13 Things You Should Know About ADHD Treatment Medication That You Might Not Have Known
ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD, appear to balance brain chemicals and boost their levels. However, they do not solve the problem and will only aid in managing symptoms so long as they're taken regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medication can include an increase in heart rate and blood pressure and stomach upset as well as anxiety and tics. Some teens and children who take stimulant drugs notice a slight slowing in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, a central nervous stimulant is the most well-known drug used to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety forms such as a chewable tablet, a liquid, a long-acting orally disintegrating tablet and an extended-release pill. The drug increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This helps to improve concentration. It can also lessen the symptoms of depression and anxiety. When combined with other treatments such as behavioral therapy, methylphenidate can be a very effective treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The medication can cause a slight increase in blood pressure and heart rate. It may also trigger a rapid change in blood sugar levels, and diabetics should be cautious when taking this medication. If you experience any of these side effects, speak to your physician. adhd medications for adults may also trigger 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 crucial to inform your doctor in the event that these symptoms occur.
There are some who believe that methylphenidate could slow children's growth. However this hasn't been proven. If your child is taking methylphenidate, make sure you be aware of their weight and height. If your child is taking a methylphenidate tablet that contains phenylalanine, it could pose a risk for children suffering from Phenylketonuria. Ask your doctor about an alternative methylphenidate formulation in case you suffer from PKU.
Certain people have issues with stimulants which are the primary treatment for ADHD. In these cases doctors might prescribe other drugs that function in a similar way. There are also other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine, besides the methylphenidate. These drugs can last for longer and are more potent than methylphenidate. The typical dosage is twice or three times daily, but some people may be able to take them more often. Psychological treatments are also available to treat ADHD however, they are less likely to prove helpful than a stimulant.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera and is a non-stimulant ADHD drug that increases concentration while reducing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It is in a class of drugs known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and works by boosting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. two chemical messengers that control the brain's activity. adhd medication for adults is a preferred option for adults and children who want a different type of medication than stimulants such as Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is important to remember that atomoxetine is not effective instantly and it could take up to 6 weeks for the effects of the medication to be evident. In addition, you may suffer from side effects like drowsiness, decreased appetite, and stomach upset. However the benefits of atomoxetine outweigh the risks for most patients.
The efficacy of atomoxetine has been verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled trial with 297 ADHD patients ages 12 to 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 over 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine group and the placebo group experienced reduction in symptoms of depression. The atomoxetine treatment group showed better improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. The improvement was sporadic.
In a separate open study, 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 gaining significant. However, one patient experienced an allergic reaction and was removed from the study. Three patients reported transient gastrointestinal disturbances and one experienced increased fatigue (Kratochvil and co., 2005).
Before beginning treatment with atomoxetine, talk with your physician about your medical history and any other medications or supplements that you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over the counter medications. Tell your doctor whether any of the following conditions exist such as narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid or adrenal gland tumor; high blood pressure; heart disease or sudden death. You should avoid Atomoxetine in addition to 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 nonstimulant, can help to improve ADHD symptoms. It also helps to reduce impulsivity and increase focus, although it doesn't affect the brain in the same way as stimulants. Only prescriptions are approved. Your doctor will decide the best dose for you. Bupropion comes in tablets and capsules. It is essential to follow the prescriptions. If you stop taking it suddenly you could experience withdrawal symptoms.
It's usually taken twice or three times a day with a 4-6 hour interval between each dose. The dose can range from 100 mg two or three times daily up to 150 mg three or four times daily. The drug is absorbed in the digestive tract and eliminated into urine, which means that it isn't able to enter breast milk. However, it could enter the bloodstream and impact other organs. Bupropion increases blood pressure. It's important to keep it in check frequently.
In addition to reducing the symptoms of ADHD In addition, bupropion may reduce depression. It can also be used to treat bipolar disorder. It is a method of blocking dopamine receptors inside your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine from reaching your brain, which can help stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other drugs. Inform your doctor if taking any other medications. It's also important to know if you have any allergies. You should also avoid caffeine or other stimulants, as they could make the adverse effects more severe.
Several studies have examined the effects of bupropion versus placebos in adults with ADHD. These studies had mixed results, and a lot were poorly conducted. Moreover, many of them excluded people with psychiatric comorbidity. The data indicate 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 life. Before effective treatments can be created it is essential to have a better understanding of the molecular forms of ADHD. This requires a deeper understanding of the interplay between molecular pathways. It is also crucial to know the way that anti-ADHD medications work in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants are often prescribed by doctors if stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD do not work or cause adverse side effects. These medications, including imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), work by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain, which aid in concentration. These are older drugs that can have challenging side effects, so they're usually tried only when other drugs have failed.
The first option of antidepressants for depression is usually a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram or escitalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants that have been around for decades, may still be utilized in certain instances. These drugs are effective in treating neuropathic pain and other conditions but their antidepressant action is not the same. They enhance the noradrenephrine receptor, by preventing its reuptake, and they also function as descending modulators for pain pathways in spinal cord.
SSRIs are less toxic and have fewer side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. In addition, they're safer during pregnancy and aren't teratogenic in animals or humans. If abruptly stopped, they could cause significant withdrawal symptoms. To minimize these side effects, your doctor may suggest reducing the dose gradually over a period of several weeks.
Bupropion, a common antidepressant prescribed off-label to treat ADHD however, it is not FDA approved as a treatment for adhd. It's thought to increase the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine and acetylcholine that are found in the brain to increase concentration. It is also believed to ease anxiety and can be used in conjunction with stimulants for more rapid and long-lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved nonstimulant ADHD medications, however many people find relief from dietary supplements and herbal remedies. A diet low on fat and sugar can help reduce ADHD symptoms. Similarly, eliminating caffeine can also be helpful for some. Inform your doctor about all medications you or your child is taking, including herbal remedies and prescription medications. This will minimize unwanted side effects and prevent interactions. ADHD medication can affect people differently. It could take a bit of trial and error to find the right dosage and drug for your child or yourself.