ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD and can boost and balance levels of brain chemicals. They are not able to cure the disorder and only treat symptoms if they are taken regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication can include changes in blood pressure and heart rate and stomach upset, anxiety and tics. Some children and teens who are taking stimulant medication experience a slight reduction in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nerve stimulant is the most well-known medication used to treat ADHD. It is available in a variety of forms, such as a liquid chewable tablet and an oral disintegrating tablet that acts long, and a pill with extended release. The drug works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which help to enhance concentration. It can also help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. When combined with other treatments such as behavioral therapy, methylphenidate can be a successful treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks transporters that eliminate these neurotransmitters naturally from the brain. The drug can cause a slight increase in heart rate or blood pressure. People with diabetes should also be aware of this medication since it can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar. Talk to your doctor in the event that you experience any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate is also known to cause Raynaud's phenomenon which causes numbness in the fingers and feet. This is a rare, but serious side result. It is essential to notify your doctor if any of these symptoms are observed.
Some people are concerned that methylphenidate could slow children's growth. However this hasn't been proved. If you have a child receiving treatment with methylphenidate be sure to monitor the weight and height carefully. If your child takes tablets containing methylphenidate that contains phenylalanine, it could pose a risk to children with phenylketonuria. If you suffer from PKU, consult your physician about other formulations of methylphenidate.
Some people are unable to take stimulants which are the primary treatment for ADHD. In these cases, doctors may prescribe other medications that work in a similar manner. There are other stimulants like dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine, besides methylphenidate. These drugs are a little stronger than methylphenidate and can last longer. The typical dosage is at least three times a day However, some people may be able to take them more often. Psychological treatments are also available for treating ADHD however, they are less likely to be beneficial than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also called Strattera and is a non-stimulant ADHD drug that boosts concentration, while decreasing the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It is in a class of drugs 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 a preferred choice for children and adults who prefer a different type of medication from stimulants like Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is important to realize that atomoxetine does not work immediately. It may take up to 6 weeks before the effects of this medication become apparent. There are also adverse effects like drowsiness and nausea. For most patients, the advantages of taking atomoxetine far outweigh any risks.
The efficacy of atomoxetine was confirmed in a multisite double-blind placebo-controlled trial with 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18. The participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine, a daily dose of 0.6 mg per kilogram or 1.2 mg/kg, or a placebo for 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine group as well as the placebo group experienced reduction in depression symptoms. The treatment group with atomoxetine showed greater improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group. However, the improvement was modest (Michelson et al 2001).
In a follow-up open trial that included 10 ADHD patients who were not responding to stimulants were treated with the treatment of atomoxetine for eight weeks. The group receiving atomoxetine had improved ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group and 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 allergic reaction and was removed from the study. Three patients also reported temporary digestive symptoms, and one patient noticed an increase in fatigue.
Before you begin treatment with atomoxetine, talk to your doctor about your health background and any other medications or supplements that 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 or a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor or high blood pressure, heart disease or a history of sudden death. Avoid Atomoxetine in addition to in the event that you've taken an MAO inhibitor like isocarboxazid or linezolid within the last 14 days or rasagiline, Methylene Blue Injection, phenelzine or tranylcypromine.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug, can help to improve ADHD symptoms. It also helps reduce impulsivity and increase focus, though it doesn't affect the brain read more in the same way as stimulants do. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will determine the most effective dosage for you. Bupropion comes in tablets and extended-release capsules. It is essential to follow the directions. If you stop taking it suddenly, you may have withdrawal symptoms.
It is usually taken two or three times per day with 4-6 hours between each dose. The dose can vary between 100mg and three times a day to 150mg three or four time each day. The drug is in the digestive system and excreted in urine. It cannot enter breast milk. However, it is able to enter the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion raises blood pressure. It is important to check it frequently.
Bupropion is a great drug that, in addition to reducing ADHD symptoms, can also reduce depression. It can also treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors within your brain. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, is blocked from reaching your brain, which can help stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other medications. Inform your doctor if taking any other medication. It's also important to determine whether you are allergic to. Also, stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants, as they could make the adverse effects worse.
In a variety of studies, bupropion was compared to placebos for 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 can have an impact on ADHD. More research is required to determine positive outcomes for patients, such as the improvement in their quality of living. Before effective treatments can be developed it is crucial to gain a better understanding of the molecular types of ADHD. This is a greater understanding of the relationship between the molecular pathways. Moreover, it's critical to understand how different anti-ADHD agents work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants are often prescribed by doctors when 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 dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which help people concentrate. These older drugs can have severe negative side consequences. They are typically employed when other drugs fail.
The first choice of depression-related antidepressants is typically a serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine, sertraline or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants, that have been around for decades, may still be used in some cases. These drugs are effective in treating neuropathic pain and other conditions, but their antidepressant effect is not the same. They increase the potency of noradrenephrine by reducing its reuptake. They also function as antagonists of pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less harmful and have fewer side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also safer during pregnancy and do not appear to be teratogenic to humans or animals. If suddenly stopped, they can cause significant withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor may suggest slowly lowering the dose over several weeks to minimize these effects.
While not officially approved by the FDA as a medication for adhd, bupropion is a commonly prescribed antidepressant that is off-label for ADHD. It is believed to be effective by increasing neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which enhances concentration. It's also known to relieve anxiety, and it can be used in conjunction with stimulants to get faster and sustained results.
There are no FDA-approved non-stimulant ADHD medication, however many people find relief from herbal remedies and supplements to their diets. A diet that is low in fat and sugar can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people may also benefit from abstaining from caffeine. Tell your doctor all medicines you or your child is taking, including herbal remedies and prescription drugs. This will help prevent interactions and reduce unwanted side effects. ADHD medications can affect individuals differently. It may take some trial and error to discover the ideal dosage and drug for your child or you.