ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD and are believed to increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. However, they don't cure the condition and can only help manage symptoms as long as they are taken regularly.
Side effects of ADHD medications may include changes in blood pressure as well as heart rate, anxiety, and tics. Some children and teenagers who take stimulant medications experience a minor reduction in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant and the most commonly used drug for treating 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 works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which help to enhance focus. It may also reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. When used in conjunction with other treatments like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate may be an effective treatment for ADHD.
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 can also cause an abrupt change in blood sugar levels, and people with diabetes should be careful when taking this medication. Consult your physician when you experience any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate is also known to cause Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness in the feet and fingers. This is a rare side effect, but it is important to tell your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
There are some who believe that methylphenidate may slow the growth of children. However it hasn't been proved. If your child is taking methylphenidate ensure that you be attentive to their weight and height. If your child is on a methylphenidate chewable tablet is a phenylalanine-based tablet, which is a risk for children suffering from the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). If you suffer from PKU, consult your doctor about the different methylphenidate formulations.
Some people are unable to take stimulants which are the most popular treatment for ADHD. In adhd depression medication may prescribe another medication that performs in a similar manner. Besides methylphenidate, there are other stimulants such as dexamfetamine and Lisdexamfetamine. These substances can last longer and are more potent than methylphenidate. They are usually taken twice to three times daily however some people may take them more often. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD however they are not as effective as stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also known as the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that improves concentration and reduces hyperactivity as well as impulsiveness. It belongs to a class called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It works by boosting levels of norepinephrine and dopamine two chemical messengers that control brain activity. It is a popular choice for children and adults who prefer a different type of medication than stimulants like 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 become apparent. In addition, you may suffer from side effects like reduced appetite, drowsiness and stomach upset. However, the benefits of atomoxetine far outweigh the risks for a majority of patients.
The effectiveness of atomoxetine was confirmed in a multisite double-blind placebo-controlled study with 297 ADHD patients ages 12 to 18. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either the daily dose of atomoxetine 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for a period of 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine group as well as the placebo group experienced a decrease in the symptoms of depression. The atomoxetine group experienced more improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. The improvement was not significant.
In a second open study that included 10 ADHD patients who did not respond to stimulants received an atomoxetine treatment over 8 weeks. The atomoxetine treatment group showed improvement in ADHD symptoms in comparison to placebo, with scores on Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Version of the screening and Clinical Global Impression of Severity scales improving significantly. One patient however, experienced a rash and withdrew from the study. Three patients also reported temporary stomach symptoms, and one patient noticed an increase in 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 as well as prescription medicines. It is especially important to inform your doctor if you suffer from narrow-angle glaucoma, thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor, high blood pressure, heart disease or an unusually sudden death. 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 help improve symptoms of ADHD. It can also reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve focus. However it doesn't affect the brain the similar way that stimulants do. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will determine the most effective dosage for you. Bupropion comes in tablets as well as extended-release capsules. It is important to take the medication as prescribed. If you stop taking it suddenly you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
The usual dosage is two or three doses per day separated by 4 to 6 hours. The dose can vary from 100mg two or three times a day to 150mg three or four times each day. The drug is absorbed by the digestive system, and excreted through urine. It is not able to enter breast milk. It can, however, get into the bloodstream and cause harm to other organs. Bupropion may increase blood pressure, making it important to check it often.
In addition to helping improve the symptoms of ADHD Bupropion can also reduce depression. It can also treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors within your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine from reaching your brain, which helps stabilize mood.
Bupropion can interact with other drugs It's therefore important to tell your doctor about any other medications you're taking. It's important to let your doctor know if are suffering from any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants because they can cause side effects to become worse.
In a number of studies the bupropion drug was compared with placebos for adults suffering from ADHD. These studies had mixed results and were not conducted properly. Furthermore, many of them excluded people with psychiatric comorbidity. The data indicate that bupropion does have a modest impact on ADHD. However it is necessary to conduct more research to establish positive outcomes for patients such as improvements in quality of life. Before effective treatments can be developed it is crucial to have a better understanding of the molecular types of ADHD. This is a greater understanding of the relationship between the molecular pathways. Furthermore, it's essential to know how various anti-ADHD agents work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants are often prescribed by doctors if stimulants prescribed for children suffering from ADHD do not work or cause adverse side negative effects. These drugs, like imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor), increase the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which help people to focus. These are old drugs that may have a number of adverse reactions, and are usually only used when other drugs have failed.
The first choice of antidepressants for depression is usually a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine sertraline, citalopram, or escitalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants, which have been around for decades, may still be used in certain situations. They also work in reducing neuropathic pain. They also have an additional pain-relieving effect that is distinct from their antidepressant activity. They potentiate noradrenephrine by inhibiting its reuptake, and also act as antagonists of pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less harmful and have less adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also less harmful during pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic to animals or humans. If suddenly stopped, they could cause significant withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor may recommend slowly decreasing the dosage over several weeks to reduce the effects.
Bupropion, a common antidepressant that is prescribed off-label for treating ADHD, is not FDA approved as a treatment for adhd. It is believed to be effective by increasing neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which improves concentration. It is also known to reduce anxiety and stress. It can be combined with stimulants to produce more rapid and lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved nonstimulant ADHD medication, however many people find relief from dietary supplements and herbal remedies. A diet that is low in fat and sugar can also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Some people might also benefit by staying clear of caffeine. Discuss with your doctor any medications that you or your child is taking as well as herbal remedies and prescription drugs. This will avoid interactions and reduce unwanted side effects. ADHD medications can affect people differently. It may take some trial and error before you determine the best dosage and drug for your child or yourself.