ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, which are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD are believed to regulate brain chemicals and boost their levels. They cannot cure the disorder and only treat symptoms if used regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medication may include changes in blood pressure and heart rate, upset stomach, anxiety and tics. Children and teens who take stimulant medications experience a minor reduction in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant and is the most widely prescribed drug to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms, such as tablets that chew liquid as well as an oral disintegrating tablet, which acts long and has an extended release. The drug is effective by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps to improve focus. It may also reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Methylphenidate can be a successful treatment for ADHD in conjunction with other treatments, such as behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that remove these neurotransmitters normally from the brain. The drug may cause a slight increase in blood pressure or heart rate. It can also cause a rapid change in blood sugar levels, and diabetics should be cautious when taking this medication. 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 fingers and feet. This is a rare side effect, but it is important to tell your doctor if you have these symptoms.
Some people are concerned that methylphenidate can slow down the growth of children. However, her response has not been proved. If your child is taking methylphenidate make sure you be aware of their weight and height. If your child is taking chewable tablets containing methylphenidate, it contains phenylalanine, which can be dangerous for children suffering from the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). Ask your doctor about a different formulation of methylphenidate in case you suffer from PKU.
Certain people have issues with stimulants which are the most popular choice of medication for treating ADHD. In these cases, doctors may prescribe other medications that function in a similar way. In addition to methylphenidate, there are other stimulants like dexamfetamine and the lisdexamfetamine. These drugs can last longer and are more potent than methylphenidate. The typical dosage is every day, either twice or three times however some individuals may be able to take them more frequently. Psychological treatments are also available to treat ADHD however they are less likely to be effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known by the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that increases concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It is in a class of medications known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and works by boosting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers that regulate the brain's activity. It is a preferred choice for both adults and children who want a different type of medication than stimulants such as 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 begin to show. In addition, you may experience side-effects such as drowsiness, decreased appetite, and stomach upset. For the majority of patients, the benefits of taking atomoxetine are greater than the risks.
The effectiveness of atomoxetine was verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled study with 297 ADHD patients between the ages of 12 and 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 group saw greater improvements in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. The improvement was modest.
In a second open trial that included 10 ADHD patients who were not responding to stimulants were given atomoxetine treatment for 8 weeks. The atomoxetine group demonstrated improved ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version and Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale gaining significant. One patient was unable to continue treatment due to an outbreak of rash. Additionally, three patients experienced gastrointestinal issues that were transient and one reported increased fatigue (Kratochvil and co., 2005).
Before you begin treatment with atomoxetine, talk to your doctor about your medical background and any other medications or supplements that you are taking. This includes herbal remedies and over-the-counter medications. It is crucial to tell your doctor if you suffer from narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor and high blood pressure heart disease, or a history of sudden death. You should stay clear of the use of atomoxetine in the event that you've taken an MAO inhibitor like isocarboxazid or linezolid in the past 14 days, or rasagiline, Methylene Blue Injection, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant drug that can improve the symptoms of ADHD. It can also reduce the impulsivity of children and improve focus. However, it does not affect the brain the way stimulants do. Only prescriptions are approved. Your doctor will determine the best dosage for you. Bupropion is available as tablets and capsules. It is important to follow the instructions. If you stop taking it suddenly you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
The usual dosage is two or three doses per day separated by 4-6 hours. The dosage can range between 100mg and three times a day to 150mg three or four time every day. The drug is absorbed by the digestive tract, and then is excreted in urine, meaning it isn't able to enter breast milk. It can, however, get into the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion raises blood pressure. It is essential to keep it in check regularly.
In addition to helping improve the symptoms of ADHD In addition, bupropion may reduce depression. It is also a treatment for bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors that are located in your brain. This prevents the neurotransmitter dopamine from reaching your brain, which can help to regulate your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other drugs It's therefore important to inform your doctor about any other medications you're taking. It is important to inform your doctor know that you have any allergies. Also, stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants, as they can make the side effects worse.
In several studies in a variety of studies, bupropion was compared with placebos for adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed, and the majority of studies were not conducted properly. Additionally, many excluded participants with psychiatric comorbidity. The research suggests that bupropion does have an impact on ADHD. However, more research is needed to identify positive outcomes for patients like improvements in quality of life. Before effective treatments can be created it is crucial to have a better understanding of the molecular types of ADHD. This includes a better understanding of the relation between different molecular pathways. Furthermore, it's essential to know how various anti-ADHD medications work with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed for children suffering from ADHD do not work or cause troublesome side effects, the doctor may consider antidepressants as a treatment. These medications, such as imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor), increase the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which help people focus. These older drugs can have severe side consequences. They are typically employed when other drugs do not work.
The first choice of antidepressants for depression is typically a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram and escitalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants, that have been in use for a long time, can be utilized in certain instances. These medications are also effective in treating neuropathic pain. They have an additional pain-relieving effect that is separate from their antidepressant effect. They enhance the noradrenephrine receptor by blocking its reuptake, and they also act as descending moderators for pain pathways in spinal cord.
SSRIs are less harmful and have less adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They're also safer in pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic in humans or animals. If abruptly stopped, they may cause severe withdrawal symptoms. To minimize these adverse effects, your physician may suggest reducing your dose gradually over a period of several weeks.
Although it isn't officially recognized by the FDA as a treatment for adhd, bupropion is a commonly prescribed antidepressant that is off-label for ADHD. It is believed to increase neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain, which enhances concentration. It's also known to relieve anxiety and can be combined with stimulants to achieve more rapid and long-lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved nonstimulant ADHD medication, however many people find relief from dietary supplements and herbal remedies. A diet low on fat and sugar may aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. In the same way, removing caffeine can also be helpful for certain people. Inform your doctor about all medications that you or your child is taking such as herbal remedies and over-the-counter medicines. This will minimize unwanted side effects as well as prevent interactions. ADHD medication can affect each person differently, which is why it's often a process of trial and error to discover the appropriate dosage and medication for your child or yourself.