ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD and can increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. However, they do not cure the condition and can only help with symptoms as long as they are taken regularly.
Side effects of ADHD medications can include changes in blood pressure as well as heart rate, anxiety and tics. Certain teens and children who are taking stimulant medication experience a slight reduction in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant for the central nervous system and the most commonly prescribed drug to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms including liquid, chewable tablet, a long-acting orally disintegrating tablet and an extended-release pill. The drug increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This can help improve concentration. It can also lessen the symptoms of anxiety and depression. When used in conjunction with other treatments such as behavioral therapy, methylphenidate may be an effective treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug can cause an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. It can also cause rapid changes in blood sugar levels, and people with diabetes should be careful when taking this medication. Speak to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate may also cause Raynaud’s phenomenon which causes numbness in the feet and fingers. This is a rare, but serious side result. It is important to notify your doctor if any of these symptoms are observed.
There are some who believe that methylphenidate can slow down children's growth. However, this has not been proven. If your child is taking methylphenidate, ensure that you keep an eye on their weight and height. If your child is taking a tablet containing methylphenidate, the phenylalanine in it can be dangerous to children suffering from Phenylketonuria. If you suffer from PKU consult your doctor about the different formulations of methylphenidate.
Stimulants are considered the first-choice treatment for ADHD, but some people have trouble with these medications. In these instances, doctors might prescribe another medication that performs in a similar manner. In addition to methylphenidate, there are other stimulants like dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine. These are more powerful than methylphenidate and may last longer. They are usually taken between two and three times per day, but some people can take them more often. Psychological treatments are also available to treat ADHD, but they are less likely to prove effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known by the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that boosts concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It's part of a class of drugs known as selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitors. It increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers that regulate the brain's activity. It is a preferred choice for both adults and children who want a different type of medication than stimulants, like Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is important to remember that atomoxetine is not effective instantly and it could take up to six weeks for the effects of the drug to be evident. You may also experience adverse effects like nausea and drowsiness. For the majority of patients, the benefits of taking atomoxetine are greater than any risk.
In a double-blind placebo-controlled study of 297 ADHD patients aged between 12 and 18 years old, the effectiveness of atomoxetine was confirmed. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either atomoxetine at a daily dose 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over a period of 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine as well as placebo groups, symptoms of depression were less. The atomoxetine group experienced greater improvements in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was not as dramatic (Michelson and co. 2001).
In another open trial in another open trial, 10 patients with ADHD who were unable to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine for 8 weeks. The group treated with atomoxetine showed improvement in ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Screening version rated and Clinical Global Impression of Severity scales increasing significantly. One patient had to withdraw due to a rash. Three patients also reported temporary digestive symptoms, and one patient reported increased fatigue.
Talk to your doctor before you start treatment with atomoxetine regarding your medical history, including any medications or supplements you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over-the-counter medications. Discuss with your doctor when any of the following conditions occur such as narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid or adrenal gland tumor; high blood pressure; heart disease or sudden death. You should avoid atomoxetine as well when you've been taking an MAO-inhibitor like isocarboxazid or linezolid within the last 14 days or rasagiline, Methylene Blue Injection, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a nonstimulant can help improve ADHD symptoms. It can also decrease the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. However, it does not affect the brain in the way stimulants do. It's only available on prescription. Your doctor will determine the best dosage for you. Bupropion is available in tablets and extended-release capsules. It is important to take the medication as directed. If you stop taking it suddenly you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
The usual dosage is two or three doses per day divided by 4-6 hours. The dose can range between 100 mg two or three times daily to 150 mg three or four times daily. The drug is absorbed in the digestive tract and eliminated into urine, meaning it isn't able to enter breast milk. It can, however, be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion may increase blood pressure, so it's important to monitor it frequently.
In addition to helping improve the symptoms of ADHD In addition, bupropion may reduce depression. It can also treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking the dopamine receptors in your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine, from reaching your brain. This helps 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 find out whether you are allergic to. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants because they can make side effects worse.
Several studies have examined the effects of bupropion versus placebos in adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and the majority of them were poorly conducted. Additionally, many did not include participants with psychiatric disorders. The results suggest that bupropion can have a modest impact on ADHD. More research is required to determine the positive effects for patients, such as the improvement in their quality of living. Additionally, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is needed before effective treatment can be created. This includes a better knowledge of the relationship between molecular pathways. It's also important to understand the way that anti-ADHD medications work in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants may be prescribed by doctors when stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD don't work or cause side effects. These medications, like imipramine and Nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor) are able to increase the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which aids in helping people to focus. These older drugs can have severe side consequences. They are generally only used when other medications fail.
The first choice for depression-related antidepressants is typically a serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as fluoxetine, sertraline or citalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants are still used in certain cases despite their long history. These medications are effective in treating neuropathic pain and other conditions, but their antidepressant effect is not the identical. They enhance the noradrenephrine receptor, by preventing its reuptake, and they also function as descending modulators for pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less toxic and have fewer side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also safer during pregnancy and do not appear to be teratogenic for animals or humans. However, they may cause severe withdrawal symptoms if they are stopped abruptly. Your doctor might suggest gradually reducing the dose over a few weeks to reduce the effects.
Although it isn't officially recognized by the FDA as a medication for adhd, bupropion is a commonly prescribed antidepressant off-label to treat ADHD. It is believed to be effective by increasing neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which increases concentration. It also helps alleviate anxiety and stress. It can be combined with stimulants to produce faster and longer-lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved non-stimulant ADHD medication, however many people have found relief through dietary supplements and herbal remedies. A diet low in fat and sugar can add adhd medications aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. In the same way, removing caffeine can also be helpful for certain people. It is important to inform your doctor about all medications that you or your child takes, including over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies. This will help minimize unwanted side effects and prevent interactions. ADHD medication can affect each person differently, which is why it's often an exercise of trial and error to discover the appropriate dosage and medication for your child or yourself.