ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD are believed to regulate brain chemicals and boost their levels. They cannot treat the disorder, but rather help manage symptoms if they are 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. Children and teens who take stimulant drugs notice a slight reduction in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant and the most commonly prescribed drug to treat ADHD. It is available in many forms such as a chewable tablet that is liquid and a long-acting disintegrating orally disintegrating tablet and an extended-release pill. The drug increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which help to increase focus. It can also help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. When used in conjunction with other treatments like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate can be an effective treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate works by blocking the transporters that are normally responsible for removing these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug can cause a small increase in heart rate and blood pressure. It can also cause a rapid change in blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes should be cautious when taking this medication. If you encounter any of these side effects, speak to your doctor. Methylphenidate can also cause a condition called Raynaud's phenomenon, which causes numbness and pain in the toes and fingers. This is a rare side effect however, it is crucial to notify your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
Some people are concerned that methylphenidate can slow down the growth of children. However, this has not been proved. If your child is taking methylphenidate, make sure you be attentive to their weight and height. If your child takes a tablet containing methylphenidate and phenylalanine is present, it could pose a risk for children suffering from Phenylketonuria. Ask your doctor about a different methylphenidate formula if you have PKU.
Some people are unable to take stimulants which are the most popular treatment for ADHD. In these instances, doctors may prescribe other drugs that function in a similar manner. There are other stimulants like dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine in addition to the methylphenidate. These drugs can last for longer and are stronger than methylphenidate. They are typically taken twice to three times per day However, some people take them more frequently. Psychological treatments are also available for treating ADHD however they are less likely to be helpful than a stimulant.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also known as the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that boosts concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsiveness. how to treat adhd without medication in adults of a group of drugs known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and works by boosting levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers that regulate the brain's activity. It is a favorite among adults and children who seek an alternative to stimulants like Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is crucial to keep in mind that atomoxetine does not work immediately, and it may take up to 6 weeks for the effects of the medication to become apparent. There is also the possibility of experiencing negative side effects, such as drowsiness and nausea. For the majority of patients the advantages of taking atomoxetine far outweigh the risks.
The efficacy of atomoxetine was confirmed in a multisite double-blind placebo-controlled study involving 297 ADHD patients ages 12 to 18. Participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine in a daily dose of 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine as well as placebo groups depression symptoms were reduced. The treatment group with atomoxetine showed greater improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However, the improvement was modest (Michelson and co. 2001).
In a different open trial, 10 patients with ADHD who were unable to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine over 8 weeks. The group receiving atomoxetine had improved ADHD symptoms 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 had to withdraw due to a skin rash. Three patients experienced gastrointestinal issues that were transient and one patient reported fatigue that was more severe (Kratochvil et al 2005).
Consult your physician before you begin treatment with atomoxetine. Discuss your medical history, which includes any supplements or medications you take. This includes herbal remedies as well as over-the-counter medicines. Discuss with your doctor if any of the following conditions are present such as narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid or adrenal gland tumor or a high blood pressure heart disease or a history sudden death. You should also avoid atomoxetine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection rasagiline, phenelzine or tranylcypromine within the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug can help improve ADHD symptoms. It also helps reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. However it doesn't affect the brain the same way that stimulants do. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will decide the best dosage for you. Bupropion is available as capsules and tablets. It is essential to take the medication exactly as instructed. If you stop taking it suddenly you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
The typical dosage is two or three doses daily divided by four to six hours. The dosage can vary between 100 mg two or three times per day to 150 mg daily, three or four times. The drug is taken up by the digestive system and excreted in urine. It is not able to enter breast milk. However, it could be absorbed into the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion increases blood pressure. It is essential to check it regularly.
Bupropion, in addition to improving ADHD symptoms it can also help reduce depression. It also helps treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors in your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine, from reaching your brain. This helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion can interact with other medications. Tell your doctor if you're taking any other medication. It's also important to know whether you are allergic to. Also, avoid caffeine or other stimulants that could make the adverse effects worse.
Numerous studies have examined the effects of bupropion versus placebos in adults with ADHD. These studies produced mixed results and were poorly designed. A majority of these studies excluded participants with psychiatric co-morbidity. The data indicate that bupropion has a modest impact on ADHD. However, more research is needed to identify positive outcomes for patients like improvements in quality of life. Before effective treatments can be developed it is essential to have a better understanding of the molecular types of ADHD. This is a greater understanding of the connection between the molecular pathways. It is also crucial to know the way that anti-ADHD medications work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed to children suffering from ADHD do not work or cause undesirable side effects, doctors may consider antidepressants as a treatment. These drugs, like imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor), increase the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which helps people concentrate. These are old drugs which can cause serious adverse effects, so they're usually only used when other medications have failed.
The first choice of antidepressants for depression is typically a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram, or escitalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants, which have been around for decades, may still be used in some cases. They are also effective in reducing neuropathic pain. They also have a second pain-relieving action that is distinct from their antidepressant activity. They enhance noradrenephrine through inhibiting its reuptake and also act as descending modulators of pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less harmful and have fewer side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also safer during pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic to animals or humans. If suddenly stopped, they could cause significant withdrawal symptoms. To reduce the risk of these side effects, your doctor may suggest reducing the dose gradually over a period of time.
Bupropion, a common antidepressant that is prescribed off-label for treating ADHD however, it is not FDA approved as a treatment for adhd. It is believed to be effective by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine and acetylcholine that are found in the brain to increase concentration. It also helps relieve stress and anxiety. It can be combined with stimulants to achieve quicker and lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved non-stimulant ADHD medications, but many people experience relief from herbal remedies and supplements to their diets. A diet low in sugar and fat can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people might benefit by abstaining from caffeine. Inform your doctor about all medications you or your child are taking, including herbal remedies and over-the-counter medicines. This will avoid interactions and minimize unwanted side effects. ADHD medication can affect people differently. It may take some trial and error to determine the best dosage and dose for your child or yourself.