ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, which are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD seem to regulate brain chemicals and boost their levels. They cannot cure the disorder and only help manage symptoms if they are used regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication can include changes in heart rate and blood pressure, upset stomach anxiety and tics. Certain teens and children who are taking stimulant medication have a slight decrease in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant for the central nervous system and is the most widely prescribed drug to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms, including a chewable tablet that is liquid, 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 focus. It can also help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. When coupled with other treatments, such as behavioral therapy, methylphenidate could be a successful treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate is a drug that blocks transporters that are normally responsible for removing these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug can cause a small increase in heart rate and blood pressure. It may also trigger an abrupt change in blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes should be cautious when taking this medication. If you experience any of these side effects, talk with your doctor. Methylphenidate is also known to cause Raynaud's phenomenon which causes numbness in the feet and fingers. This is an uncommon side effect, however it is essential to tell your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
There is some concern that methylphenidate slows children's growth, however it hasn't been proved to be the situation. If you have a child who is being treated with methylphenidate, ensure that you monitor his or her weight and height carefully. If your child takes a methylphenidate tablet and phenylalanine is present, it could be harmful to children suffering from Phenylketonuria. Ask your doctor about a different formulation of methylphenidate if you have PKU.
Stimulants are the most popular treatment for ADHD, but some individuals have issues with these medications. In these instances doctors might prescribe other medications that work similarly. There are other stimulants like dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine in addition to methylphenidate. These drugs can last for longer and are more potent than methylphenidate. They are usually taken twice or three times daily However, some people might be able to take them more often. Psychological treatments are also available for treating ADHD, but they are less likely to prove beneficial than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also known as the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that boosts concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It is in a class of medications called selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitors. It is a stimulant of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers that control the brain's activity. It is a favorite choice for both adults and children who prefer a different kind of medication than stimulants, such as Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is important to remember that atomoxetine does not work instantly and it could take up to 6 weeks for the effects of the medication to be evident. There is also the possibility of experiencing side effects such as drowsiness and nausea. However the benefits of atomoxetine far outweigh the risks for a majority of patients.
The efficacy of atomoxetine was confirmed in a multisite double-blind placebo-controlled study with 297 ADHD patients between the ages of 12 and 18. The 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. In both atomoxetine and placebo groups depression symptoms were reduced. The atomoxetine treatment group showed greater improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group. However, the improvement was modest (Michelson and colleagues 2001).
In a separate open study, 10 patients suffering from ADHD who were unable to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine for 8 weeks. The group treated with atomoxetine showed improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group and scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version as well as the Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale gaining significant. However, one patient developed an rash and resigned from the study. Three patients also reported transient stomach symptoms, and one complained of increased fatigue.
Before beginning treatment with atomoxetine, talk with your physician about your health background and any other medications or supplements that you're taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over-the-counter medications. Discuss with your doctor if any of the following conditions exist such as narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid or adrenal gland tumor; high blood pressure; heart disease or a history sudden death. You should also avoid atomoxetine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid linezolid, methylene blue injection rasagiline or phenelzine, as well as tranylcypromine within the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a nonstimulant can help improve ADHD symptoms. It can also reduce impulsivity and boost focus, though it does not affect the brain in the same way as stimulants do. It's available by prescription only. Your doctor will decide the best dosage for you. Bupropion is available as capsules and tablets. It is important to follow the prescriptions. If you stop taking it suddenly you could experience withdrawal symptoms.
It is usually taken two or three times per day with a gap of 4-6 hours between each dose. The dosage can range from 100mg twice or three times a day to 150mg three or four time every day. The drug is in the digestive system and excreted in urine. It cannot enter breast milk. However, it could enter the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion can raise blood pressure, so it's vital to monitor it regularly.
In addition to helping improve the symptoms of ADHD In addition, bupropion may reduce depression. It can also treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking the dopamine receptors that are located in your brain. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, is blocked from reaching your brain, which helps to regulate your mood.
Bupropion can interact with other drugs. Inform your doctor if you're taking any other medication. It is important to inform your doctor know if you suffer from any allergies. It is also important to avoid caffeine or other stimulants that could make the adverse effects worse.
In a variety of studies, bupropion was compared to placebos for adults with ADHD. These studies had mixed results, and a lot were poorly conducted. Furthermore, many of them did not include participants with psychiatric disorders. The data indicate that bupropion can have an impact on ADHD. However, more research is needed to determine positive patient-centered outcomes like improvements in quality of life. Before effective treatments can be developed it is crucial to understand the underlying causes of the molecular causes of ADHD. This includes a better knowledge of the interplay between the molecular pathways. Furthermore, it's essential to understand how different anti-ADHD agents work in combination with psychotherapy.
add adhd medication may be prescribed by doctors if stimulants prescribed for children suffering from ADHD are not effective or cause adverse side adverse effects. These drugs, like imipramine and Nortriptyline, (Aventyl and Pamelor) boost the neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine in the brain, which helps people to focus. These are older drugs that can have challenging side effects, so they're usually only used after other medications have failed.
The first choice of antidepressants for depression is typically a selective serotonin receptor inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram and escitalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants, that have been around for decades, may still be used in certain situations. These medications are also effective in treating neuropathic pain. They have a second pain-relieving action that is separate from their antidepressant properties. They enhance noradrenephrine through inhibiting its reuptake. They also function as antagonists of pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs have less risk of toxicity and less serious adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They're also safer in the womb and aren't teratogenic in humans or animals. If suddenly stopped, they could cause severe withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor might suggest gradually lowering the dose over several weeks to lessen the negative effects.
While not officially approved by the FDA as a medication for adhd Bupropion is a widely prescribed antidepressant off-label to treat ADHD. It's thought to increase the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine and acetylcholine in the brain to improve concentration. It is also believed to ease anxiety, and it can be combined with stimulants to get faster and lasting results.
While there aren't any FDA-approved nonstimulant drugs for ADHD, many people do get relief from the use of dietary supplements and herbs. A diet that is low in fat and sugar may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Similarly, eliminating caffeine may be beneficial to some people. Inform your doctor about all medicines you or your child is taking as well as herbal remedies and prescription medications. This can help reduce unwanted side effects and help prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect individuals differently. It may take some trial and error before you discover the ideal dosage and dose for your child or you.