ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, the most frequently prescribed treatment for ADHD seem to regulate brain chemicals and increase their levels. They cannot cure the disorder and only help manage symptoms if they are used regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medications can include changes in blood pressure and heart rate, anxiety, and tics. Certain teens and children who take stimulant drugs notice a slight slowing in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant and the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. It comes in a variety forms such as a liquid, chewable tablet, a long-acting orally disintegrating tablet, and an extended-release pill. The drug is effective by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which helps to enhance concentration. It can also lessen the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Methylphenidate can be a successful treatment for ADHD in combination with other treatments, such as behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that eliminate these neurotransmitters naturally from the brain. The drug may cause a slight increase in blood pressure and heart rate. adhd treatment without medication can also cause a rapid change in blood sugar levels, which is why diabetics should be careful when taking this medication. If you experience any of these side effects, talk to your doctor. Methylphenidate may also cause Raynaud’s phenomenon, which causes numbness of the feet and fingers. This is a rare side effect but it is important to tell your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms.
Some people are concerned that methylphenidate could slow the growth of children. However this hasn't been proven. If you have a child who is being treated with methylphenidate, be sure to keep track of his or her height and weight closely. If your child is taking chewable tablets of methylphenidate is a phenylalanine-based tablet, which is a risk for children who have the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). If you suffer from PKU, consult your doctor about the different formulations of methylphenidate.
Certain people have issues with stimulants, which are the first option for treating ADHD. In these cases doctors may prescribe another medication that works in a similar manner. Apart from methylphenidate there are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine. These drugs can last longer and are stronger than methylphenidate. They are usually taken twice to three times per day However, some people take them more frequently. 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 medication that improves concentration, while decreasing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It belongs to a category known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It is a drug that increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine two chemical messengers that control brain activity. It is a favorite among children and adults who want a different medication than stimulants like Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is crucial to keep in mind that atomoxetine is not effective instantly, and it can take up to 6 weeks for the effects of the medication to be evident. You may also experience negative side effects, such as nausea and drowsiness. For the majority of patients, the benefits of taking atomoxetine outweigh any risks.
In a double-blind placebo-controlled study of 297 ADHD patients between the ages of 12 and 18 years old, the efficacy of atomoxetine is 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 for a period of 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine group and the placebo group experienced reduction in symptoms of depression. The atomoxetine group saw more improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However, the improvement was modest (Michelson et al 2001).
In a different open trial in another open trial, 10 patients with ADHD who failed to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine over 8 weeks. adhd treatment without medication receiving atomoxetine had improved ADHD symptoms compared to 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 gaining significant. One patient had to withdraw due to an skin rash. Additionally, three patients reported intermittent gastrointestinal problems and one experienced increased fatigue (Kratochvil et al 2005).
Talk to your doctor before you begin treatment with atomoxetine regarding your health history, including any medications or supplements you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as prescription medications. Discuss with your doctor if any of the following conditions are present such as narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid or adrenal gland tumor; high blood pressure; heart disease or a history sudden death. Also, 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 is a non-stimulant drug that can improve the symptoms of ADHD. It can also reduce impulsivity, and increase concentration. However it doesn't affect the brain the similar way that stimulants do. It's only available with a prescription. Your doctor will determine the right dosage for you. Bupropion comes in tablets and capsules. It's important to take the medication as instructed. If you stop taking it abruptly you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
It's usually taken twice or three times per day with 4-6 hours between each dose. The dosage can range from 100mg two or three times per day to 150mg four or three times each day. The drug is in the digestive system and excreted into urine. It is not able to enter breast milk. However, it could enter the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion can increase your blood pressure, which is why it's important to check it often.
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 is a method of blocking dopamine receptors in your brain. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, is blocked from reaching your brain, which helps to regulate your mood.
Bupropion can interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor if you're taking any other medication. It's also important to know whether you are allergic to. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants because they can make side effects worse.
Numerous studies have compared bupropion to placebos in adults suffering from ADHD. These studies produced mixed results and were poorly conducted. Many of these studies excluded participants with psychiatric co-morbidity. However, the research suggests that bupropion may have a small effect on ADHD. More research is required to determine the positive effects for patients, such as an improvement in quality of life. Additionally, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is essential before a successful treatment can be created. This requires a deeper understanding of the relationship between the different molecular pathways. It is also crucial to know how anti-ADHD drugs work in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants can be prescribed by doctors if stimulants prescribed for children suffering from ADHD don't work or cause adverse side negative effects. These medications, including imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), work by increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to aid in concentration. These are older drugs that may have a number of adverse reactions, and are typically only considered when other drugs have failed.
The first choice of antidepressants in depression is usually a serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine, sertraline, or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants, that have been around for a long time, can be utilized in certain instances. They are effective in treating neuropathic pain and other conditions, but their antidepressant effect is not the identical. They increase the activity of the noradrenephrine receptor, by preventing its reuptake. They also act as descending moderators for pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs have a lower risk of toxicity and less serious side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also less harmful during pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic for humans or animals. If they are abruptly stopped, they may cause significant withdrawal symptoms. To reduce the risk of these adverse effects, your physician may suggest reducing your dose gradually over several weeks.
Bupropion, an antidepressant commonly that is used off-label to treat ADHD but isn't FDA approved as a drug for adhd. It's thought 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 it can be combined with stimulants to get faster and sustained results.
While there are no other FDA-approved nonstimulant medications for ADHD however, many people feel relief through the use of supplements to their diets and herbs. A diet low on fat and sugar may help reduce ADHD symptoms. Also, avoiding caffeine can also be helpful for certain people. Inform your doctor about all medications you or your child take such as herbal remedies and over-the-counter medicines. This will avoid interactions and reduce unwanted side effects. ADHD medications can affect individuals differently. It could take a bit of trial and error to discover the ideal dosage and drug for your child or yourself.