ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD, appear to balance brain chemicals and boost their levels. However, they cannot solve the problem and will only help manage symptoms as long as they're taken regularly.
Side effects of ADHD medications can include changes in blood pressure as well as heart rate, anxiety and tics. Some teens and children who take stimulant drugs have a slight decrease in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nerve stimulant is the most commonly used drug used to treat ADHD. It is available in a variety of forms, such as tablets that chew liquid and an oral disintegrating tablet that performs long and has an extended release. The drug increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This can help improve concentration. It can also lessen the symptoms of depression and anxiety. When used in conjunction with other treatments such as behavioral therapy, methylphenidate can be a successful treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks transporters that remove these neurotransmitters 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, so people with diabetes should be careful when taking this medication. Speak to your doctor when you notice any of these signs. Methylphenidate is also known to cause Raynaud's phenomenon which causes numbness in the feet and fingers. This is a rare but serious side result. It is important to inform your doctor if any of these symptoms develop.
There are some who believe that methylphenidate could slow children's growth. However this hasn't been proved. If you have a child who is being treated with methylphenidate be sure to monitor the child's height and weight closely. If your child is taking tablets containing methylphenidate and phenylalanine is present, it can be dangerous to children with Phenylketonuria. Consult your physician about a different formulation of methylphenidate when you suffer from PKU.
Some people are unable to take stimulants, which are the first choice of medication for treating ADHD. In these cases doctors might prescribe other medications that work in a similar way. Apart from adhd anxiety medication there are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine and Lisdexamfetamine. These are more powerful than methylphenidate and may last longer. They are usually taken every day, either twice or three times however some individuals might be able take them more frequently. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD, but these are not as effective as stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known by the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that increases concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It is part of a class called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It is a drug that increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers which control brain activity. It is popular among children and adults who want an alternative to stimulants like Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is important to realize that atomoxetine does not work immediately. It may take up to 6 weeks before the effects of this drug become apparent. Additionally, you could be afflicted by side effects such as drowsiness, decreased appetite, 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 aged 12 to 18. The participants were randomized 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. Both the atomoxetine group as well as the placebo group experienced reduction in symptoms of depression. The atomoxetine-treated group had greater improvements in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was only modest (Michelson et al 2001).
In a separate open study in another open trial, 10 patients with ADHD who were unable to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine over 8 weeks. The atomoxetine group demonstrated improved ADHD symptoms when compared to the placebo group and scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version and Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale gaining significant. However, one patient experienced a rash and withdrew from the study. In addition, three patients reported intermittent gastrointestinal problems and one experienced increased fatigue (Kratochvil et al 2005).
Before you begin treatment with atomoxetine to your doctor about your health background and any other supplements or medications that you are taking. This includes herbal remedies and prescription medications. Inform your doctor whether any of the following conditions occur for narrow-angle glaucoma thyroid or adrenal gland tumor; high blood pressure; heart disease or a history sudden death. You should also be wary of atomoxetine in the event that you have taken an MAO inhibitor like isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection rasagiline, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine, in the past 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant medication that can improve the symptoms of ADHD. It can also decrease the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. However, it does not affect the brain the similar way that stimulants do. It's only available on prescription. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate dosage for you. Bupropion is available in tablets and extended-release capsules. It is essential to take the medication as instructed. If you stop taking it suddenly you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
It's typically taken two or three times a day with a 4-6 hour interval between each dose. The dosage can range between 100mg and three times per day to 150mg four or three times each day. The drug is in the digestive system, and excreted through urine. It is not able to enter breast milk. However, it can enter the bloodstream and cause harm to other organs. Bupropion increases blood pressure. It is essential to check it frequently.
In addition to improving the symptoms of ADHD In addition, bupropion may reduce depression. It is also used to treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking the dopamine receptors within your brain. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, is blocked from reaching your brain, which helps stabilize mood.
Bupropion may interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications. It's also important to determine if you have any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants since they can make the side effects worse.
Numerous studies have compared bupropion to placebos in adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and most studies were poorly conducted. adhd medication online of these studies excluded people with psychiatric disorders co-morbidity. The data indicate that bupropion can have a modest impact on ADHD. More research is required to determine positive outcomes for patients, including an improvement in the quality of life. Additionally, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is required before effective treatment can be developed. This is a greater understanding of the interplay between the molecular pathways. It's also important to understand how anti-ADHD drugs function in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
If the stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD aren't effective or cause adverse side effects, the doctor may turn to antidepressants as a treatment. These medications, including imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), work by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain, which help people concentrate. These older drugs may cause serious negative side negative effects. They are typically employed when other drugs are not working.
The first choice of antidepressant for depression is typically a selective serotonin receptor inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram and escitalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants continue to be used in some cases despite their long history. These medications are effective in treating neuropathic pain and other conditions however their antidepressant effect is not the same. They enhance noradrenephrine through inhibiting its reuptake and also act as descending modulators of pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs have a lower risk of toxicity, and less serious adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. Additionally, they're safe during pregnancy and aren't teratogenic in animals or humans. If suddenly stopped, they can cause withdrawal symptoms that are severe. Your doctor might suggest gradually decreasing the dosage over several weeks to lessen the negative effects.
Bupropion, an antidepressant commonly that is used off-label to treat ADHD but isn't FDA approved as an adhd drug. It's thought to increase the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine and acetylcholine that are found in the brain to increase concentration. It also has been proven to reduce anxiety, and it can be combined with stimulants for more rapid and sustained results.
There are no FDA-approved nonstimulant ADHD medications, but many people find relief from herbal remedies and dietary supplements. A diet low in fat and sugar may aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Certain people can benefit by avoiding caffeine. Tell your doctor all medications you or your child take as well as herbal remedies and prescription drugs. This can help reduce unwanted side effects and prevent interactions. ADHD medication can affect people differently. It may take some trial and error before you determine the best dosage and dose for your child or yourself.