ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD and are believed to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals. However, they don't cure the condition and will only aid in managing symptoms so long as they're taken regularly.
Side effects of ADHD medications may include changes in blood pressure as well as heart rate, anxiety and tics. Certain teens and children who are taking stimulant medication notice a slight slowing in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant and the most commonly prescribed drug to treat ADHD. It is available in a variety of forms, including tablets that chew liquid and an oral disintegrating tablet that performs long and has an extended release. The drug works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps to increase concentration. It can also help reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. When coupled with other treatments, like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate may be a very effective treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters which remove these neurotransmitters normally from the brain. The drug may cause a slight increase in heart rate or blood pressure. It may also trigger rapid changes in blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes should be cautious when taking this medication. Talk to your doctor in the event that you experience any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate may also trigger a condition known as Raynaud's phenomena that causes numbness as well as pain in the toes and fingers. This is a rare, but serious side effect. It is crucial to inform your doctor in the event that these symptoms occur.
There is a concern that methylphenidate slows the growth of children, but this has not been proved to be the case. If adult adhd medication have a child who is receiving treatment with methylphenidate be sure to keep track of the weight and height closely. If your child is taking a methylphenidate tablet that contains phenylalanine, it could be harmful for children suffering from Phenylketonuria. If you have PKU, consult your doctor about the different methylphenidate formulations.
Some people are unable to take stimulants which are the primary choice of medication for treating ADHD. In these cases doctors may prescribe a different medication that functions in a similar way. Apart from methylphenidate there are other stimulants such as dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine. These drugs can last for longer and are stronger than methylphenidate. They are usually taken between two and three times a day, but some people can take them more frequently. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD however they are not as effective as stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also called Strattera and is a non-stimulant ADHD drug that boosts concentration while decreasing the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It belongs to a class called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It works by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine two chemical messengers that control brain's activity. It is a favorite among children and adults who want an alternative to stimulants such as Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is crucial to understand that atomoxetine isn't a drug that works instantly. It could take up to 6 weeks before the effects of this medication become apparent. Additionally, you may experience side-effects such as diminished appetite, drowsiness and stomach upset. For the majority of patients the benefits of taking atomoxetine are greater than the risks.
The efficacy of atomoxetine has been confirmed in a multisite double-blind placebo-controlled study with 297 ADHD patients ages 12 to 18. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either the daily dose of atomoxetine 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over a period of 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine and placebo groups depression symptoms were reduced. The atomoxetine group experienced greater improvements in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. The improvement was not significant.
In a different open trial, 10 patients suffering from ADHD who failed to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine for 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 improving significantly. One patient however, experienced an allergic reaction and was removed from the study. Three patients also reported transient digestive symptoms, and one complained of increased fatigue.
Talk to your doctor before you begin treatment with atomoxetine about your health history, including any supplements or medications you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over the counter medicines. It is particularly important to tell your doctor if you suffer from narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor or high blood pressure, heart disease, or an unusually sudden death. It is also recommended to avoid atomoxetine if taken an MAO inhibitor like isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, rasagiline, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine, in the past 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug that is a non-stimulant, can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. It can also reduce the impulsivity of children and improve focus. However it doesn't affect the brain in the similar way that stimulants do. It's only available with a prescription. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate dosage for you. Bupropion comes in tablets and extended-release capsules. It is crucial to follow the directions. You might experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop abruptly.
The most common dosage is two or three doses daily, separated by four to six hours. The dosage can range from 100mg two or three times a day to 150mg three or four time each day. The drug is absorbed by the digestive tract, and then excreted into urine, which means that it can't enter breast milk. However, it could be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause harm to other organs. Bupropion may increase blood pressure, so it's vital to monitor it regularly.
In addition to helping improve the symptoms of ADHD In addition, bupropion may reduce depression. It can also be used to treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors in your brain. This prevents the neurotransmitter dopamine from entering your brain, which can help stabilize mood.
Bupropion may interact with other medications So it's crucial to inform your doctor about any other medications you're taking. It is important to inform your doctor know that you suffer from any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants as they can cause side effects to become worse.
Several studies have examined the effects of bupropion versus placebos in adults suffering from ADHD. These studies produced mixed results, and a lot were poorly designed. Moreover, many of them excluded people with psychiatric comorbidity. The research suggests that bupropion has a small effect on ADHD. However it is necessary to conduct more research to identify positive outcomes for patients such as improvement in quality of life. Before effective treatments can be created, it is necessary to understand the underlying causes of the molecular types of ADHD. This includes a better understanding of the connection between the various molecular pathways. Furthermore, it's essential to understand how different anti-ADHD drugs work with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants can be prescribed by doctors if stimulants prescribed for children suffering from ADHD are not effective or cause adverse side effects. These medications, such as imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor), increase the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which help people to focus
