The Complete Guide To ADHD Treatment Medication
ADHD Treatment MedicationStimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD and can boost and balance levels of brain chemicals. They are not able to solve the problem and can only manage symptoms if they are taken regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication can include changes in heart rate and blood pressure, upset stomach as well as anxiety and tics. Some children and teenagers who are taking stimulant drugs notice a slight reduction in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, a central nervous stimulant is the most well-known drug used to treat ADHD. It is available in many forms including liquid, chewable tablet and a long-acting disintegrating orally disintegrating tablet, and an extended release pill. The drug boosts the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This helps to improve concentration. It can also help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Methylphenidate is a proven treatment for ADHD in conjunction with other treatments, such as behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate blocks transporters that remove these neurotransmitters normally from the brain. The drug could cause a slight increase in blood pressure or heart rate. It may also trigger an abrupt change in blood sugar levels, which is why people with diabetes should be aware when taking this medication. Consult your physician if you notice any of these signs. Methylphenidate is also known to cause Raynaud's phenomenon which causes numbness in the fingers and feet. This is a rare, but serious side result. It is important to inform your doctor if these symptoms develop.
There are some who believe that methylphenidate may slow children's growth. However it hasn't been proven. If your child is taking methylphenidate, ensure that you keep an eye on their weight and height. If your child is taking chewable tablets containing methylphenidate that contains phenylalanine which is a risk for children with the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). Ask your doctor about a different methylphenidate formula when you suffer from PKU.
Stimulants are considered the first-choice treatment for ADHD however, some people have trouble with them. In these instances, doctors might prescribe another medication that works similarly. There are other stimulants like dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine, in addition to methylphenidate. These substances are more powerful than methylphenidate and may last longer. They are typically taken twice to three times per day However, some people 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 medication that improves concentration while decreasing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It's part of a group of medications called selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitors. It increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers that regulate the brain's activity. It is a favorite option for adults and children who want a different type of medication from stimulants like Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is important to remember that atomoxetine doesn't work instantly, and it can take up to 6 weeks for the effects of the drug to become apparent. In addition, you may suffer from side effects like diminished appetite, drowsiness and upset stomach. However the benefits of atomoxetine far outweigh the risks for a majority of patients.
The effectiveness of atomoxetine was verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled trial with 297 ADHD patients between the ages of 12 and 18. 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. Both the atomoxetine group as well as the placebo group experienced decrease in the symptoms of depression. The atomoxetine-treated group had more improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was only modest (Michelson and colleagues 2001).
In another open trial, 10 patients suffering from ADHD who failed to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine for 8 weeks. The atomoxetine group demonstrated improved ADHD symptoms compared to placebo group with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version and Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale 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 colleagues, 2005).
Talk to your doctor before you begin treatment with atomoxetine regarding your medical history, including any medications or supplements you take. This includes herbal remedies as well as over the counter medications. It is particularly important to inform your doctor if there is narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor and high blood pressure heart disease or a history of sudden death. It is also recommended to avoid atomoxetine if taken an MAO inhibitor like isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, rasagiline, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant medication that can aid in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It can also reduce impulsivity, and increase concentration. However, it does not affect the brain the similar way that stimulants do. It's only available on prescription. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate dosage for you. Bupropion comes in capsules and tablets. It is important to take the medication exactly as prescribed. You may experience withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop abruptly.
It's usually taken twice or three times daily with 4-6 hours between each dose. The dosage can range from 100 mg two or three times a day to 150 mg three or four times daily. The drug is absorbed into the digestive tract, and then excreted into urine, meaning it can't enter breast milk. However, it can get into the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion can increase your blood pressure, which is why it's important to monitor it frequently.
In addition to reducing the symptoms of ADHD, bupropion can also reduce depression. It is also used to treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking the dopamine receptors that are located in your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine, from reaching your brain. This helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion can interact with other drugs. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medication. It's also important to find out whether you suffer from any allergies. Also, stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants, as they could make the adverse 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 most studies were poorly conducted. Many of these studies excluded participants with psychiatric co-morbidity. The data indicate that bupropion can have a modest impact on ADHD. More research is required to determine positive outcomes for patients, such as an improvement in the quality of living. Additionally, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is required before effective treatment can be created. check here This is a greater understanding of the relation between different molecular pathways. Furthermore, it's essential to understand how different anti-ADHD agents work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants can be prescribed by doctors when stimulants prescribed for children suffering from ADHD do not work or cause side effects. These medications, such as imipramine and Nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor) boost the neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine in the brain, which aids in helping people concentrate. These older drugs can have serious side negative effects. They are usually only employed when other drugs do not work.
The first choice of antidepressants in depression is usually a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as sertraline, fluoxetine or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants, which have been around for decades, may still be used in some cases. These medications are also effective in reducing neuropathic pain. They also have an additional pain-relieving effect that is distinct from their antidepressant activity. They enhance noradrenephrine through inhibiting its reuptake and also act as antagonists of pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs have lower risks of toxicity and have less severe adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also safer during pregnancy and do not appear to be teratogenic for animals or humans. If abruptly stopped, they may cause significant withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor may recommend slowly lowering the dose over several weeks to lessen the negative effects.
Bupropion, an antidepressant commonly that is used off-label to treat ADHD, is not FDA approved as an adhd drug. It's thought to work by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine and acetylcholine that are found in the brain to increase concentration. It is also believed to ease anxiety, and it can be combined with stimulants for more rapid and sustained results.
There are no FDA-approved non-stimulant ADHD medications, but many people have found relief through herbal remedies and supplements to their diets. A diet that is low in fat and sugar may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Certain people can also benefit from staying clear of caffeine. Inform your doctor about all medications you or your child is taking, including herbal remedies and prescription medications. This will avoid interactions and minimize unwanted side effects. ADHD medication can affect each person differently, and it's often an exercise of trial and error to determine the right dosage and drug for you or your child.