13 Things About ADHD Treatment Medication You May Not Have Known
13 Things About ADHD Treatment Medication You May Not Have Known
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ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, which are the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD are believed to regulate brain chemicals and boost their levels. They cannot cure the disorder and only manage symptoms if they are taken regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medications may include changes in blood pressure, heart rate, anxiety, and tics. Some teens and children who are taking stimulant medication notice a slight slowing in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous stimulant is the most well-known medication used to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms, such as chewable tablets with liquid, an orally disintegrating tablet that acts long and has an extended release. The drug works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which help to enhance focus. It may also reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Methylphenidate is an effective treatment for ADHD in combination with other treatments, like behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that remove these neurotransmitters normally from the brain. The drug may cause a slight increase in blood pressure or heart rate. It may also trigger an abrupt change in blood sugar levels, so those with diabetes must be cautious when taking this medication. Consult your physician if you experience any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate can also trigger Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness in the feet and fingers. This is a rare side effect, however it is essential to notify your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
There is some concerns that methylphenidate can slow the growth of children, but this hasn't been proven to be the situation. If your child is taking methylphenidate ensure that you be aware of their weight and height. If your child is taking chewable tablets containing methylphenidate is a phenylalanine-based tablet, which is a risk for children who have the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). If you suffer from PKU consult your doctor about the different forms of methylphenidate.
Stimulants are the most popular medication for treating ADHD However, some people have trouble with them. In these cases, doctors could prescribe a different medication that functions in a similar manner. In addition to methylphenidate, there are other stimulants like dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine. These drugs can last for longer and are more potent than methylphenidate. They are usually taken at least three times a day However, some people might be able take them more often. Psychological treatments are also available to treat ADHD, but they are less likely to be effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera and is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that improves concentration, while decreasing the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It is part of a class called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It works by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers which regulate brain's activity. It is popular among adults and children who seek an alternative to stimulants like Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is important to remember that atomoxetine does not work instantly and it could take up to six weeks for the effects of the drug to become apparent. Additionally, you could suffer from side effects like reduced appetite, drowsiness and upset stomach. However, the benefits of atomoxetine surpass the risks for many patients.
In a double-blind placebo controlled study of 297 ADHD patients aged between 12 and 18 years old, the efficacy of atomoxetine is verified. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either atomoxetine in a daily dose of 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 treatment group with atomoxetine showed more improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However, the improvement was modest (Michelson and colleagues 2001).
In a separate open study in another open trial, 10 patients with ADHD who failed to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine over 8 weeks. The atomoxetine treatment group showed improvement in ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Screening version rated and the Clinical Global Impression Severity scales increasing significantly. One patient had to withdraw due to an rash. Three patients also reported transient stomach symptoms, and one patient reported increased fatigue.
Talk to your doctor prior to you begin treatment with atomoxetine regarding your medical history, including any medications or supplements you take. This includes herbal remedies as well as prescription medicines. Inform your doctor when any of the following conditions occur for narrow-angle glaucoma thyroid or adrenal gland tumour; high blood pressure; heart disease or a history sudden death. You should avoid the use of atomoxetine when you've been taking an MAO-inhibitor like isocarboxazid or linezolid in 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 reduce the impulsivity of children and improve concentration. However, it does not affect the brain the way stimulants do. Only prescriptions are approved. Your doctor will determine the best dosage for you. Bupropion is available as tablets and capsules. It's important to take the medication as prescribed. You might experience withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop abruptly.
The most common dosage is two or three doses per day separated by 4 to 6 hours. The dosage can vary from 100 mg twice or three times a day up to 150 mg three or four times a day. The drug is absorbed in the digestive tract, and then is excreted in urine, meaning it isn't able to enter breast milk. However, it can enter the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion raises blood pressure. It's important to monitor it frequently.
In addition to helping improve the symptoms of ADHD Bupropion can also reduce depression. It can also be used to treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors inside your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine from entering your brain, which can help to regulate your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other medications. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medication. It's also important to determine whether you are allergic to. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants as they can cause side effects to become 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 the majority of studies were not conducted properly. A majority of these studies excluded patients with psychiatric co-morbidity. The research suggests that bupropion does have an impact on ADHD. However, more research is needed to identify positive outcomes for patients like improvements in quality of life. Furthermore, a better understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is needed before effective treatment can be created. This includes a better understanding of the relationship between the different 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 to children with ADHD don't work or cause side adverse effects. These medications, like imipramine and Nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor) boost the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which help people to focus. These are older here drugs that may have a number of side effects, so they're typically only considered when other medications have failed.
The first choice of antidepressants for depression is typically a selective serotonin receptor inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram, or escitalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants, that have been in use for decades, may still be used in some cases. These medications are effective in treating neuropathic and other pains however their antidepressant effect is not the same. They increase the potency of noradrenephrine by reducing its reuptake and also act as lower modulators of pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs have lower risks of toxicity and have less severe adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also safer during pregnancy and do not appear to be teratogenic for animals or humans. However, they can cause significant withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped. Your doctor might suggest gradually lowering the dose over several weeks to lessen the negative effects.
Bupropion, a common antidepressant that is used off-label to treat ADHD however, it is not FDA approved as a drug for adhd. It is believed to be effective by increasing neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which improves concentration. It is also known to reduce anxiety and stress. It can be combined with stimulants to achieve quicker and lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved non-stimulant ADHD medication, however many people find relief from herbal remedies and dietary supplements. A diet that is low in fat and sugar can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Similarly, eliminating caffeine can be beneficial for some. Tell your doctor all medications that you or your child is taking such as herbal remedies and prescription drugs. This will minimize unwanted side effects and help prevent interactions. ADHD medication can affect each person differently, which is why it's often a process of trial and error to discover the right dosage and drug for your child or yourself.