The Comprehensive Guide To ADHD Treatment Medication
ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD seem to regulate brain chemicals and increase their levels. However, they don't cure the condition and will only help manage symptoms as long as they're taken regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medications can include changes in blood pressure and heart rate, anxiety and tics. Certain teenagers and children who are taking stimulant drugs experience a minor reduction in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant for the central nervous system and is the most widely prescribed medication for ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms including chewable tablet that is liquid and a long-acting disintegrating orally disintegrating tablet and an extended-release pill. The drug increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This improves concentration. It can also help reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. When used in conjunction with other treatments like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate could be a very effective treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks transporters that remove these neurotransmitters normally from the brain. The medication can cause a slight increase in heart rate and blood pressure. People with diabetes should also be aware of this medication because it can cause rapid increases in blood sugar. Consult your physician when you have any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate may also cause Raynaud’s phenomenon that causes numbness in the fingers and feet. It is a rare but serious side effect. It is important to notify your doctor if these symptoms occur.
There is some concern that methylphenidate slows children's growth, but it hasn't been proven to be the situation. If your child is taking methylphenidate make sure you be attentive to their weight and height. If your child is on a methylphenidate chewable tablet that contains phenylalanine which is a risk for children suffering from the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). If you suffer from PKU, consult your doctor about the different methylphenidate formulations.
Stimulants are considered the first-choice treatment for ADHD However, some individuals have issues with them. In these instances, doctors may prescribe other medications that function similarly. There are also other stimulants like dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine, in addition to methylphenidate. These drugs are a little more powerful than methylphenidate and may last longer. They are usually taken twice to three times daily, but some people can 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 drug that boosts concentration while reducing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It is part of a class called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It is a drug that increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine two chemical messengers that control the brain activity. It is a preferred option for adults and children who prefer a different type 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 drug to be apparent. You may also experience side effects such as drowsiness and nausea. However the benefits of atomoxetine surpass the risks for many patients.
The efficacy of atomoxetine has been confirmed in a multisite double-blind placebo-controlled study involving 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18. The participants were randomized 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 atomoxetine and placebo groups, symptoms of depression were less. The treatment group with atomoxetine showed more improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group. The improvement was sporadic.
In a separate open study, 10 patients suffering from ADHD who failed to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine over 8 weeks. The atomoxetine group demonstrated improved ADHD symptoms compared to 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 however, experienced an allergic reaction and was removed from the study. Additionally, three patients experienced gastrointestinal issues that were transient and one experienced increased fatigue (Kratochvil and colleagues, 2005).
Talk to your doctor prior to you start treatment with atomoxetine about your health history, including any medications or supplements you're taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as prescription medications. Tell your doctor when any of the following conditions exist: narrow-angle glaucoma; a thyroid or adrenal gland tumour; high blood pressure; heart disease or a history sudden death. Avoid atomoxetine as well in the event that you've taken an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid and 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 can also decrease the impulsivity of children and improve focus. However, it does not affect the brain the similar way that stimulants do. Only prescriptions are approved. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate dosage for you. Bupropion comes in tablets and capsules. It is essential to follow the prescriptions. You may experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop abruptly.
The typical dosage is two or three doses per day separated by four to six hours. The dosage can range from 100mg two or three times per day up to 150mg three or four time daily. The drug is absorbed by the digestive system and excreted in urine. It isn't able to penetrate breast milk. However, it could be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion can increase your blood pressure, so it's vital to monitor it regularly.
Bupropion, in addition to improving ADHD symptoms and reducing depression, also helps to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. It can also treat bipolar disorder. It is accomplished by blocking dopamine receptors within your brain. This prevents the neurotransmitter dopamine from entering your brain, which helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion can interact with other drugs, so it's important to tell your doctor about any other medications you're taking. It's important to let your doctor know that you suffer from any allergies. You should also avoid caffeine and other stimulants, as they could make the adverse effects worse.
Several studies have compared bupropion to placebos in adults suffering from ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and the majority of studies were not well-designed. A majority of these studies excluded patients with psychiatric co-morbidity. Nevertheless, the data suggest that bupropion may have a small impact on ADHD. However it is necessary to conduct more research to identify positive outcomes for patients such as improvement in quality of life. Before effective treatments can be developed it is crucial to understand the underlying causes of the molecular forms of ADHD. This is a greater understanding of the relationship between the molecular pathways. Moreover, it's critical to know how various anti-ADHD medications work with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
If the stimulants prescribed to children suffering from ADHD don't work or cause adverse side effects, doctors might look to antidepressants for treatment. These medications, such as imipramine and Nortriptyline, (Aventyl and Pamelor) boost the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which help people to focus. These older drugs can have severe side negative effects. They are generally only used when other medications are not working.
The first option for depression treatment is typically a serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, or citalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants continue to be used in certain cases, despite their long history. These medications are also effective in reducing neuropathic pain. They also have a second pain-relieving action that is separate from their antidepressant properties. They increase the potency of noradrenephrine by reducing its reuptake. They also function as antagonists 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 animals or humans. However, they can cause significant withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped. To minimize these side effects, your doctor may suggest reducing your dose gradually over several weeks.
While not officially approved by the FDA as an adhd medication bupropion is commonly prescribed antidepressant off-label for ADHD. It is believed to increase the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine and acetylcholine in the brain to improve concentration. It also helps alleviate anxiety and stress. It can be combined with stimulants to achieve quicker and lasting results.
There are adhd depression medication -approved non-stimulant ADHD medications, however many people have found relief through dietary supplements and herbal remedies. A diet that is low in sugar and fat can also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Certain people can also benefit from abstaining from caffeine. Discuss with your doctor any medications you or your child are taking as well as herbal remedies and prescription medications. This can help reduce unwanted side effects as well as prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect every person differently, which is why it's often a trial and error to discover the right drug and dosage for your child or you.