ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, which are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD, appear to regulate brain chemicals and increase their levels. They are not able to solve the problem and can only help manage symptoms if they are they are taken regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medication can include an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, upset stomach, anxiety and tics. Some teens and children who are taking stimulant medication have a slight decrease in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant and the most commonly prescribed drug to treat ADHD. It is available in many forms including chewable tablet, a liquid, a long-acting orally disintegrating tablet and an extended-release pill. The drug increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which helps to increase focus. It can also help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Methylphenidate is a proven treatment for ADHD in combination with other treatments, including behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate blocks transporters that eliminate these neurotransmitters naturally from the brain. The drug can cause an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. People with diabetes should also be on guard when taking this medication because it can cause rapid increases in blood sugar. Talk to your doctor in the event that you notice any of these signs. Methylphenidate is also known to cause a condition called Raynaud's phenomenon, which causes numbness and discomfort in the fingers and toes. This is a rare, but serious side effect. It is important to inform your doctor in the event that these symptoms develop.
There is a concerns that methylphenidate may slow children's growth, but this hasn't been proven to be the case. If you have a child being treated with methylphenidate be sure to keep track of his or her weight and height carefully. If your child is on chewable tablets containing methylphenidate, it contains phenylalanine, which is a risk for children suffering from the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). Ask your doctor about a different formulation of methylphenidate when you suffer from PKU.
Stimulants are the most popular medication for treating ADHD, but some people have trouble with them. In these instances, doctors might prescribe a different medication that functions in a similar manner. Besides methylphenidate, there are other stimulants such as dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine. These drugs are a little more powerful than methylphenidate and may last longer. They are usually taken between two and three times a day, but some people can take them more often. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD, but these 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 decreases hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It is in a class of drugs known as selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitors. It increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers that control the brain's activity. It is a favorite option for adults and children who prefer a different type of medication from stimulants such as Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is important to know that atomoxetine does not work immediately. It can take up six weeks before the effects of this drug begin to show. Additionally, you may be afflicted by side effects such as drowsiness, decreased appetite, and stomach upset. However the benefits of atomoxetine outweigh the risks for most patients.
In a double-blind, placebo controlled study of 297 ADHD patients aged between 12 and 18 years old, the efficacy of atomoxetine is confirmed. The participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine, 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 a reduction in symptoms of depression. The atomoxetine treatment group had more improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group. The improvement was modest.
In another open get more info trial in another open trial, 10 patients with ADHD who were unable to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine for 8 weeks. The group receiving atomoxetine had 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 increasing significantly. One patient had to withdraw due to an outbreak of rash. Three patients reported intermittent gastrointestinal problems and one reported increased fatigue (Kratochvil et al 2005).
Talk to your doctor before you begin treatment with atomoxetine regarding your health history, including any supplements or medications you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over-the-counter medications. Tell your doctor when any of the following conditions occur such as narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid or adrenal gland tumour or a high blood pressure heart disease or sudden death. Avoid atomoxetine as well in the event that you've taken an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid and linezolid in the past 14 days or rasagiline Methylene Blue Injection phenelzine or tranylcypromine.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant drug that can aid in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It can also reduce impulsivity and boost focus, though it does not affect the brain in the same way that stimulants do. It's only available with a prescription. Your doctor will determine the best dosage for you. Bupropion is available as capsules and tablets. It's important to take the medication exactly as instructed. If you stop taking it abruptly, you may have withdrawal symptoms.
The most common dosage is two or three doses daily separated by four to six hours. The dosage can vary from 100 mg two or three times per day up to 150 mg three or four times daily. The drug is absorbed in the digestive tract and eliminated into urine, meaning it isn't able to enter breast milk. It can, however, enter the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion can increase blood pressure. It is important to monitor it regularly.
In addition to improving the symptoms of ADHD, bupropion can also reduce depression. It can also treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors in your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine from entering your brain, which helps to regulate your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other drugs. Inform your doctor if you're taking any other medications. It is important to inform your doctor know if you are suffering from any allergies. Also, stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants, as they could make the adverse effects more severe.
A number of studies have examined the effects of bupropion versus placebos in adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and the majority of them were not well-designed. Many of these studies did not include patients with psychiatric co-morbidity. The results suggest that bupropion does have a small effect on ADHD. Further research is needed to determine the positive effects for patients, including an improvement in quality of living. Before effective treatments can be created it is crucial to understand the underlying causes of the molecular causes of ADHD. This is a greater understanding of the interplay between molecular pathways. It's also important to understand the way that anti-ADHD medications work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed to children suffering from ADHD aren't effective or cause undesirable side effects, doctors might look to antidepressants for treatment. These medications, including imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), help by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain to aid in concentration. These older medications can cause severe negative side negative effects. They are typically used when other medications do not work.
The first choice of antidepressant for depression is usually a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine sertraline, citalopram, or escitalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants, that have been around for a long time, can be used in some cases. They are also effective in reducing neuropathic pain. They also have a second pain-relieving action that is separate from their antidepressant effect. They enhance noradrenephrine through inhibiting its reuptake and also act as antagonists of pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less harmful and have less adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also safer during pregnancy and do not appear to be teratogenic to humans or animals. If they are abruptly stopped, they may cause significant withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor may recommend slowly decreasing the dosage over several weeks to minimize these effects.
Although not officially recognized by the FDA as a treatment for adhd bupropion is commonly prescribed antidepressant that is off-label for ADHD. It is believed to work by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine and acetylcholine in the brain to improve concentration. It is also believed to ease anxiety and can be combined with stimulants to achieve more rapid and long-lasting results.
While there aren't any FDA-approved nonstimulant medications for ADHD, many people do feel relief through the use of supplements to their diets and herbs. A diet that is low in fat and sugar can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. In the same way, removing caffeine can also be helpful for some. Discuss with your doctor any medications that you or your child take such as herbal remedies and over-the-counter medicines. This can help reduce unwanted side effects as well as prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect individuals differently. It could take a bit of trial and error before you find the right dosage and dose for your child or yourself.