ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD, and appear to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals. They do not cure the disorder and only help manage symptoms if they are taken regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication can include changes in blood pressure, heart rate, anxiety and tics. Certain teenagers and children who take stimulant drugs experience a minor reduction in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, a central nervous stimulant is the most commonly used medication used to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms, such as a liquid chewable tablet and an oral disintegrating tablet that performs long, and a pill with extended release. The drug is effective by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which help to increase focus. It can also help reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Methylphenidate is a proven treatment for ADHD in conjunction with other treatments, such as behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate is a drug that blocks transporters that remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug can cause a small increase in blood pressure and heart rate. People who suffer from diabetes should be aware of this medication as it could cause rapid increases in blood sugar. Speak to your doctor if you notice any of these signs. Methylphenidate may also cause Raynaud’s phenomenon which causes numbness in the feet and fingers. This is a rare side effect but it is important to notify your doctor if you have these symptoms.
There are some who believe that methylphenidate may slow the growth of children. However it hasn't been proven. If your child is taking methylphenidate ensure that you be aware of their weight and height. If your child is on chewable tablets containing methylphenidate, it contains phenylalanine, which can be dangerous for children with the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). If you suffer from PKU, consult your doctor about the different methylphenidate formulations.
Some people have difficulty with stimulants, which are the first treatment for ADHD. In these instances, doctors might prescribe another medication that performs in a similar way. There are also other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine, besides the methylphenidate. These drugs can last for longer and are stronger than methylphenidate. These drugs are typically taken at least three times a day However, some people may be able to take them more often. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD however they are not as effective as stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera and is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that improves concentration while reducing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It belongs to a class called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It works by boosting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine two chemical messengers that regulate brain's activity. It is a preferred choice for children and adults who prefer a different kind of medication than stimulants, like Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is important to know that atomoxetine does not work immediately. It can take up six weeks before the effects of this medication are evident. Additionally, you could be afflicted by side effects such as drowsiness, decreased appetite, and stomach upset. However, the benefits of atomoxetine far surpass the risks for many patients.
In a double-blind placebo-controlled study of 297 ADHD patients between the ages of 12 and 18, the effectiveness of atomoxetine was verified. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either atomoxetine in a daily dose of 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine and the placebo group experienced decrease in the symptoms of depression. The atomoxetine treatment group had greater improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. The improvement was not significant.
In another open trial, 10 patients suffering from ADHD who were unable to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine over 8 weeks. The atomoxetine group demonstrated improved ADHD symptoms when compared to the 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 however, experienced a rash and withdrew from the study. Three patients also reported temporary stomach symptoms, and one patient complained of increased fatigue.
Before beginning treatment with atomoxetine, talk with your physician about your medical background and any other supplements or medications that you're taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as prescription medications. It is particularly important to inform your doctor if you suffer from narrow-angle glaucoma or a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor or high blood pressure, heart disease or a history of sudden death. Also, avoid atomoxetine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, rasagiline, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine, in the past 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant that is a non-stimulant, can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. It can also decrease impulsivity, and increase concentration. However, it does not affect the brain the way stimulants do. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will determine the best dosage for you. Bupropion is available in tablets and capsules. It is crucial to follow the directions. There are withdrawal symptoms that can occur when you stop abruptly.
The most common dosage is two or three doses per day, separated by four to six hours. The dose can range between 100 mg two or three times daily up to 150 mg three or four times a day. The drug is taken up by the digestive system and excreted into urine. It cannot enter breast milk. However, it is able to enter the bloodstream and impact other organs. Bupropion raises blood pressure. It is essential to check it regularly.
Bupropion can, in addition to helping to reduce ADHD symptoms, can also reduce depression. It also helps treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking the dopamine receptors that are located in your brain. medication for add in adults dopamine from entering your brain, which can help stabilize mood.
Bupropion can interact with other medications. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication. It's important to let your doctor know that you are suffering from any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants since they can make the side effects worse.
A number of studies have examined the effects of bupropion versus placebos in adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and the majority of studies were poorly conducted. Furthermore, many of them excluded people with psychiatric comorbidity. The data indicate that bupropion has an impact on ADHD. Further research is needed to determine the positive effects for patients, including an improvement in quality of life. Furthermore, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is essential before a successful treatment can be developed. This requires a deeper understanding of the interplay between molecular pathways. Furthermore, it's essential to know how various anti-ADHD agents work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
If the stimulants prescribed to children suffering from ADHD don't work or cause troublesome side effects, the doctor may look to antidepressants for treatment. These medications, like imipramine and Nortriptyline, (Aventyl and Pamelor) boost the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which aids in helping people focus. These older drugs may cause serious negative side consequences. They are typically employed when other drugs fail.
The first choice of antidepressants in depression is usually a serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as fluoxetine, sertraline, or citalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants are still used in certain cases, despite their long history. They also work in treating neuropathic pain. They have a second pain-relieving action which is distinct from their antidepressant activity. They increase the activity of the noradrenephrine receptor by blocking its reuptake. They also act as descending moderators for pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs have less risk of toxicity, and less serious side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also safer during pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic for animals or humans. But medication adhd adults can have significant withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. To minimize these adverse effects, your physician might suggest reducing the dosage gradually over several weeks.
While medication adhd adults approved by the FDA as a medication for adhd bupropion is commonly prescribed antidepressant off-label to treat ADHD. It is believed to work by increasing neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which improves concentration. It is also believed to alleviate anxiety and stress. It can be combined with stimulants to achieve more rapid and lasting results.
Although there aren't any other FDA-approved nonstimulant medications for ADHD Many people feel relief through the use of supplements to their diets and herbs. A diet low on sugar and fat may also aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people may benefit from avoiding caffeine. It is important to inform your doctor about all the medications your child or you is taking, including prescription medications and herbal remedies. This can help reduce unwanted side effects and prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect every person differently, and it's often a process of trial and error to determine the right dosage and drug for your child or yourself.