ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD, and appear to increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. They cannot solve the problem and can only help manage symptoms if they are taken regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication can include changes in heart rate and blood pressure as well as upset stomach anxiety and tics. Some teens and children who take stimulant drugs experience a slight reduction in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nerve stimulant, is the most common medication used to treat ADHD. It is available in various forms, including chewable tablets with liquid, an orally disintegrating tablet that performs long, and a pill with extended release. The drug is effective by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which help to increase focus. It may also reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. When coupled with other treatments, like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate can be a very effective treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug can cause a small increase in heart rate and blood pressure. People with diabetes should also be aware of this medication because it can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar. If you encounter any of these side effects, talk with your doctor. Methylphenidate can also trigger Raynaud's phenomenon which causes numbness in the fingers and feet. This is a rare but serious side effect. It is essential to inform your doctor if any of these symptoms are observed.
Some people are concerned that methylphenidate could slow the growth of children. However this hasn't been proved. If you have a child who is being treated with methylphenidate be sure to monitor the weight and height closely. If your child is taking a tablet containing methylphenidate that contains phenylalanine, it could be harmful to children suffering from phenylketonuria. Consult your physician about an alternative methylphenidate formulation if you have PKU.
Stimulants are considered the first-choice treatment for ADHD, but some individuals have issues with them. In these cases, doctors may prescribe other medications that function similarly. In addition to methylphenidate, there are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine. These are more potent than methylphenidate, and they can last longer. These drugs are typically taken twice or three times daily However, some people might be able take them more frequently. Psychological treatments are also available for treating ADHD however they are less likely to prove helpful than a stimulant.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also called Strattera and is a nonstimulant ADHD drug that increases concentration while decreasing the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It is part of a class called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It is a drug that increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers which regulate brain activity. It is a favorite choice for children and adults who prefer a different type of medication than stimulants, such as Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is important to know that atomoxetine doesn't work instantly. It can take up six weeks before the effects of this medication are evident. In addition, you may be afflicted by side effects such as drowsiness, decreased appetite, and stomach upset. For most patients the benefits of taking atomoxetine are greater than the risks.
The efficacy of atomoxetine was confirmed in a multisite double-blind placebo-controlled study with 297 ADHD patients ages 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 for 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine and placebo groups, symptoms of depression were reduced. The treatment group with atomoxetine showed greater improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group. However the improvement was not as dramatic (Michelson et al 2001).
In a second open trial, 10 ADHD patients who were not responding to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine treatment for 8 weeks. The atomoxetine treatment group showed improvement in ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo, with scores on Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Version of the screening and Clinical Global Impression of Severity scales gaining significant. One patient had to withdraw due to an eruption. Three patients also reported transient gastrointestinal symptoms, and one patient noticed an increase in fatigue.
Before beginning treatment with atomoxetine with your physician about your medical history as well as any other medications or supplements that you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as prescription medications. Discuss with your doctor whether any of the following conditions occur for narrow-angle glaucoma thyroid or adrenal gland tumour; high blood pressure; heart disease or sudden death. You should 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 www.iampsychiatry.com tranylcypromine, in the past 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a nonstimulant can help improve ADHD symptoms. It also helps reduce impulsivity and increase concentration, but it doesn't affect the brain in the same way as stimulants. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will decide the most effective dosage for you. Bupropion comes in capsules and tablets. It is essential to follow the prescriptions. You might experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop abruptly.
It is usually taken two or three times a day with 4-6 hours between each dose. The dosage can range from 100mg two or three times a day to 150mg four or three times every day. The drug is absorbed by the digestive tract and is excreted in urine, which means it isn't able to enter breast milk. However, it can enter the bloodstream and impact other organs. Bupropion can increase blood pressure. It is essential to check it regularly.
Bupropion is a great drug that, in addition to reducing ADHD symptoms, can also reduce depression. It is also a treatment for bipolar disorder. It works by blocking the dopamine receptors within your brain. This prevents the neurotransmitter dopamine from entering your brain, which helps stabilize mood.
Bupropion can interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor if you're taking any other medications. It's also important to determine whether you are allergic to. You should also stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants that can make the side effects worse.
In several studies, bupropion was compared to placebos for adults suffering from ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and the majority of studies were poorly conducted. Moreover, many of them did not include participants with psychiatric disorders. The data indicate that bupropion does have a small effect on ADHD. However it is necessary to conduct more research to establish positive outcomes for patients such as improvement in quality of life. Furthermore, a better understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is required before effective treatment can be developed. This is a greater understanding of the connection between the various molecular pathways. It is also crucial to know how anti-ADHD drugs work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants can be prescribed by doctors if stimulants prescribed for children with ADHD don't work or cause side effects. These medications, such as imipramine and Nortriptyline, (Aventyl and Pamelor) are able to increase the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which aids in helping people concentrate. These older medications can cause serious negative side consequences. They are typically employed when other drugs fail.
The first option for antidepressants in depression is usually a serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine, sertraline, or citalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants continue to be used in certain instances despite their long-standing history. They are effective in treating pain caused by neuropathic or other, but their antidepressant effect is not the same. They potentiate noradrenephrine by inhibiting its reuptake and also act as antagonists of pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs have lower risks of toxicity, and less serious adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They're also safer in pregnancy and aren't teratogenic in humans or animals. However, they can cause significant withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped. Your doctor might suggest gradually 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 thought to increase the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine and acetylcholine within the brain, which improves concentration. It also helps reduce anxiety and stress. It can be used in conjunction with stimulants for faster and longer-lasting results.
While there aren't any FDA-approved nonstimulant medications for ADHD Many people find relief with the use of nutritional supplements and herbs. A diet that is low in fat and sugar can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people may benefit by abstaining from caffeine. It's important to tell your doctor about all the medications your child or you uses, including prescription drugs and herbal remedies. This can help reduce unwanted side effects and prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect everyone differently, which is why it's often a process of trial and error to determine the right dosage and drug for you or your child.