ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, which are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD, appear to balance brain chemicals and boost their levels. However, they do not cure the condition and can only aid in managing symptoms so long as they are taken regularly.
Side effects of ADHD medications may include changes in blood pressure and heart rate, anxiety, and tics. Children and teens who are taking stimulant drugs 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 comes in a variety of forms including chewable tablet, a liquid, a long-acting orally disintegrating tablet and an extended-release pill. The drug increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This improves concentration. It can also help reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. When coupled with other treatments, such as behavioral therapy, methylphenidate may be a very effective treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate is a drug that blocks transporters that normally remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug may cause a slight increase in heart rate or blood pressure. Patients with diabetes should be cautious when taking this medication since it can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar. If you have any of these side effects, talk to your physician. Methylphenidate is also known to cause Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness in the feet and fingers. This is a rare but serious side effect. It is essential to notify your doctor if these symptoms are observed.
Some people are concerned that methylphenidate may slow children's growth. However add medication uk hasn't been proven. If you have a child being treated with methylphenidate be sure to keep track of his or her weight and height carefully. If your child takes a methylphenidate tablet, the phenylalanine in it could pose a risk for children suffering from phenylketonuria. If you suffer from PKU consult your doctor about the different formulations of methylphenidate.
Stimulants are considered the first-choice medication for treating ADHD however, some individuals have issues with them. In these cases doctors may prescribe a different medication that functions in a similar manner. Besides methylphenidate, there are other stimulants such as dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine. These drugs are a little more powerful than methylphenidate and may last longer. They are typically taken twice to three times a day However, some people take them more frequently. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD however, they are not as effective as stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known under the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that increases concentration and reduces hyperactivity as well as impulsiveness. It belongs to a category called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It works by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine two chemical messengers that control brain activity. It is popular among adults and children who seek an alternative to stimulants like 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 are evident. Additionally, you could experience side-effects such as reduced appetite, drowsiness and upset stomach. However the benefits of atomoxetine far surpass the risks for many patients.
The efficacy of atomoxetine has been verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled trial with 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18. Participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine, a daily dose of 0.6 mg per kilogram or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine group as well as the placebo group experienced a reduction in depression symptoms. The atomoxetine treatment group showed greater improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was not as dramatic (Michelson et al 2001).
In a separate open study, 10 patients with ADHD who were unable to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine for 8 weeks. The group treated with atomoxetine showed improvement in ADHD symptoms in comparison to placebo, with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Screening version rated and Clinical Global Impression of Severity scales gaining significant. However, one patient experienced a rash and withdrew from the study. Additionally, three patients reported transient gastrointestinal disturbances and one experienced increased fatigue (Kratochvil and colleagues, 2005).
Talk to your doctor before you begin treatment with atomoxetine regarding your medical history, which includes any supplements or medications you are taking. This includes herbal remedies and other over-the-counter medicines. It is crucial to tell your doctor if you suffer from narrow-angle glaucoma, thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor and high blood pressure heart disease, or an unusually sudden death. Also, be wary of atomoxetine in the event that you have taken an MAO inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid or methylene blue injection rasagiline, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine within the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant drug that can aid in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It can also decrease the impulsivity of children and improve focus. However it doesn't affect the brain in the similar way that stimulants do. It's available by prescription only. Your doctor will decide on the best dosage for you. Bupropion is available as capsules and tablets. It is essential to take the medication as instructed. There are withdrawal symptoms that can occur if you stop suddenly.
The typical dosage is two or three doses per day divided by 4 to 6 hours. The dose can vary from 100mg two or three times a day to 150mg three or four times every day. The drug is absorbed into the digestive tract and is excreted in urine, which means that it isn't able to enter breast milk. However, it can enter the bloodstream and impact other organs. Bupropion can increase your 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 is also a treatment for bipolar disorder. It works by blocking the dopamine receptors that are located in your brain. This prevents the neurotransmitter dopamine from entering your brain, which can help stabilize mood.
Bupropion can interact with other medications So it's crucial to tell your doctor about any other medications you're taking. It's important to let your doctor know if have any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants because they can make the side effects worse.
In a number of studies the bupropion drug was compared with placebos for adults with ADHD. These studies had mixed results, and a lot were poorly designed. A majority of these studies excluded patients with psychiatric co-morbidity. However, the evidence suggests that bupropion may have a small impact on ADHD. More research is required to determine positive outcomes for patients, including the improvement in their quality of living. Additionally, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is essential before a successful treatment can be developed. This is a greater understanding of the relationship between the molecular pathways. Furthermore, it's essential to know how various anti-ADHD drugs work with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed for children suffering from ADHD aren't effective or cause troublesome side effects, doctors might turn to antidepressants as a treatment. These medications, including imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), help by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain to help people concentrate. These older drugs may cause severe negative side consequences. They are usually only employed when other drugs are not working.
The first choice of antidepressants for depression is typically a selective serotonin receptor inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram, or escitalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants, that have been around for decades, may still be used in some cases. They are effective in treating neuropathic and other pains but their antidepressant action is not the same. They increase the potency of noradrenephrine by reducing its reuptake and also act as antagonists of pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less toxic and have fewer side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also less harmful during pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic for animals or humans. However, they can cause significant withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. To reduce the risk of these adverse effects, your physician may suggest reducing your dose gradually over a period of time.
Bupropion, an antidepressant commonly that is prescribed off-label for treating ADHD, is not FDA approved as a treatment for adhd. It is believed to increase neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain, which improves concentration. It is also believed to relieve stress and anxiety. It can be combined with stimulants to produce quicker and lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved nonstimulant ADHD medications, but many people have found relief through herbal remedies and supplements to their diets. A diet low in fat and sugar can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Also, avoiding caffeine may be beneficial to some people. Inform your doctor about all medicines you or your child take such as herbal remedies and prescription drugs. This will minimize unwanted side effects and prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect people differently. It may take some trial and error to discover the ideal dosage and drug for your child or yourself.