to regulate your mood.
Bupropion can interact with other drugs It's therefore important to inform your doctor of any other medications you're taking. It's important to let your doctor know that you have any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants as they can make the side effects worse.
Numerous studies have compared bupropion with placebos in adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and most studies were not conducted properly. Additionally, many did not include participants with psychiatric disorders. The results suggest that bupropion does have an impact on ADHD. However there is a need for more research to identify positive outcomes for patients like improvements in quality of life. Additionally, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is needed before effective treatment can be developed. This is a greater understanding of the interplay between the molecular pathways. Moreover, it's critical to understand how different anti-ADHD drugs work with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed to children suffering from ADHD aren't effective or cause troublesome side effects, the doctor may look to antidepressants for treatment. These medications, like imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl and click here Pamelor) boost the neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine in the brain, which aids in helping people concentrate. These older drugs can have severe negative side consequences. They are typically used when other medications do not work.
The first choice for depression-related antidepressants is typically a serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as sertraline, fluoxetine or citalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants are still being used in certain instances despite their long history. They are effective in treating pain caused by neuropathic or other however their antidepressant effect is not the same. They increase the potency of noradrenephrine by reducing its reuptake and also act as lower modulators of pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less harmful and have less side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also less harmful during pregnancy and do not appear to be teratogenic for animals or humans. If suddenly stopped, they may cause significant withdrawal symptoms. To minimize these side effects, your doctor may suggest reducing your dose gradually over a period of several weeks.
Although not officially recognized by the FDA as a treatment for adhd bupropion is commonly prescribed antidepressant off-label to treat ADHD. It is believed to increase neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain, which enhances concentration. It is also believed to reduce anxiety and stress. It can be combined with stimulants to produce more rapid and lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved non-stimulant ADHD medications, but many people find relief from herbal remedies and supplements to their diets. A diet that is low in fat and sugar may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. In the same way, removing caffeine can be beneficial to some people. Inform your doctor about all medications you or your child is taking as well as herbal remedies and prescription medications. This will help prevent interactions and reduce unwanted side effects. ADHD medications can affect everyone differently, so it's sometimes a process of trial and error to determine the appropriate dosage and medication for you or your child.