9 Things Your Parents Taught You About ADHD Treatment Medication
ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD and are believed to increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. They do not solve the problem and can only treat symptoms if used regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medication could include an increase in blood pressure and heart rate as well as upset stomach as well as anxiety and tics. Some children and teenagers who take stimulant medications have a slight decrease in their growth rate.
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 liquid chewable tablet and an oral disintegrating tablet that acts long, and a pill with extended release. The drug works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, helping to improve focus. It can also help to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Methylphenidate is a proven treatment for ADHD in conjunction with other treatments, such as behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that remove these neurotransmitters normally from the brain. The drug may cause a slight increase in blood pressure and heart rate. It may also trigger rapid changes in blood sugar levels, which is why people with diabetes should be cautious when taking this medication. Consult your physician in the event that you have any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate is also known to cause the condition known as Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness and discomfort in the toes and fingers. This is a rare, but serious side effect. It is important to inform your doctor if any of these symptoms occur.
There is a concern that methylphenidate slows children's growth, but it hasn't been proven to be the case. If you have a child receiving treatment with methylphenidate be sure to monitor the child's weight and height carefully. If your child takes tablets containing methylphenidate, the phenylalanine in it can be dangerous to children with phenylketonuria. If you suffer from PKU consult your physician about other forms of methylphenidate.
Stimulants are often considered to be the first choice medication for treating ADHD however, certain people are not able to use them. In these instances, doctors may prescribe other medications that function in a similar way. There are other stimulants like dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine in addition to the methylphenidate. These drugs can last longer and are stronger than methylphenidate. They are usually taken twice or three times daily however some individuals might be able to take them more frequently. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD however, they are less effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known under the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that improves concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It belongs to a category called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It is a drug that increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers which control brain 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 crucial to keep in mind that atomoxetine does not work instantly, and it can take up to 6 weeks for the effects of the drug to become apparent. You may also experience negative side effects, such as drowsiness and nausea. For most patients the advantages of taking atomoxetine far outweigh any risks.
The efficacy of atomoxetine was verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled study with 297 ADHD patients ages 12 to 18. The 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. In both the atomoxetine and placebo groups depression symptoms were less. The atomoxetine-treated group had more improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However, the improvement was modest (Michelson and colleagues 2001).
In a separate open study, 10 patients with ADHD who failed to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine for 8 weeks. The atomoxetine group demonstrated improved ADHD symptoms when compared to the 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 improving significantly. One patient however, experienced an allergic reaction and was removed from the study. Three patients experienced gastrointestinal issues that were transient and one experienced increased fatigue (Kratochvil and colleagues, 2005).
Talk to your doctor prior to you begin treatment with atomoxetine about your medical history, which includes any supplements or medications you take. This includes herbal remedies as well as over-the-counter medications. Discuss with your doctor when any of the following conditions exist: narrow-angle glaucoma; a thyroid or adrenal gland tumor; high blood pressure; heart disease or a history sudden death. You should avoid atomoxetine as well when you've been taking an MAO-inhibitor such as isocarboxazid and linezolid in the past 14 days or rasagiline Methylene Blue Injection phenelzine or tranylcypromine.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant that is a non-stimulant, can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. It can also reduce impulsivity and increase focus, although it doesn't affect the brain in the same way that stimulants do. It's only available on prescription. Your doctor will determine the best medication for ocd and adhd dose for you. Bupropion is available as capsules and tablets. It is essential to take the medication as prescribed. If you stop taking it suddenly, you may have withdrawal symptoms.
The typical dosage is two or three doses per day, separated by 4-6 hours. The dosage can vary between 100 mg two or three times per day to 150 mg three or four times daily. The drug is absorbed by the digestive tract and is excreted in urine, which means it cannot be absorbed into breast milk. However, it could enter the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion raises blood pressure. 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 works by blocking dopamine receptors in your brain. This prevents the neurotransmitter dopamine from reaching your brain, which can help to regulate your mood.
Bupropion may 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. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants since they can cause side effects to become worse.
Several studies have examined the effects of bupropion versus placebos in adults suffering from ADHD. These studies yielded mixed results and were not conducted properly. Many of these studies excluded people with psychiatric disorders co-morbidity. Nevertheless, the data suggest that bupropion can have a slight effect on ADHD. However there is a need for more research to identify positive outcomes for patients such as improvement in quality of life. Furthermore, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is essential before a successful treatment can be created. This includes a better knowledge of the relationship between molecular pathways. Additionally, it's important to know how various anti-ADHD drugs work with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed for children suffering from ADHD don't work or cause adverse side effects, the doctor may consider antidepressants as a treatment. These medications, such as imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), help by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain to help people concentrate. These are old drugs that can have challenging adverse reactions, and are usually only used when other medications have failed.
The first choice of antidepressant for depression is typically a selective serotonin receptor inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram or escitalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants are still used in certain cases despite their long history. These drugs are effective in treating neuropathic pain and other conditions however their antidepressant effect is not the identical. They increase the activity of the noradrenephrine receptor by blocking its reuptake. They also act as descending moderators for pain pathways in spinal cord.
SSRIs are less harmful and have less side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also safer during pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic for animals or humans. However, they can cause significant withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped. Your doctor may recommend slowly lowering the dose over several weeks to reduce the effects.
Bupropion, a common antidepressant prescribed off-label to treat ADHD, is not FDA approved as an adhd drug. It is believed to be effective by increasing neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which enhances concentration. It is also believed to ease anxiety and can be combined with stimulants to get faster and sustained results.
There are no FDA-approved non-stimulant ADHD medication, however many people experience relief from dietary supplements and herbal remedies. A diet that is low in sugar and fat may also aid in reducing managing adhd without medication symptoms. Also, avoiding caffeine can be beneficial to some people. It is essential to inform your doctor about all the medications used to treat adhd your child or you is taking, including prescription medications and herbal remedies. This will help prevent interactions and reduce unwanted side effects. ADHD medication can affect each person differently, which is why it's often a trial and error to determine the appropriate dosage and medication for you or your child.