ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD, appear to balance brain chemicals and boost their levels. They are not able to solve the problem and can only treat symptoms if they are taken regularly.
Side effects of ADHD medications may include changes in blood pressure as well as heart rate, anxiety, and tics. Certain teenagers and children who take stimulant medications have a slight decrease in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, a central nervous stimulant is the most well-known drug used to treat ADHD. It is available in many forms, including a chewable tablet, a liquid and a long-acting disintegrating orally disintegrating tablet, and an extended release pill. The drug boosts the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This improves concentration. It may also reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. When coupled with other treatments, like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate may be a successful treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters which eliminate these neurotransmitters naturally from the brain. The drug may cause a slight increase in heart rate or blood pressure. People who suffer from diabetes should be cautious when taking this medication because it can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar. Speak to your doctor in the event that you experience any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate is also known to cause Raynaud's phenomenon, which causes numbness of the fingers and feet. This is a rare side effect, however, it is crucial to inform your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
There is a concerns that methylphenidate may slow the growth of children, but this hasn't been proven to be the case. If your child is taking methylphenidate, be sure to be aware of their weight and height. If your child is on a methylphenidate chewable tablet that contains phenylalanine which is potentially dangerous for children suffering from the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). If you suffer from PKU, consult your physician about other forms of methylphenidate.
Stimulants are considered the first-choice treatment for ADHD however, some people have trouble with them. In these instances, doctors may prescribe other drugs that function in a similar manner. Besides methylphenidate, there are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine and the lisdexamfetamine. These drugs can last for longer and are more potent than methylphenidate. They are usually taken at least three times a day, but some people might be able take them more frequently. Psychological treatments are also available for treating ADHD however they are less likely to prove beneficial than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera and is a nonstimulant ADHD drug that increases concentration while decreasing the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It belongs to a class called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It works by boosting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers which regulate brain activity. It is a favorite choice for children and adults who prefer a different kind of medication than stimulants, like Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is important to realize that atomoxetine does not work immediately. It can take up 6 weeks before the effects of this medication begin to show. Additionally, you could experience side-effects such as reduced appetite, drowsiness and stomach upset. For the majority of patients, the benefits of taking atomoxetine outweigh any risks.
In a double-blind, placebo controlled study of 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18 years old, the efficacy of atomoxetine was confirmed. The participants were randomized to receive atomoxetine, a daily dose of 0.6 mg per kilogram or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine and the placebo group experienced reduction in symptoms of depression. The atomoxetine-treated group had more improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However, the improvement was modest (Michelson et al 2001).
In another open trial, 10 patients with ADHD who were unable to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine for 8 weeks. The atomoxetine treatment group demonstrated improved ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo with scores on Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Version of the screening and the Clinical Global Impression Severity scales improving significantly. One patient withdrew due to a eruption. In addition, three patients reported transient gastrointestinal disturbances and one patient reported fatigue that was more severe (Kratochvil et al 2005).
Talk to your doctor before you begin treatment with atomoxetine regarding your medical history, including any supplements or medications you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as prescription medications. It is especially important to tell your doctor if you suffer from narrow-angle glaucoma, thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor or high blood pressure, heart disease or an unusually sudden death. You should avoid Atomoxetine in addition to if you've taken an MAO-inhibitor, such isocarboxazid or linezolid in the past 14 days, or rasagiline, Methylene Blue Injection, phenelzine or tranylcypromine.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a nonstimulant that is a non-stimulant, can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. It also helps to reduce impulsivity and boost focus, although it does not affect the brain in the same way as stimulants. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will decide the most effective dosage for you. Bupropion is available in tablets and extended-release capsules. It is important to take the medication as instructed. If you stop taking it abruptly, you may have withdrawal symptoms.
It's usually taken twice or three times a day with a 4-6 hour interval between each dose. The dose here can range from 100 mg two or three times per day up to 150 mg three or four times a day. The drug is absorbed by the digestive system and excreted into urine. It is not able to enter breast milk. However, it is able to be absorbed into the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion can increase your blood pressure, making it important to monitor it frequently.
In addition to reducing the symptoms of ADHD, bupropion can also reduce depression. It is also a treatment for bipolar disorder. It is accomplished by blocking dopamine receptors in your brain. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, is blocked from reaching your brain, which helps stabilize mood.
Bupropion can 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. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants since they can make side effects worse.
In a variety of studies, bupropion was compared to placebos for adults suffering from ADHD. These studies yielded mixed results, and a lot were poorly designed. Additionally, many did not include participants with psychiatric disorders. Nevertheless, the data suggest that bupropion has a modest impact on ADHD. Further research is needed to determine positive outcomes for patients, such as an improvement in the quality of life. Additionally, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is needed before effective treatment can be created. This requires a deeper understanding of the relationship between molecular pathways. It is also crucial to know how anti-ADHD drugs function in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD do not work or cause undesirable side effects, the doctor may look to antidepressants for treatment. These drugs, which include imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), work by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain, which help people focus. These older drugs may cause serious adverse effects. They are typically used when other medications are not working.
The first choice of antidepressant for depression is typically a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine sertraline, citalopram or escitalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants are still used in some cases despite their long history. These medications are effective in treating neuropathic pain and other conditions, but their antidepressant effect is not the identical. They enhance noradrenephrine through inhibiting its reuptake, and also act as descending modulators of pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs have lower risks of toxicity, and less serious adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. Additionally, they're safe in pregnancy and aren't teratogenic in humans or animals. However, they can cause significant withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. To minimize these adverse effects, your physician might suggest reducing the dosage gradually over a period of several weeks.
Although it isn't officially recognized by the FDA as an adhd medication bupropion is commonly prescribed antidepressant that is off-label for ADHD. It's thought to increase the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and acetylcholine that are found in the brain to increase concentration. It is also known to reduce anxiety and stress. It can be used in conjunction with stimulants to achieve more rapid and lasting results.
While there aren't any FDA-approved medications that are nonstimulant for ADHD however, many people feel relief through the use of nutritional supplements and herbs. A diet that is low in fat and sugar can help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Some people may benefit from staying clear of caffeine. It is important to inform your doctor about all medications your child or you is taking, including prescription medications and herbal remedies. This can help reduce unwanted side effects and help prevent interactions. ADHD medication can affect people differently. It may take some trial and error to discover the ideal dosage and dose for your child or you.