ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD and are believed to increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. However, they do not cure the condition and will only aid in managing symptoms so long as they’re taken regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medication can include a change in heart rate and blood pressure and stomach upset anxiety and tics. Some children and teens who take stimulant medications have a slight decrease in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant and is the most widely used drug for treating ADHD. It comes in a variety forms such as a liquid adhd medication Uk, chewable tablet and a long-acting disintegrating orally disintegrating tablet, and an extended release pill. The drug increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which help to increase focus. It can also help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. When used in conjunction with other treatments like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate can be an effective treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that eliminate these neurotransmitters naturally from the brain. The drug could cause an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. It can also cause rapid changes in blood sugar levels, and diabetics should be aware when taking this medication. If you encounter any of these side effects, speak to your doctor. Methylphenidate can also trigger Raynaud’s phenomenon which causes numbness in the fingers and feet. This is a rare side effect however, it is crucial to tell your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
Some people are concerned that methylphenidate could slow children’s growth. However it hasn’t been proven. If you have a child being treated with methylphenidate, ensure that you monitor the child’s weight and height carefully. If your child takes tablets containing methylphenidate, the phenylalanine in it could pose a risk to children suffering from Phenylketonuria. Consult your physician about an alternative methylphenidate formulation if you have PKU.
Stimulants are often considered to be the first choice treatment for ADHD However, certain people are not able to use them. In these instances, doctors may prescribe other drugs that function similarly. There are other stimulants like dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine, in addition to the methylphenidate. These substances are more powerful than methylphenidate and may last longer. They are usually taken every day, either twice or three times however some individuals may be able to take them more frequently. Psychological treatments are also available for treating ADHD however they are less likely to prove effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera and is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that improves concentration while decreasing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It is part of a class called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It works by boosting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers which control brain’s activity. It is a favorite among children and adults who want a different medication than stimulants like Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is important to know that atomoxetine doesn’t work instantly. It could take up to 6 weeks before the effects of this medication are evident. There is also the possibility of experiencing side effects such as drowsiness and nausea. For the majority of patients the benefits of taking atomoxetine outweigh any risk.
In a double-blind, placebo controlled study conducted on 297 ADHD patients between the ages of 12 and 18 years old, the efficacy of atomoxetine is confirmed. The participants were randomized to receive atomoxetine, a daily dose of 0.6 mg per kilogram or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over 9 weeks. In both the atomoxetine and placebo groups depression symptoms were reduced. The atomoxetine treatment group had more improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was only modest (Michelson and colleagues 2001).
In a separate open study, 10 patients suffering from ADHD who were unable to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine over 8 weeks. The atomoxetine treatment group showed improved adhd and anxiety medication symptoms in comparison to placebo, with scores on Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Rated screening version and Clinical Global Impression of Severity scales increasing significantly. However, one patient experienced an allergic reaction and was removed from the study. Three patients also reported transient digestive symptoms, and one patient noticed an increase in fatigue.
Consult your physician before you begin 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. Inform your doctor whether any of the following conditions are present such as narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid or adrenal gland tumour or a high blood pressure heart disease or a history sudden death. It is also recommended to be wary of atomoxetine in the event that you have taken an MAO inhibitor like isocarboxazid, linezolid or methylene blue injection rasagiline or phenelzine, as well as tranylcypromine, in the past 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug that is a non-stimulant, can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. It also helps reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve focus. 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 exactly as directed. You may experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop abruptly.
The typical dosage is two or three doses daily divided by four to six hours. The dosage can range between 100 mg twice or three times per day to 150 mg three or four times daily. The drug is in the digestive system, and excreted through urine. It isn’t able to penetrate breast milk. However, it could be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion can increase blood pressure. It is important to keep it in check frequently.
Bupropion can, in addition to helping to reduce ADHD symptoms, can also reduce depression. It is also used to treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors in your brain. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, is blocked from reaching your brain, which can help to regulate your mood.
Bupropion can interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor if you’re taking any other medications. It’s also important to find out if you have any allergies. It is also important to stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants, as they could make the adverse effects more severe.
Numerous studies have compared bupropion with placebos in adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and the majority of studies were poorly conducted. A majority of these studies excluded people with psychiatric disorders co-morbidity. However, the evidence suggests that bupropion can have a slight effect on ADHD. More research is required to determine positive outcomes for patients, such as an improvement in quality of living. Additionally, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is essential before a successful treatment can be developed. This requires a deeper understanding of the relation between the different molecular pathways. Furthermore, it’s essential to know how various anti-ADHD agents work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD aren’t effective or cause undesirable side effects, doctors may turn to antidepressants as a treatment. These medications, such as imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), work by increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to help people focus. These are older medications that can have challenging side effects, so they’re typically only considered when other drugs have failed.
The first choice of depression-related antidepressants is typically a serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine, sertraline, or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants, that have been around for decades, may still be utilized in certain instances. These medications are effective in treating neuropathic and other pains, but their antidepressant effect is not the same. They increase the activity of the noradrenephrine receptor, by preventing its reuptake. They also act as descending modulators for pain pathways within 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 to humans or animals. But they can have significant withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. Your doctor might suggest gradually reducing the dose over a few weeks to minimize these effects.
Although it isn’t officially recognized by the FDA as a medication for adhd, bupropion is a commonly prescribed antidepressant that is off-label for ADHD. It is believed to increase the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine and acetylcholine within the brain to improve concentration. It also helps alleviate anxiety and stress. It can be combined with stimulants for faster and longer-lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved nonstimulant ADHD medications, but many people have found relief through herbal remedies for adhd in adults and dietary supplements. A diet low in sugar and fat can also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Also, avoiding caffeine can also be helpful for some. Discuss with your doctor any medications you or your child are taking, including herbal remedies and prescription medications. This will prevent interactions and reduce unwanted adverse effects. ADHD medications can affect every person differently, so it’s sometimes an exercise of trial and error to determine the appropriate dosage and medication for your child or yourself.
