The Biggest Problem With ADHD Treatment Medication, And How To Fix It
ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD seem to regulate brain chemicals and increase their levels. They are not able to treat the disorder, but rather help manage symptoms if they are they are taken regularly.
Side effects of ADHD medication can include changes in blood pressure and heart rate, anxiety and tics. Some children and teens who take stimulant medications experience a slight reduction in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant and is the most frequently prescribed drug to treat ADHD. It is available in many forms including chewable tablet, a liquid as well as a long-acting oral disintegrating tablet, and an extended-release pill. The drug boosts the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This can help improve concentration. It may also reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. When combined with other treatments like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate may be a successful treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters which eliminate these neurotransmitters naturally from the brain. The medication can cause a slight increase in heart rate and blood pressure. It may also trigger a rapid change in blood sugar levels, which is why those with diabetes must be aware when taking this medication. If you have any of these side effects, talk to your physician. Methylphenidate can also cause a condition called Raynaud's phenomenon, which causes numbness and discomfort in the toes and fingers. This is a rare, but serious side effect. It is important to notify your doctor if any of these symptoms occur.
Some people are concerned that methylphenidate may slow the growth of children. However this hasn't been proved. If your child is taking methylphenidate, be sure to keep an eye on their weight and height. If your child is taking a methylphenidate tablet, the phenylalanine in it could be harmful to children with Phenylketonuria. If you suffer from PKU, ask your doctor about different methylphenidate formulations.
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 another medication that performs in a similar way. There are also other stimulants, like dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine in addition to the methylphenidate. These drugs are a little more potent than methylphenidate, and they can last longer. They are usually taken every day, either twice or three times, but some people might be able to take them more often. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD however they are not as effective as stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known under the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that boosts concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It is in a class of medications known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and is a stimulant of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers that regulate the brain's activity. It is popular with children and adults who want an alternative to stimulants like Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is important to remember that atomoxetine doesn't work immediately, and it may take up to 6 weeks for the effects of the drug to be apparent. Additionally, you may suffer from side effects like reduced appetite, drowsiness and stomach upset. For the majority of patients the advantages of taking atomoxetine far 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 efficacy of atomoxetine has been confirmed. 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. Both the atomoxetine and the placebo group experienced reduction in depression symptoms. The treatment group with atomoxetine showed better improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was not as dramatic (Michelson and co. 2001).
In a second open study, 10 ADHD patients who did not respond to stimulants received the treatment of atomoxetine for eight weeks. The atomoxetine treatment group showed improved ADHD symptoms in comparison to placebo, with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Screening version rated and the Clinical Global Impression Severity scales improving significantly. One patient however, experienced an allergic reaction and was removed from the study. Additionally, three patients reported transient gastrointestinal disturbances and one experienced increased fatigue (Kratochvil and co., 2005).
Talk to add medication adults to you start treatment with atomoxetine regarding your health history, including any medications or supplements you take. This includes herbal remedies as well as over the counter medications. Tell your doctor if any of the following conditions occur: narrow-angle glaucoma; a thyroid or adrenal gland tumor; high blood pressure; heart disease or a history sudden death. You should stay clear of atomoxetine as well if you've taken an MAO-inhibitor like isocarboxazid or linezolid in the last 14 days, or rasagiline Methylene Blue Injection phenelzine or tranylcypromine.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant medication that can improve the symptoms of ADHD. It can also reduce impulsivity and boost focus, although it doesn't affect the brain in the same way as stimulants. It's available by prescription only. Your doctor will decide on the best dosage for you. Bupropion is available as tablets and capsules. It is crucial to follow the instructions. If you stop taking it suddenly you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
The most common dosage is two or three doses per day separated by 4-6 hours. The dosage can range from 100mg twice or three times per day up to 150mg three or four times daily. The drug is absorbed by the digestive system, and excreted through urine. It isn't able to penetrate breast milk. However, it is able to enter the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion can increase your blood pressure, making it important to monitor it frequently.
Bupropion, in addition to improving ADHD symptoms it can also help 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 stabilize your mood.
Bupropion can interact with other drugs So it's crucial to inform your doctor of any other medications you're taking. It's important to let your doctor know if are suffering from any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants because they can make side effects worse.
In a number of studies in a variety of studies, bupropion was compared with placebos for adults suffering from ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and most studies were not well-designed. Many of these studies excluded participants with psychiatric co-morbidity. The research suggests that bupropion can have a small effect on ADHD. More research is needed to determine positive outcomes for patients, including the improvement in their quality of life. Before effective treatments can be created it is crucial to gain a better understanding of the molecular causes of ADHD. This includes a better understanding of the relationship between the various molecular pathways. It's also important to understand the way that anti-ADHD medications work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
If the stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD aren't effective or cause adverse side effects, doctors may turn to antidepressants as a treatment. These medications, including imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), work by increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which help people concentrate. These older drugs may cause severe negative side consequences. They are generally only employed when other drugs fail.
The first choice of depression treatment is typically a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as sertraline, fluoxetine or citalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants are still used in certain cases despite their long history. They are also effective in treating neuropathic pain and provide a pain-relieving effect which is distinct from their antidepressant effect. They enhance the noradrenephrine receptor by blocking its reuptake. They also function as descending modulators for pain pathways in spinal cord.
SSRIs have lower risks of toxicity, and less serious side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. Additionally, they're safe in the womb and don't appear to be teratogenic in animals or humans. If suddenly stopped, they can cause severe withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor may suggest slowly reducing the dose over a few weeks to lessen the negative effects.
While not officially approved by the FDA as a medication for adhd bupropion is commonly prescribed antidepressant off-label to treat ADHD. It's believed to work by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine and acetylcholine within the brain to increase concentration. It also has been proven to reduce anxiety, and it can be used in conjunction with stimulants to achieve more rapid and long-lasting results.
Although there aren't any other FDA-approved nonstimulant drugs for ADHD, many people do get relief from the use of supplements to their diets and herbs. A diet that is low in fat and sugar can help reduce ADHD symptoms. In the same way, removing caffeine can also be helpful for some. Inform your doctor about all medications you or your child are taking such as herbal remedies and over-the-counter medicines. This can help reduce unwanted side effects as well as prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect everyone differently, so it's sometimes a trial and error to discover the right dosage and drug for your child or yourself.