ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, the most frequently prescribed treatment for ADHD are believed to regulate brain chemicals and boost their levels. However, they do not solve the problem and will only aid in managing symptoms so long as they're taken regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication can include an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, upset stomach, anxiety and tics. Some children and teenagers who take stimulant drugs have a slight decrease in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, a central nervous stimulant is the most commonly used drug used to treat ADHD. It is available in various forms, including a liquid chewable tablet, an orally disintegrating tablet that acts long, and a pill with extended release. The drug increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, helping to improve concentration. It can also help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Methylphenidate is an effective treatment for ADHD in conjunction with other treatments, including behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate works by blocking the transporters that normally remove 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 cautious when taking this medication. Talk to your doctor in the event that you experience any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate is also known to cause a condition called Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness and pain in the fingers and toes. This is a rare but serious side result. It is important to inform your doctor in the event that these symptoms occur.
Some people are concerned that methylphenidate could slow children's growth. However it hasn't been proved. If you have a child being treated with methylphenidate, be sure to keep track of the weight and height carefully. If your child is taking a methylphenidate chewable tablet that contains phenylalanine which is a risk for children suffering from the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). If you have PKU, consult your physician about other methylphenidate formulations.
Some people have difficulty with stimulants which are the primary treatment for ADHD. In these instances, doctors might prescribe another medication that works in a similar way. Besides methylphenidate, there are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine and the lisdexamfetamine. These drugs can last for longer and are stronger than methylphenidate. The typical dosage is at least three times a day however some individuals might be able take them more frequently. Psychological treatments are also available to treat ADHD however they are less likely to be beneficial than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also called Strattera and is a nonstimulant ADHD drug that boosts concentration, while decreasing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It belongs to a category called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It works by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine two chemical messengers that control brain activity. It is popular among people of all ages who need an alternative to stimulants like Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is crucial to understand that atomoxetine isn't a drug that works instantly. It could take up to 6 weeks before the effects of this medication become apparent. There are also adverse effects like drowsiness and nausea. However the benefits of atomoxetine far outweigh the risks for most patients.
The efficacy of atomoxetine was verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled trial with 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18. Participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine in a daily dose of 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine and placebo groups, symptoms of depression were less. The atomoxetine treatment group had better improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. The improvement was sporadic.
In another open trial, 10 patients suffering from ADHD who failed to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine for 8 weeks. The more info atomoxetine treatment group demonstrated improvement in ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo, with scores on Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Version of the screening and Clinical Global Impression of Severity scales gaining significant. One patient however, experienced an allergic reaction and was removed from the study. Three patients also reported temporary digestive symptoms, and one reported increased fatigue.
Talk to your doctor prior to you begin treatment with atomoxetine regarding your medical history, including any supplements or medications you take. This includes herbal remedies as well as over-the-counter medicines. Inform your doctor whether any of the following conditions occur such as narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid or adrenal gland tumour or a 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 or methylene blue injection rasagiline or phenelzine, as well as tranylcypromine within the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a nonstimulant, can help to improve ADHD symptoms. It also helps to reduce impulsivity and boost focus, although it does not affect the brain in the same way as stimulants do. It's only available on prescription. Your doctor will determine the right dosage for you. Bupropion is available in tablets and extended-release capsules. It is crucial to follow the instructions. You may experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop abruptly.
The typical dosage is two or three doses per day, separated by 4-6 hours. The dose can vary between 100mg and three times per day to 150mg three or four times daily. The drug is in the digestive system and excreted into urine. It isn't able to penetrate breast milk. However, it could enter the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion may increase blood pressure, which is why it's important to monitor it frequently.
In addition to helping improve the symptoms of ADHD Bupropion can also reduce depression. It is also used to treat bipolar disorder. It is a method of blocking dopamine receptors inside your brain. This stops the neurotransmitter, dopamine, from entering your brain. This helps to stabilize your mood.
Bupropion can interact with other medications. Inform your doctor if taking any other medications. It's essential to let your doctor know that you are suffering from any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants as they can make side effects worse.
In several studies the bupropion drug was compared with placebos for adults suffering from ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and most studies were not well-designed. Many of these studies did not include people with psychiatric disorders co-morbidity. The results suggest that bupropion can have a modest impact on ADHD. More research is required to determine positive outcomes for patients, including an improvement in the quality of living. Furthermore, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is required before effective treatment can be created. This is a greater understanding of the connection between the various molecular pathways. Moreover, it's critical to know how various anti-ADHD drugs work with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
If the stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD aren't effective or cause undesirable side effects, doctors may consider antidepressants as a treatment. These drugs, like imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor), increase the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which aids in helping people to focus. These are old drugs that may have a number of side effects, so they're usually only used when other medications have failed.
The first option of antidepressants for depression is typically a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram, or escitalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants, which have been around for decades, may still be utilized in certain instances. They are effective in treating pain caused by neuropathic or other but their antidepressant action is not the same. They enhance the noradrenephrine receptor by blocking its reuptake, and they also act as descending modulators for pain pathways in spinal cord.
SSRIs are less harmful and have less adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. In addition, they're safer during pregnancy and aren't teratogenic in animals or humans. But they can have significant 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 it isn't officially recognized by the FDA as a treatment for adhd, bupropion is a commonly prescribed antidepressant off-label to treat ADHD. It's thought to work by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine and acetylcholine that are found in the brain to increase concentration. It also has been proven to reduce anxiety, and it can be used in conjunction with stimulants for more rapid and lasting results.
Although there aren't any other FDA-approved nonstimulant medications for ADHD, many people do find relief with the use of dietary supplements and herbs. A diet low on fat and sugar may help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Also, avoiding caffeine can also be helpful for some. It's important to tell your doctor about all medications that you or your child is taking, including prescription medications and herbal remedies. This can help reduce unwanted side effects as well as prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect every person differently, and it's often a process of trial and error to find the right dosage and drug for your child or you.