ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD and can increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. However, they cannot solve the problem and will only help manage symptoms as long as they're taken regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication could include changes in blood pressure and heart rate, upset stomach, anxiety and tics. Some children and teens who take stimulant drugs notice a slight slowing in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, a central nervous stimulant is the most well-known drug used to treat ADHD. It is available in various forms, including a liquid chewable tablet, an orally 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 enhance concentration. It can also help to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. When coupled with other treatments, such as behavioral therapy, methylphenidate may be a successful treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that remove these neurotransmitters normally from the brain. The drug may cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure. People who suffer from diabetes should be on guard when taking this medication as it could cause a rapid rise in blood sugar. Talk to your doctor in the event that you have any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate is also known to cause Raynaud's phenomenon, which causes numbness of the feet and fingers. This is a rare side effect but it is important to inform your doctor if you have these symptoms.
There is a concern that methylphenidate slows the growth of children, but it hasn't been proven to be the case. If you have a child being treated with methylphenidate ensure that you monitor the child's height and weight closely. If your child is on chewable tablets of methylphenidate that contains phenylalanine which is a risk for children who have the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). If you suffer from PKU, consult your physician about other methylphenidate formulations.
Certain people have issues with stimulants which are the most popular option for treating ADHD. In these cases doctors may prescribe another medication that works in a similar way. In addition to methylphenidate, there are other stimulants like dexamfetamine and the lisdexamfetamine. These substances are stronger than methylphenidate and can last longer. These drugs are typically taken at least three times a day, but some people might be able to take them more often. Psychological treatments are also available to treat ADHD, but they are less likely to prove effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera and is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that improves concentration, while decreasing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It's part of a class of medications known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It is a stimulant of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers that control the brain's activity. It is a popular choice for both adults and children who prefer a different type of medication than stimulants like Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is important to know that atomoxetine doesn't work instantly. It could take up to six weeks before the effects of this drug are evident. Additionally, you could experience side-effects such as diminished appetite, drowsiness and upset stomach. However the benefits of atomoxetine outweigh the risks for most patients.
The efficacy of atomoxetine has been confirmed in a multisite double-blind placebo-controlled trial with 297 ADHD patients ages 12 to 18. Participants were randomly assigned 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. Both the atomoxetine group and the placebo group experienced decrease in the symptoms of depression. The atomoxetine treatment group showed greater improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However, the improvement was modest (Michelson and colleagues 2001).
In a second open trial that included 10 ADHD patients who did not respond to stimulants were given atomoxetine treatment for 8 weeks. The atomoxetine treatment group showed improvements 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 increasing significantly. One patient however, experienced an allergic reaction and was removed from the study. Three patients also reported transient stomach symptoms, and one complained of increased fatigue.
Talk to your doctor before you begin treatment with atomoxetine about your medical history, which includes any supplements or medications you are taking. This includes herbal remedies and other over-the-counter medicines. It is crucial to tell your doctor if there is narrow-angle glaucoma, thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor, high blood pressure, heart disease or a history of sudden death. You should also be wary of atomoxetine in the event that you have taken an MAO inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, rasagiline, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine within the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a nonstimulant that can aid in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It also helps reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. However it doesn't affect the brain the similar way that stimulants do. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate dosage for you. Bupropion is available in tablets and capsules. It is important to take the medication exactly as instructed. You may experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop abruptly.
The most common dosage is two or three doses daily, separated by four to six hours. The dose can range between 100 mg two or three times per day to 150 mg daily, three or four times. The drug is absorbed by the digestive system and excreted into urine. It is not able to enter breast milk. However, it can enter the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion increases blood pressure. It is important to keep it in check regularly.
Bupropion can, in addition to helping to reduce ADHD symptoms it can also help reduce depression. It is also used to treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors within your brain. This prevents the neurotransmitter dopamine from reaching your brain, which can help stabilize mood.
Bupropion can interact with other medications. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications. It's important to let your doctor know if have any allergies. It is also important to avoid caffeine and other stimulants, which can make the side effects more severe.
In several studies the bupropion drug was compared with placebos for adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed, and the majority of them were not well-designed. A majority of these studies excluded patients with psychiatric co-morbidity. The data indicate that bupropion has a small effect on ADHD. However it is necessary to conduct more research to determine positive patient-centered outcomes such as improvement in quality of life. Before effective treatments can be developed it is essential to have a better understanding of the molecular types click here of ADHD. This is a greater understanding of the connection between the molecular pathways. Additionally, it's important to understand how different anti-ADHD drugs work with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD aren't effective or cause adverse side effects, the doctor may look to antidepressants for treatment. These medications, like imipramine and Nortriptyline, (Aventyl and Pamelor) boost the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which aids in helping people to focus. These older medications can cause severe adverse effects. They are generally only employed when other drugs do not work.
The first option of antidepressants for depression is usually a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram and escitalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants are still used in certain instances despite their long history. They are also effective in treating neuropathic pain. They have a second pain-relieving action which is distinct from their antidepressant activity. They enhance noradrenephrine through inhibiting its reuptake, and also act as descending modulators of pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less harmful and have less side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They're also safer in the womb and do not appear to cause teratogenicity in 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.
Bupropion, a common antidepressant that is used off-label to treat ADHD, is not FDA approved as an adhd drug. It is believed to increase neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which increases concentration. It also helps relieve stress and anxiety. It can be paired with stimulants for more rapid and lasting results.
Although there aren't any other FDA-approved medications that are nonstimulant for ADHD however, many people get relief from the use of dietary supplements and herbs. A diet low in fat and sugar may aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people might also benefit by avoiding caffeine. Inform your doctor about all medications that you or your child is taking such as herbal remedies and prescription medications. This will help minimize unwanted side effects and prevent interactions. ADHD medication can affect each person differently, which is why it's often an exercise of trial and error to discover the right drug and dosage for you or your child.