10 Quick Tips About ADHD Treatment Medication
ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, which are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD seem to regulate brain chemicals and increase their levels. However, they do not cure the condition and can only help with symptoms as long as they are taken regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medication can include an increase in blood pressure and heart rate and stomach upset, anxiety and tics. Some teens and children who take stimulant medications notice a slight slowing in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous stimulant, is the most common drug used to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety forms including chewable tablet that is liquid as well as a long-acting oral disintegrating tablet, and an extended release pill. The drug boosts the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This helps to improve concentration. It can also help reduce 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 works by blocking the transporters that are normally responsible for removing these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug can cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure. It can also cause a rapid change in blood sugar levels, which is why those with diabetes must be aware when taking this medication. If you encounter any of these side effects, speak to your doctor. Methylphenidate can also cause a condition known as Raynaud's phenomena that causes numbness and discomfort in the fingers and toes. It is a rare but serious side result. It is crucial to notify your doctor if any of these symptoms occur.
There is some concerns that methylphenidate can slow children's growth, however this hasn't been proven to be the situation. If your child is taking methylphenidate, be sure to be attentive to their weight and height. If your child takes a tablet containing methylphenidate, the phenylalanine in it could be harmful to children suffering from Phenylketonuria. Consult your physician about a different methylphenidate formula when you suffer from PKU.
Stimulants are the most popular medication for treating ADHD However, some individuals have issues with these medications. In these instances doctors might prescribe other medications that function in a similar manner. Besides methylphenidate, there are other stimulants such as dexamfetamine and Lisdexamfetamine. These are more powerful than methylphenidate and may last longer. The typical dosage is every day, either twice or three times, but some people might be able to take them more frequently. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD, but these are not as effective as stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known under the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that increases concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It belongs to a class known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It works by boosting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers which regulate brain's activity. It is popular with adults and children who seek an alternative to stimulants such as Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is important to realize that atomoxetine does not work immediately. It can take up 6 weeks before the effects of this drug become apparent. There are also side effects such as nausea and drowsiness. For most patients the benefits of taking atomoxetine outweigh the risks.
In a double-blind, placebo controlled study that was conducted on 297 ADHD patients aged between 12 and 18 years old, the effectiveness of atomoxetine is verified. Participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine in a daily dose of 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for a period of 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine and the placebo group experienced a reduction in symptoms of depression. The atomoxetine group experienced more improvements in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was only modest (Michelson et al 2001).
In a different open trial, 10 patients with ADHD who failed to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine over 8 weeks. The atomoxetine treatment group demonstrated improved ADHD symptoms in comparison to placebo, with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Version of the screening and the Clinical Global Impression of Severity scales gaining significant. One patient was unable to continue treatment due to a skin rash. Additionally, three patients experienced gastrointestinal issues that were transient and one experienced increased fatigue (Kratochvil and co., 2005).
Before you begin treatment with atomoxetine, talk with your physician about your health history as well as any other medications or supplements that you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over-the-counter medications. It is crucial to tell your doctor if you suffer from narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor, high blood pressure, heart disease, or an unusually sudden death. It is also recommended to 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 in the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant medication that can help improve symptoms of ADHD. It can also reduce impulsivity and increase concentration, but it doesn't affect the brain in the same way as stimulants do. Only prescriptions are approved. Your doctor will decide the most effective dosage for you. adhd for adults medication comes in tablets and extended-release capsules. It is essential to follow the prescriptions. If you stop taking it suddenly, you may have withdrawal symptoms.
It's usually taken twice or three times daily with a gap of 4-6 hours between each dose. The dosage can range from 100 mg twice or three times a day to 150 mg three or four times a day. The drug is absorbed in the digestive tract, and then is excreted in urine, which means that it cannot be absorbed into breast milk. However, it could enter the bloodstream and impact other organs. Bupropion raises blood pressure. It is important to keep it in check frequently.
In addition to improving the symptoms of ADHD In addition, bupropion may 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 reaching your brain. This helps to stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other drugs, so it's important to inform your doctor of any other medications you're taking. It's also important to determine whether you are allergic to. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants because they can make side effects worse.
In several studies the bupropion drug was compared with placebos for adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed, and the majority of studies were not well-designed. Furthermore, many of them excluded participants with psychiatric comorbidity. However, the research suggests that bupropion may have a small impact on ADHD. More research is needed to determine the positive effects for patients, including an improvement in the quality of life. Additionally, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is essential before a successful treatment can be developed. This requires a deeper understanding of the connection between the different molecular pathways. It is also crucial to know how anti-ADHD drugs function in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed for children suffering from ADHD aren't effective or cause troublesome side effects, doctors might turn to antidepressants as a treatment. These medications, including imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), are effective in boosting the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain to help people concentrate. These are older medications which can cause serious side effects, so they're typically only considered when other drugs have failed.
The first option for depression treatment is typically an inhibitor of serotonin reuptake (SSRI), such as fluoxetine, sertraline, or citalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants continue to be used in certain instances despite their long-standing history. They are also effective in treating neuropathic pain. They have a second pain-relieving action that is distinct from their antidepressant activity. They enhance the noradrenephrine receptor, by preventing its reuptake. They also function as descending modulators for pain pathways in spinal cord.
SSRIs are less harmful and have fewer side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also less harmful during pregnancy and do not appear to be teratogenic to humans or animals. If suddenly stopped, they could cause severe withdrawal symptoms. To lessen the negative adverse effects, your physician may suggest reducing the dose gradually over several weeks.
While not officially approved by the FDA as an adhd medication, bupropion is a commonly prescribed antidepressant that is off-label for ADHD. It is believed to work by increasing neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which increases concentration. It also has been proven to reduce anxiety, and it can be utilized in conjunction with stimulants to achieve more rapid and sustained results.
While there aren't any FDA-approved medications that are nonstimulant for ADHD however, many people get relief from the use of supplements to their diets and herbs. A diet that is low in fat and sugar can also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Some people may also benefit from abstaining from caffeine. Discuss with your doctor any medications that you or your child take, including herbal remedies and prescription medications. This will help prevent interactions and reduce unwanted side effects. ADHD medications can affect every person differently, and it's often a process of trial and error to discover the right dosage and drug for your child or you.