13 Things About ADHD Treatment Medication You May Not Know
13 Things About ADHD Treatment Medication You May Not Know
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ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD, appear to balance brain chemicals and boost their levels. However, they don't solve the problem and will only aid in managing symptoms so long as they are taken regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medication can include changes in blood pressure, heart rate, anxiety and tics. Certain teens and children who take stimulant drugs have a slight decrease in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nerve stimulant is the most commonly used drug used to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms, such as a liquid chewable tablet, an orally disintegrating tablet, which acts long, and a pill with extended release. The drug is effective by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which help to increase focus. It may also reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. When used in conjunction with other treatments such as behavioral therapy, methylphenidate may be a very effective treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that remove these neurotransmitters normally from the brain. The drug could cause a slight increase in heart rate or blood pressure. Patients with diabetes should be aware of this medication because it can cause an abrupt rise in blood sugar. If you have any of these side effects, speak to your physician. Methylphenidate can also cause a condition called Raynaud's phenomenon, which causes numbness and discomfort in the fingers and toes. This is a rare side effect, but it is important to notify your doctor if you have these symptoms.
There is some concerns that methylphenidate may slow the growth of children, but it hasn't been proven to be the situation. If you have a child being treated with methylphenidate, be sure to keep track of his or her height and weight closely. If your child takes a methylphenidate tablet that contains phenylalanine, it can be dangerous to children with Phenylketonuria. Consult your physician about a different methylphenidate formula when you suffer from PKU.
Stimulants are considered the first-choice medication for treating ADHD, but certain people are not able to use them. In these cases doctors might prescribe other medications that work in a similar way. There are other stimulants, like dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine, besides the methylphenidate. These are stronger than methylphenidate and can last longer. They are usually taken every day, either twice or three times However, some people might be able to take them more frequently. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD however, they are less effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also called Strattera and is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that improves concentration, while decreasing the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It belongs to a class called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It is a drug that increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers which control brain activity. It is a favorite among adults and children who seek a different medication than stimulants such as Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is important to remember that atomoxetine does not work instantly, and it can take up to six weeks for the effects of the medication to be apparent. There is also the possibility of experiencing side effects such as nausea and drowsiness. For the majority of patients the advantages of taking atomoxetine far outweigh any risk.
The efficacy of atomoxetine was confirmed in a multisite double-blind placebo-controlled study involving 297 ADHD patients between the ages of 12 and 18. Participants were randomly assigned to receive the daily dose of atomoxetine 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine group as well as the placebo group experienced decrease in the symptoms of depression. The atomoxetine treatment group showed more improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was only modest (Michelson and co. 2001).
In a second open study in a second open trial, 10 ADHD patients who did not respond to stimulants received an atomoxetine treatment over 8 weeks. The group treated with atomoxetine showed improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to placebo group, with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version as well as the Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale increasing significantly. One patient had to withdraw due to an outbreak of eruption. Three patients also reported transient stomach symptoms, and one complained of increased fatigue.
Talk to your doctor prior to you begin treatment with atomoxetine. Discuss your health history, including any medications or supplements you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as prescription medications. Discuss with your doctor when any of the following conditions occur such as narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid or adrenal gland tumour; high blood pressure; heart disease or sudden death. You should stay clear of Atomoxetine in addition to if you've taken an MAO-inhibitor, such isocarboxazid or linezolid within the last 14 days or rasagiline, Methylene Blue Injection, phenelzine or tranylcypromine.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug, can help to improve ADHD symptoms. It also helps to reduce impulsivity and boost focus, although it does not affect the brain in the same way as stimulants do. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will determine the best dose for you. Bupropion comes in tablets as well as extended-release capsules. It is crucial to follow the prescriptions. There are withdrawal symptoms that can occur when you stop abruptly.
The most common dosage is two or three doses per day divided by 4 to 6 hours. The dosage can range from 100 mg two or three times daily up to 150 mg three or four times daily. The drug is taken up by the digestive system and excreted into urine. It is not able to enter breast milk. However, it is able to enter the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion can increase your blood pressure, which is why it's important to monitor it frequently.
Bupropion can, in addition to helping to reduce ADHD symptoms, can also 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 reaching your brain, which helps to regulate your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other drugs. Inform your doctor if you're taking any other medications. It's also important to know whether you are allergic to. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants since they can make the side effects worse.
In a variety of studies the bupropion drug was compared with placebos for adults suffering from ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed, and most studies were poorly conducted. Additionally, many excluded participants with psychiatric comorbidity. The research suggests that bupropion can have an impact on ADHD. However, more research is needed to establish positive outcomes for patients such as improvement in quality of life. Furthermore, a better understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is essential before a successful treatment can be created. This includes a better understanding of the relationship between the various molecular pathways. Moreover, it's critical 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 don't work or cause side effects. These medications, including imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), are effective in boosting the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain to help people concentrate. These older drugs may cause serious adverse effects. They are typically employed when other drugs fail.
The first choice of antidepressant for depression is typically a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram, or escitalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants continue to be used in some cases, despite their long history. They also work in treating neuropathic pain. They provide a pain-relieving effect that is distinct from their antidepressant activity. They enhance the noradrenephrine receptor by blocking its reuptake. They also function as descending modulators for pain pathways in spinal cord.
SSRIs have less risk of toxicity and have less severe side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also safer during pregnancy and do not appear to be teratogenic to humans or animals. However, they can cause significant withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. Your doctor may suggest slowly decreasing the dosage over several weeks to lessen the negative effects.
Although not officially recognized read more by the FDA as a medication for adhd Bupropion is a widely prescribed antidepressant off-label to treat ADHD. It is believed to work by increasing neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain, which increases concentration. It is also believed to ease anxiety, and it can be combined with stimulants for more rapid and sustained results.
There are no FDA-approved nonstimulant ADHD medications, but many people find relief from herbal remedies and dietary supplements. A diet low on fat and sugar may help reduce ADHD symptoms. Some people might also benefit by staying clear of caffeine. It is important to inform your doctor about all the medications you or your child is taking, including prescription medications and herbal remedies. This will help minimize unwanted side effects and help prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect every person differently, which is why it's often an exercise of trial and error to find the right drug and dosage for your child or you.