ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD, appear to balance brain chemicals and increase their levels. However, they cannot solve the problem and will only help manage symptoms as long as they are used regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medication could include a change in heart rate and blood pressure, upset stomach, anxiety and tics. Some children and teens who take stimulant drugs have a slight decrease in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nerve stimulant is the most commonly used medication used to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms, including chewable tablets with liquid and an oral disintegrating tablet that performs long, and a pill with extended release. The drug works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which help to increase concentration. It may also reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Methylphenidate is a proven treatment for ADHD in conjunction with other treatments, such as behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate is a drug that blocks transporters that remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The medication can cause a slight increase in blood pressure and heart rate. People who suffer from diabetes should be on guard when taking this medication since it can cause an abrupt rise in blood sugar. Consult your physician when you have any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate is also known to cause the condition known as Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness and discomfort in the fingers and toes. This is a rare side effect, however, it is crucial to notify your doctor if you have these symptoms.
There is some concern that methylphenidate slows children's growth, but it hasn't been proved to be the case. If you have a child who is receiving treatment with methylphenidate ensure that you monitor his or her weight and height carefully. If your child is on chewable tablets of methylphenidate is a phenylalanine-based tablet, which is potentially dangerous for children with the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). If you have PKU, ask your doctor about different forms of methylphenidate.
Some people are unable to take stimulants, which are the first treatment for ADHD. In these cases, doctors may prescribe other drugs that function in a similar way. Besides methylphenidate, there are other stimulants like dexamfetamine and Lisdexamfetamine. These are stronger than methylphenidate and can last longer. They are usually taken between two and three times daily however some people may take them more often. Psychological treatments are also available for treating ADHD however, they are less likely to be beneficial than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known by the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that boosts concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It belongs to a category known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It is a drug that increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine two chemical messengers that control brain activity. It is a popular choice for children and adults who prefer a different type of medication than stimulants like Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is crucial to understand that atomoxetine isn't a drug that works instantly. It could take up to six weeks before the effects of this medication begin to show. There is also the possibility of experiencing negative side effects, such as nausea and drowsiness. However, the benefits of atomoxetine far outweigh the risks for a majority of patients.
In a double-blind placebo controlled study of 297 ADHD patients between the ages of 12 and 18 years old, the effectiveness of atomoxetine has been confirmed. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either atomoxetine at a daily dose 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over 9 weeks. In both the atomoxetine and placebo groups, symptoms of depression were reduced. The atomoxetine group saw more improvements in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. The improvement was not significant.
In a separate open study, 10 patients suffering from ADHD who failed to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine over 8 weeks. The group treated with atomoxetine showed improved ADHD symptoms in comparison to placebo, with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Rated screening version and Clinical Global Impression of Severity scales gaining significant. However, one patient experienced a rash and withdrew from the study. Three patients reported transient gastrointestinal disturbances and one experienced increased fatigue (Kratochvil and co., 2005).
Consult your physician before you start treatment with atomoxetine regarding your health history, including any supplements or medications you take. This includes herbal remedies as well as over the counter medications. Discuss with your doctor when any of the following conditions occur: narrow-angle glaucoma; a thyroid or adrenal gland tumor; high blood pressure; heart disease or a history sudden death. It is also recommended to 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, a non-stimulant drug, can help to improve ADHD symptoms. It also helps reduce impulsivity, and increase concentration. However it doesn't affect the brain in the same way that stimulants do. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will determine the best dosage for you. Bupropion comes in tablets and extended-release capsules. It is important to take the medication exactly as directed. There are withdrawal symptoms that can occur when 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 between 100 mg two or three times a day up to 150 mg three or four times a day. The drug is absorbed by the digestive tract and is excreted in urine, meaning it isn't able to enter breast milk. However, it is able to enter the bloodstream and impact other organs. Bupropion can increase blood pressure. It is important to check it frequently.
Bupropion can, in addition to helping to reduce ADHD symptoms and reducing depression, also helps to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. It can also be used to treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors that are located in your brain. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, is blocked from entering your brain, which helps stabilize mood.
Bupropion may interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications. It's also important to know if you have any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants since they can make the side effects worse.
A number of studies have compared bupropion with placebos in adults with ADHD. These studies yielded mixed results, and many were poorly designed. Additionally, many did not include participants with psychiatric disorders. The data indicate that bupropion does have a modest impact on ADHD. More research here is needed to determine the positive effects for patients, including the improvement in their quality of life. Before effective treatments can be developed it is essential to gain a better understanding of the molecular causes of ADHD. This includes a better understanding of the connection between the various molecular pathways. It's also important to understand how anti-ADHD drugs work in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed for children with ADHD don't work or cause troublesome side effects, doctors may look to antidepressants for treatment. These drugs, like imipramine and Nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor) boost the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which help people concentrate. These are older medications which can cause serious adverse reactions, and are typically only considered when other drugs have failed.
The first choice for antidepressants in depression is usually a serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as fluoxetine, sertraline or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants that have been in use for decades, may still be used in certain situations. They also work in treating neuropathic pain. They have a second pain-relieving action which is distinct from their antidepressant properties. They increase the potency of noradrenephrine by reducing its reuptake, and also act as lower modulators of pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs have less risk of toxicity and less serious adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also safer during pregnancy and do not appear to be teratogenic to humans or animals. But they can have significant withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped. Your doctor may recommend slowly decreasing the dosage over several weeks to minimize these effects.
Bupropion, a common antidepressant prescribed off-label to treat ADHD however, it is not FDA approved as a drug for adhd. It's believed to be effective by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine and acetylcholine within the brain, which improves concentration. It is also believed to ease anxiety and can be combined with stimulants for more rapid and long-lasting results.
While there are no other FDA-approved medications that are nonstimulant for ADHD however, many people feel relief through the use of nutritional supplements and herbs. A diet low on fat and sugar may help reduce ADHD symptoms. Some people might benefit from abstaining from caffeine. It is essential to inform your doctor about all medications that you or your child is taking, including prescription medications and herbal remedies. This will help prevent interactions and reduce unwanted side effects. ADHD medications can affect individuals differently. It could take a bit of trial and error before you discover the ideal dosage and dose for your child or you.