ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD and can increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. However, they do not solve the problem and will only help with 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 teens and children who take stimulant drugs have a slight decrease in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant and is the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. It comes in a variety forms such as a chewable tablet that is liquid as well as a long-acting oral disintegrating tablet, and an extended-release pill. The drug is effective by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which help to increase focus. It can also help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. When used in conjunction with other treatments such as behavioral therapy, methylphenidate can be a successful treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters which eliminate these neurotransmitters naturally from the brain. The drug can cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure. It may also trigger a rapid change in blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes should be careful when taking this medication. If you experience any of these side effects, speak to your doctor. Methylphenidate can also cause the condition known as Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness and discomfort in the toes and fingers. This is an uncommon side effect, however, it is crucial to notify your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms.
There are some who believe that methylphenidate may slow children's growth. However it hasn't been proved. If your child is taking methylphenidate be sure to 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. If you have PKU, consult your physician about other formulations 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 might prescribe other drugs that function similarly. In addition to methylphenidate, there are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine. These substances can last longer and are stronger than methylphenidate. They are typically taken two to three times daily However, some people take them more often. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD, but these are not as effective as stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also called Strattera and is a nonstimulant ADHD drug that increases concentration while reducing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It's part of a class of medications known as selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitors. It increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers that control the brain's activity. It is a favorite among adults and children who seek a different medication than stimulants such as Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is crucial to understand that atomoxetine isn't a drug that works instantly. It may take up to 6 weeks before the effects of this medication begin to show. There are also negative side effects, such as drowsiness and nausea. However, the benefits of atomoxetine far surpass the risks for many patients.
The effectiveness of atomoxetine was verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled study with 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18. 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. In both the atomoxetine and placebo groups depression symptoms were reduced. The atomoxetine-treated group had more improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However, the improvement was modest (Michelson et al 2001).
In another open trial, 10 patients with ADHD who failed 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 improving significantly. One patient withdrew due to an outbreak of skin rash. Three patients also reported transient stomach symptoms, and one patient noticed an increase in fatigue.
Talk to your doctor before you start treatment with atomoxetine regarding your medical history, including any supplements or medications you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over the counter medications. Discuss with your doctor when any of the following conditions are present such as narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid or adrenal gland tumor or a high blood pressure heart disease or sudden death. You should also avoid atomoxetine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, rasagiline or phenelzine, as well as tranylcypromine within the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a nonstimulant can help improve ADHD symptoms. It also helps reduce impulsivity, and increase concentration. However, it does not affect the brain the same way that stimulants do. It's available by prescription only. Your doctor will determine the best dose for you. Bupropion comes in tablets as well as extended-release capsules. It is crucial to follow the directions. There are withdrawal symptoms that can occur if you stop suddenly.
The usual dosage is two or three doses daily divided by 4-6 hours. The dose can vary between 100mg and three times per day up to 150mg three or four times each day. The drug is absorbed by the digestive tract, and then eliminated into urine, which means it can't enter breast milk. However, it could enter the bloodstream and impact other organs. Bupropion increases blood pressure. It is important to monitor it frequently.
In addition to helping improve the symptoms of ADHD, bupropion can also reduce depression. It can also be used to treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking the dopamine receptors in your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter, dopamine, from entering your brain. This helps to stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other drugs. Inform your doctor if you're taking any other medications. It's important to let your doctor know that you suffer from any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants because they can cause side effects to become worse.
In a number of studies, bupropion was compared to placebos for adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and the majority of them were not conducted properly. Many of these studies did not include patients with psychiatric co-morbidity. The data indicate that bupropion has an impact 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 developed it is crucial to gain a better understanding of the molecular forms of ADHD. This requires a deeper understanding of the relation between the different molecular pathways. It's also important to understand how anti-ADHD drugs work in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed for children with ADHD don't work or cause undesirable side effects, the doctor may consider antidepressants as a treatment. These medications, such as imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), are effective in boosting the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which aid in concentration. These older medications can cause severe negative side negative effects. They are usually only used when other medications do not work.
The first option of antidepressants for depression is typically a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram and escitalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants, that have been around for decades, may still be used in certain situations. adhd depression medication are effective in treating neuropathic and other pains, but their antidepressant effect is not the same. They increase the activity of the noradrenephrine receptor, by preventing its reuptake, and they also act as descending modulators for pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs have a lower risk of toxicity and have less severe side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also safer during pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic for humans or animals. However, they may cause severe withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped. Your doctor might suggest gradually reducing the dose over a few weeks to reduce the effects.
Bupropion, an antidepressant commonly prescribed off-label to treat ADHD however, it is not FDA approved as an adhd drug. It is believed to be effective by increasing neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain, which improves concentration. It also helps alleviate anxiety and stress. It can be used in conjunction with stimulants to achieve quicker and lasting results.
While there aren't any FDA-approved nonstimulant drugs for ADHD, many people do find relief with the use of nutritional supplements and herbs. A diet that is low in sugar and fat may also help reduce ADHD symptoms. In the same way, removing caffeine can also be helpful to some people. It's important to tell your doctor about all the medications your child or you uses, including prescription drugs and herbal remedies. This can help reduce unwanted side effects and prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect every person differently, which is why it's often a trial and error to determine the right drug and dosage for you or your child.