ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD and are believed to increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. They cannot solve the problem and can only treat symptoms if used regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medication can include an increase in heart rate and blood pressure and stomach upset anxiety and tics. Some children and teenagers who take stimulant drugs experience a minor reduction in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous stimulant is the most commonly used medication used to treat ADHD. It is available in a variety of forms, such as tablets that chew liquid, an orally disintegrating tablet that performs long and has an extended release. The drug boosts the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This improves concentration. It can also lessen the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Methylphenidate is a proven treatment for ADHD when combined with other treatments, such as behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate works by blocking the transporters that are normally responsible for removing these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug can cause a small increase in blood pressure and heart rate. It can also cause rapid changes in blood sugar levels, so those with diabetes must be aware when taking this medication. Talk to your doctor in the event that you have any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate can also cause a condition called Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness as well as pain in the fingers and toes. It is a rare but serious side result. It is essential to notify your doctor in the event that these symptoms occur.
There is some concerns that methylphenidate may slow children's growth, however this has not been proved to be the situation. If your child is taking methylphenidate, be sure to be aware of their weight and height. If your child takes tablets containing methylphenidate, the phenylalanine in it can be dangerous to children with Phenylketonuria. If you suffer from PKU consult your doctor about the different methylphenidate formulations.
Some people have difficulty with stimulants which are the primary choice of medication for treating ADHD. In these cases, doctors may prescribe other drugs that function similarly. In addition to methylphenidate, there are other stimulants such as dexamfetamine and the lisdexamfetamine. These drugs can last longer and are more potent than methylphenidate. They are usually taken between two and three times a day, but some people can take them more frequently. Psychological treatments are also available for treating ADHD however, they are less likely to be helpful than a stimulant.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera and is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that improves concentration while reducing the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It is part of a class known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It works by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers which control brain activity. It is a favorite choice for children and adults who prefer a different kind of medication than stimulants, such as Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is crucial to keep in mind that atomoxetine does not work instantly, and it can take up to six weeks for the effects of the medication to be evident. Additionally, you may be afflicted by side effects such as diminished appetite, drowsiness and upset stomach. For the majority of patients the benefits of taking atomoxetine are greater than any risk.
In a double-blind placebo-controlled study of 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18 years old, the efficacy of atomoxetine is verified. 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. Both the atomoxetine group and the placebo group experienced decrease in the symptoms of depression. The atomoxetine treatment group showed more improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group. However the improvement was only modest (Michelson et al 2001).
In a follow-up open trial in a second open trial, 10 ADHD patients who did not respond to stimulants were given the treatment of atomoxetine for eight weeks. The group treated with atomoxetine showed improvement in 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 increasing significantly. One patient was unable to continue treatment due to an outbreak of rash. Three patients also reported transient digestive symptoms, and one reported increased fatigue.
Talk to your doctor before you start treatment with atomoxetine about your medical history, which includes any supplements or medications you are taking. This includes herbal remedies and over-the-counter medications. It is especially important to tell your doctor if you suffer from narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor, high blood pressure, heart disease or a history of sudden death. You should stay clear of the use of atomoxetine if you've taken an MAO-inhibitor like isocarboxazid or linezolid in the last 14 days, or rasagiline Methylene Blue Injection phenelzine or tranylcypromine.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a nonstimulant that can help improve symptoms of ADHD. It also helps to reduce impulsivity and improve concentration, but it does not affect the brain in the same way as stimulants. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will determine the best medication for inattentive adhd dosage for you. Bupropion is available in capsules and tablets. It is crucial to follow the directions. You might experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop abruptly.
The typical dosage is two or three doses daily divided by 4-6 hours. The dosage can range between 100mg and three times a day to 150mg three or four time daily. The drug is absorbed by the digestive tract and eliminated into urine, which means that it can't enter breast milk. However, it is able to enter the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion increases blood pressure. It is essential to keep it in check frequently.
Bupropion can, in addition to helping to reduce natural adhd medication symptoms, can also reduce depression. It also helps treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors in your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter, dopamine, from entering your brain. This helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication. It's also important to know whether you suffer from any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants as they can make the side effects worse.
A number of studies have compared bupropion to placebos in adults with ADHD. These studies yielded mixed results, and a lot were poorly conducted. Additionally, many excluded participants with psychiatric comorbidity. The research suggests that bupropion does have a small effect on ADHD. More research is needed to determine positive outcomes for patients, such as an improvement in the quality of life. Furthermore, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is needed before effective treatment can be developed. This requires a deeper understanding of the connection between molecular pathways. It's also important to understand how does medication for adhd work anti-adhd medication for women drugs work in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants may be prescribed by doctors when stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD are not effective or cause adverse side negative effects. These medications, such as imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), are effective in boosting the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which aid in concentration. These are old drugs that may have a number of adverse effects, so they're usually tried only when other drugs have failed.
The first option of antidepressants for depression is typically a selective serotonin receptor inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram, or escitalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants continue to be used in certain cases despite their long history. They are also effective in reducing neuropathic pain. They also have a second pain-relieving action that is separate from their antidepressant properties. They potentiate the noradrenephrine receptor, by preventing its reuptake. They also act as descending modulators for pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs have a lower risk of toxicity, and less serious side effects than the tricyclic antidepressants. They are also safer during pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic for humans or animals. However, they may cause severe withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. To reduce the risk of these adverse effects, your physician may suggest reducing the dose gradually over a period of several weeks.
Although not officially recognized by the FDA as a treatment for adhd, bupropion is a commonly prescribed antidepressant that is off-label for ADHD. It's thought to be effective by increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and acetylcholine that are found in the brain to increase concentration. It is also believed to alleviate anxiety and stress. It can be used in conjunction with stimulants to achieve quicker and lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved non-stimulant ADHD medications, however many people have found relief through dietary supplements and herbal remedies. A diet low in fat and sugar may aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people might benefit by staying clear of caffeine. Inform your doctor about all medicines you or your child take, including herbal remedies and prescription medications. This will help prevent interactions and reduce the risk of unwanted side effects. ADHD medication can affect each person differently, and it's often a trial and error to find the right drug and dosage for you or your child.