ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD and can increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. They are not able to cure the disorder and only treat symptoms if taken regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication may include a change in heart rate and blood pressure and stomach upset, anxiety and tics. Some children and teens who take stimulant drugs have a slight decrease in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant and is the most widely used drug for treating ADHD. It is available in a variety of forms, such as a liquid chewable tablet and an oral disintegrating tablet that acts long and has an extended release. The drug increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which help to improve focus. It may also reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Methylphenidate can be a successful treatment for ADHD when combined with other treatments, like behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that normally remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug can cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure. It can also cause a rapid change in blood sugar levels, which is why diabetics should be cautious when taking this medication. If you encounter any of these side effects, speak with your doctor. Methylphenidate can also cause the condition known as Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness as well as discomfort in the toes and fingers. This is a rare side effect however, it is crucial to tell your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms.
There are some who believe that methylphenidate could slow children's growth. However, this has not been proved. If you have a child receiving treatment with methylphenidate be sure to monitor the child's weight and height closely. If your child is taking a methylphenidate tablet that contains phenylalanine, it could pose a risk for children suffering from phenylketonuria. If you suffer from PKU, consult your doctor about the different forms 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 function similarly. There are other stimulants like dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine, in addition to the methylphenidate. These are more potent than methylphenidate, and they can last longer. They are usually taken at least three times a day However, some people might be able to take them more often. 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 non-stimulant ADHD drug that boosts concentration while decreasing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It's part of a group of medications known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and works by boosting levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers that control the brain's activity. It is a favorite option for adults and children who prefer a different type of medication than stimulants like Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is important to realize that atomoxetine doesn't work instantly. It can take up six weeks before the effects of this medication are evident. Additionally, you may experience side-effects such as diminished appetite, drowsiness and stomach upset. For the majority of patients, the benefits of taking atomoxetine are greater than any risks.
In a double-blind placebo controlled study conducted on 297 ADHD patients aged between 12 and 18, the effectiveness of atomoxetine was verified. The participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine, which is a daily dose of 0.6 mg per kilogram or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for 9 weeks. In both the atomoxetine and placebo groups, symptoms of depression were reduced. The treatment group with atomoxetine showed more improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group. The improvement was not significant.
In a follow-up open trial in a second open trial, 10 ADHD patients who were not responding to stimulants received an atomoxetine treatment over 8 weeks. The group receiving atomoxetine had improved ADHD symptoms 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 had to withdraw due to an eruption. In addition, three patients reported intermittent gastrointestinal problems and one patient reported fatigue that was more severe (Kratochvil and colleagues, 2005).
Before beginning treatment with atomoxetine, talk to your doctor about your health history and any other medications or supplements that you are taking. This includes herbal remedies and other over-the-counter medicines. It is especially important to inform your doctor if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor or high blood pressure, heart disease or an unusually sudden death. Also, avoid atomoxetine if taken an MAO inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, rasagiline, phenelzine or tranylcypromine within the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant medication that can aid in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It also helps reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. However it doesn't affect the brain the same way that stimulants do. It's available by prescription only. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate dosage for you. best adhd medication comes in tablets as well as extended-release capsules. It's important to take the medication exactly as instructed. If you stop taking it suddenly you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
It's usually taken twice or three times a day with a gap of 4-6 hours between each dose. The dose can vary from 100mg two or three times a day to 150mg three or four times each day. The drug is absorbed by the digestive system and excreted in urine. It isn't able to penetrate breast milk. It can, however, enter the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion increases blood pressure. It is important to monitor it frequently.
Bupropion is a great drug that, in addition to reducing ADHD symptoms and reducing depression, also helps to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. It can also be used to treat bipolar disorder. It is a method of blocking dopamine receptors in your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter, dopamine, from reaching your brain. This helps to stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor if taking any other medications. It's essential to let your doctor know if you suffer from any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants since they can make side effects worse.
Several studies have compared bupropion to placebos in adults with ADHD. These studies had mixed results, and many were poorly conducted. Many of these studies did not include participants with psychiatric co-morbidity. However, the research suggests that bupropion has a modest impact on ADHD. However it is necessary to conduct more research to determine positive patient-centered outcomes like improvements in quality of life. Furthermore, a better 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 different molecular pathways. Furthermore, it's essential to understand how different anti-ADHD medications work with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed for children with ADHD don't work or cause undesirable side effects, doctors might consider antidepressants as a treatment. These drugs, like imipramine and Nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor), increase the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps people concentrate. These older drugs can have serious negative side negative effects. They are generally only used when other medications do not work.
The first option of antidepressants for depression is typically a selective serotonin receptor inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine sertraline, citalopram, or escitalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants are still used in certain cases, despite their long history. They are effective in treating neuropathic and other pains but their antidepressant action is not the identical. They potentiate noradrenephrine by inhibiting its reuptake. They also function as descending modulators of pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs have lower risks of toxicity and less serious side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also less harmful during pregnancy and do not appear to be teratogenic to humans or animals. However, they may cause severe withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. Your doctor may suggest slowly decreasing the dosage over several weeks to minimize these effects.
Bupropion, a popular antidepressant that is used off-label to treat ADHD, is not FDA approved as an adhd drug. It is believed to increase neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which improves concentration. It is also believed to relieve stress and anxiety. It can be combined with stimulants to achieve more rapid and lasting results.
While there aren't any FDA-approved medications that are nonstimulant for ADHD Many people find relief with the use of dietary supplements and herbs. A diet low on fat and sugar can help reduce ADHD symptoms. Similarly, eliminating caffeine may be beneficial for some. It's important to tell your doctor about all medications that you or your child is taking, including prescription medications and herbal remedies. This will minimize unwanted side effects as well as prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect everyone differently, and it's often an exercise of trial and error to discover the appropriate dosage and medication for you or your child.