5 Killer Quora Answers On ADHD Treatment Medication
ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD and can boost and balance levels of brain chemicals. They are not able to cure the disorder and only manage symptoms if taken regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication can include changes in heart rate and blood pressure and stomach upset, anxiety and tics. Certain teenagers and children who take stimulant drugs experience a minor reduction in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant and is the most frequently prescribed drug to treat ADHD. It is available in many forms such as a chewable tablet, a liquid as well as a long-acting oral disintegrating tablet, and an extended release pill. The drug increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, helping to enhance focus. It may also reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. When coupled with other treatments, such as behavioral therapy, methylphenidate could be a successful treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters which remove these neurotransmitters normally from the brain. The drug can cause a small increase in blood pressure and heart rate. It can also cause rapid changes in blood sugar levels, and diabetics should be careful when taking this medication. If you have any of these side effects, speak with your doctor. Methylphenidate can also cause the condition known as Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness and discomfort in the toes and fingers. add adult medications is a rare, but serious side result. It is essential to notify your doctor if these symptoms develop.
There is some concerns that methylphenidate may slow the growth of children, but this hasn't been proven to be the situation. If your child is taking methylphenidate, ensure that you be aware of their weight and height. If your child is taking chewable tablets containing methylphenidate is a phenylalanine-based tablet, which is potentially dangerous for children suffering from the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). Consult your physician about a different formulation of methylphenidate if you have PKU.
Some people have difficulty with stimulants, which are the first treatment for ADHD. In these cases, doctors may prescribe other medications that work similarly. Apart from methylphenidate there are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine and the lisdexamfetamine. These drugs are a little stronger than methylphenidate and can last longer. They are typically taken twice to three times a day However, some people take them more often. Psychological treatments are also available to treat ADHD however, they are less likely to be helpful than a stimulant.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also called Strattera and is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that improves concentration while reducing the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It belongs to a class called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It is a drug that increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers which control the brain activity. It is a favorite among adults and children who seek a different medication than stimulants such as Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is important to remember that atomoxetine does not work immediately, and it may take up to 6 weeks for the effects of the medication to be apparent. Additionally, you could experience side-effects such as drowsiness, decreased appetite, and upset stomach. However, the benefits of atomoxetine surpass the risks for many patients.
The efficacy of atomoxetine was confirmed in a multisite double-blind placebo-controlled trial with 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18. The participants were randomized 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 and the placebo group experienced decrease in the symptoms of depression. The treatment group with atomoxetine showed greater improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However, the improvement was modest (Michelson et al 2001).
In a separate open study, 10 patients with ADHD who failed to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine for 8 weeks. The atomoxetine treatment group demonstrated improvement in ADHD symptoms in comparison to placebo, with scores on Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Screening version rated and the Clinical Global Impression of Severity scales gaining significant. One patient was unable to continue treatment due to a skin rash. Three patients also reported transient stomach symptoms, and one patient noticed an increase in fatigue.
Before you begin treatment with atomoxetine, talk to your doctor about your medical history and any other supplements or medications that you are taking. This includes herbal remedies and other over-the-counter medicines. It is particularly important to inform your doctor if there is narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor, high blood pressure, heart disease, or an unusually sudden death. Also, avoid atomoxetine if taken an MAO inhibitor like isocarboxazid, linezolid or methylene blue injection rasagiline, phenelzine or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant drug that can improve the symptoms of ADHD. It can also reduce impulsivity and increase focus, though it does not affect the brain in the same way that stimulants do. Only prescriptions are approved. Your doctor will determine the best dosage for you. Bupropion comes in capsules and tablets. It's important to take the medication as directed. If you stop taking it suddenly you could experience withdrawal symptoms.
The usual dosage is two or three doses per day divided by four to six hours. The dose can vary between 100mg and three times a day to 150mg three or four times every day. The drug is taken up by the digestive system, and excreted through urine. It cannot enter breast milk. However, it could get into the bloodstream and cause harm to other organs. Bupropion increases blood pressure. It is essential to check it frequently.
Bupropion is a great drug that, in addition to reducing ADHD symptoms it can also help reduce depression. It is also a treatment for bipolar disorder. It is accomplished by blocking dopamine receptors in your brain. This prevents the neurotransmitter dopamine from entering your brain, which can help to regulate your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other medications. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication. It's also important to determine whether you suffer from any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants as they can cause side effects to become worse.
A number of studies have compared bupropion to placebos in adults suffering from ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and the majority of studies were not well-designed. A majority of these studies excluded people with psychiatric disorders co-morbidity. Nevertheless, the data suggest that bupropion has a modest effect on ADHD. However it is necessary to conduct more research to establish positive outcomes for patients like improvements in quality of life. Furthermore, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is needed before effective treatment can be developed. This requires a deeper understanding of the relationship between different molecular pathways. Moreover, it's critical to understand how different anti-ADHD drugs work with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD do not work or cause adverse side effects, doctors may consider antidepressants as a treatment. These drugs, which include imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), are effective in boosting the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which help people concentrate. These are older drugs that may have a number of adverse reactions, and are typically only considered when other medications have failed.
The first choice of antidepressants in depression is usually an inhibitor of serotonin reuptake (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, sertraline or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants which have been around for decades, may still be utilized in certain instances. They are effective in treating pain caused by neuropathic or other but their antidepressant action is not the same. They increase the potency of noradrenephrine by reducing its reuptake. They also function as antagonists of pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less toxic and have less adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. Additionally, they're safe in pregnancy and aren't teratogenic in animals or humans. If they are abruptly stopped, they may cause severe withdrawal symptoms. To minimize these side effects, your doctor may suggest reducing the dose gradually over several weeks.
Bupropion, a popular antidepressant that is used off-label to treat ADHD, is not FDA approved as a treatment for adhd. It is believed to work by increasing neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which improves concentration. It is also known to alleviate anxiety and stress. It can be paired with stimulants to achieve quicker and lasting results.
Although there aren't any other FDA-approved nonstimulant medications for ADHD, many people do find relief with the use of dietary supplements and herbs. A diet that is low in fat and sugar can help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Some people may benefit by abstaining from caffeine. Discuss with your doctor any medications that you or your child take as well as herbal remedies and prescription drugs. add medication adults will prevent interactions and minimize unwanted side effects. ADHD medications can affect everyone differently, and it's often an exercise of trial and error to find the appropriate dosage and medication for your child or yourself.