ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD and are believed to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals. However, they don't cure the condition and will only help with symptoms as long as they are taken regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication may include a change in heart rate and blood pressure and stomach upset as well as anxiety and tics. Children and teens who take stimulant medications have a slight decrease in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nerve stimulant is the most well-known drug used to treat ADHD. It is available in a variety of forms, including chewable tablets with liquid, an orally disintegrating tablet, which acts long and has an extended release. The drug boosts the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This improves concentration. It can also help to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Methylphenidate is a proven treatment for ADHD when combined with other treatments, like behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that remove these neurotransmitters normally from the brain. The drug can cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure. People who suffer from diabetes should be aware of this medication since it can cause rapid increases in blood sugar. If you have any of these side effects, speak with your doctor. Methylphenidate is also known to cause a condition called Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness and pain in the toes and fingers. This is a rare side effect however, it is crucial to notify your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms.
There is a concerns that methylphenidate can slow children's growth, but this hasn't been proven to be the situation. If you have a child receiving treatment with methylphenidate ensure that you monitor the height and weight closely. If your child is on chewable tablets of methylphenidate, it contains phenylalanine, which is potentially dangerous for children who have the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). Ask your doctor about a different formulation of methylphenidate if you have PKU.
Stimulants are the most popular medication for treating ADHD However, some individuals have issues with these medications. In these cases, doctors may prescribe other medications that work in a similar way. Apart from methylphenidate there are other stimulants such as dexamfetamine and the lisdexamfetamine. These substances can last longer and are more potent than methylphenidate. These drugs are typically taken at least three times a day However, some people might be able take them more often. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD however, they are less effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also called Strattera and is a nonstimulant ADHD drug that increases concentration while reducing the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It's part of a group of medications known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. two chemical messengers that control the brain's activity. It is popular with adults and children who seek a different medication than stimulants like Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is important to know that atomoxetine does not work immediately. It may take up to six weeks before the effects of this drug begin to show. Additionally, you could be afflicted by 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.
In a double-blind placebo controlled study that was conducted on 297 ADHD patients aged between 12 and 18, the effectiveness of atomoxetine was confirmed. 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. In both the atomoxetine and placebo groups depression symptoms were less. The atomoxetine group experienced more improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. The improvement was not significant.
In a follow-up open trial that included 10 ADHD patients who were not responding to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine treatment for 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 improving significantly. One patient had to withdraw due to an eruption. Three patients also reported temporary gastrointestinal symptoms, and one patient noticed an increase in fatigue.
Before you begin treatment with atomoxetine, talk with your physician about your health history and any other supplements or medications that you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over the counter medications. Discuss with your doctor if any of the following conditions exist such as narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid or adrenal gland tumour or a high blood pressure heart disease or a history sudden death. You should avoid the use of atomoxetine when you've been taking an MAO-inhibitor, such isocarboxazid or linezolid within the last 14 days, or rasagiline Methylene Blue Injection phenelzine or tranylcypromine.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant drug that can help improve symptoms of ADHD. It also helps to reduce impulsivity and boost focus, though it doesn't affect the brain in the same way as stimulants do. Only prescriptions are approved. Your doctor will decide the best dosage for you. Bupropion is available in capsules and tablets. It is essential to take the medication as directed. You may experience withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop abruptly.
It's typically taken two or three times per day with a gap of 4-6 hours between each dose. The dosage can range from 100 mg twice or three times daily to 150 mg daily, three or four times. The drug is in the digestive system, and excreted through urine. It cannot enter breast milk. However, it could enter the bloodstream and impact other organs. Bupropion raises blood pressure. It is important to keep it in website check frequently.
Bupropion, in addition to improving ADHD symptoms and reducing depression, also helps to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. It also helps treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors that are located in your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine, from reaching your brain. This helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other medications, so it's important to inform your doctor of any other medications you're taking. It's also important to know if you have any allergies. Also, stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants that could make the adverse effects more severe.
In a number of studies, bupropion was compared to placebos for adults with ADHD. These studies produced mixed results, and a lot were poorly designed. Furthermore, many of them excluded people with psychiatric comorbidity. The research suggests that bupropion does have a small effect on ADHD. Further research is needed to determine the positive effects for patients, such as an improvement in quality of life. Furthermore, a better understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is essential before a successful treatment can be created. This is a greater understanding of the relationship between the various molecular pathways. Additionally, it's important to know how various anti-ADHD medications work with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
If the stimulants prescribed to children suffering from ADHD do not work or cause troublesome side effects, doctors might turn to antidepressants as a treatment. These drugs, like imipramine and Nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor) are able to increase the neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine in the brain, which aids in helping people concentrate. These older drugs can have severe adverse consequences. They are usually only used when other medications are not working.
The first choice for depression-related antidepressants is typically a serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as fluoxetine, sertraline, or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants that have been around for decades, may still be used in some cases. They are effective in treating neuropathic and other pains however their antidepressant effect is not the same. They enhance noradrenephrine through inhibiting its reuptake and also act as antagonists of pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less toxic and have less side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They're also safer during pregnancy and do not appear to cause teratogenicity 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 several weeks.
While not officially approved by the FDA as a treatment for adhd Bupropion is a widely prescribed antidepressant that is off-label for ADHD. It is believed to increase neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which increases concentration. It also has been proven to reduce anxiety and can be combined with stimulants to achieve more rapid and sustained results.
Although there aren't any other FDA-approved medications that are nonstimulant for ADHD, many people do get relief from the use of dietary supplements and herbs. A diet low on fat and sugar can help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Some people might benefit from abstaining from caffeine. Inform your doctor about all medicines you or your child is taking as well as herbal remedies and prescription drugs. This will avoid interactions and minimize unwanted adverse effects. ADHD medication can affect each person differently, and it's often a trial and error to determine the right drug and dosage for your child or yourself.