ADHD Treatment Medication

Stimulants, the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD are believed to balance brain chemicals and boost their levels. However, they do not cure the condition and will only help manage symptoms as long as they're taken regularly.

The side effects of ADHD medication may include a change in blood pressure and heart rate and stomach upset as well as anxiety and tics. Certain teenagers and children who take stimulant medications notice a slight reduction in their growth rate.

Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant and is the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. It comes in a variety forms, including a chewable tablet that is liquid, a long-acting orally disintegrating tablet, and an extended release pill. The drug increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This improves concentration. It may also reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Methylphenidate can be a successful treatment for ADHD when combined with other treatments, such as behavioural therapy.

Methylphenidate blocks transporters that eliminate these neurotransmitters naturally from the brain. The medication can cause a slight increase in blood pressure and heart rate. It can also cause a rapid change in blood sugar levels, which is why people with diabetes should be aware when taking this medication. Talk to your doctor in the event that you experience any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate may also cause Raynaud’s phenomenon, which causes numbness of the fingers and feet. This is a rare but serious side effect. It is crucial to inform your doctor if these symptoms develop.

There are some who believe that methylphenidate may slow children's growth. However this hasn't been proved. If your child is taking methylphenidate make sure you keep an eye on their weight and height. If your child is taking chewable tablets of methylphenidate, it contains phenylalanine, which can be dangerous for children suffering from the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). Ask your doctor about an alternative methylphenidate formulation in case you suffer from PKU.

Certain people have issues with stimulants, which are the first choice of medication for treating ADHD. In these instances, doctors might prescribe a different medication that functions similarly. There are also other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine, in addition to the methylphenidate. These substances can last longer and are more potent than methylphenidate. These drugs are typically taken twice or three times daily, but some people may be able to take them more frequently. Psychological treatments are also available to treat ADHD, but they are less likely to prove beneficial than stimulants.

Atomoxetine

Atomoxetine is also known as the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that boosts concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It is part of a class called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It is a drug that increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers which control the brain's activity. It is a favorite choice for both adults and children who prefer a different kind of medication than stimulants such as Adderall and Vyvanse.

It is important to know that atomoxetine isn't a drug that works instantly. It may take up to 6 weeks before the effects of this medication begin to show. There are also negative side effects, such as drowsiness and nausea. For most patients, the benefits of taking atomoxetine are greater than any risk.

The effectiveness of atomoxetine was confirmed in a multisite double-blind placebo-controlled study with 297 ADHD patients ages 12 to 18. Participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine at a daily dose 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for a period of 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine and placebo groups depression symptoms were reduced. The atomoxetine treatment group had better improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group. However the improvement was not as dramatic (Michelson and colleagues 2001).

In a second open trial, 10 ADHD patients who did not respond to stimulants were treated with the treatment of atomoxetine for eight weeks. The atomoxetine group demonstrated 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 increasing significantly. One patient withdrew due to an outbreak of rash. Three patients reported transient gastrointestinal disturbances and one reported increased fatigue (Kratochvil and co., 2005).

Before beginning treatment with atomoxetine, talk to your doctor about your health history as well as any other supplements or medications that you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over-the-counter medications. Tell your doctor whether any of the following conditions exist: narrow-angle glaucoma; a thyroid or adrenal gland tumor and high blood pressure heart disease or a history sudden death. You should also avoid atomoxetine if taken an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid linezolid, methylene blue injection, rasagiline, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.

Bupropion

Bupropion is a non-stimulant medication that can help improve symptoms of ADHD. It can also reduce impulsivity and improve focus, although it doesn't affect the brain in the same way as stimulants do. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will decide on the best dose for you. Bupropion is available in tablets and extended-release capsules. It is crucial to follow the instructions. If you stop taking it abruptly you could experience withdrawal symptoms.

It's typically taken two or three times daily with a gap of 4-6 hours between each dose. The dosage can range from 100mg two or three times per day up to 150mg four or three times daily. The drug is absorbed by the digestive tract, and then excreted into urine, which means that it isn't able to enter breast milk. However, it can be absorbed into the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion can increase blood pressure. It is essential to check it frequently.

In addition to helping improve the symptoms of ADHD Bupropion can also reduce depression. It is also a treatment for bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors that are located in your brain. This stops the neurotransmitter, dopamine, from reaching your brain. This helps stabilize your mood.

Bupropion can interact with other drugs, so it's important to inform your doctor of any other medications you're taking. It is important to inform your doctor know if you are suffering from any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants as they can make the side effects worse.

Several studies have examined the effects of bupropion versus placebos in adults suffering from ADHD. These studies produced mixed results, and a lot were poorly designed. A majority of these studies excluded patients with psychiatric co-morbidity. However, the research suggests that bupropion can have a slight impact on ADHD. However, more research is needed to determine positive patient-centered outcomes such as improvements in quality of life. Additionally, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is required before effective treatment can be developed. This includes a better knowledge of the relationship between molecular pathways. Additionally, it's important to know how various anti-ADHD medications work with psychotherapy.

Tricyclic antidepressants

If the stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD do not work or cause adverse side effects, doctors may consider antidepressants as a treatment. These drugs, like imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor) are able to increase the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which aids in helping people concentrate. These are old drugs which can cause serious side effects, so they're usually only used when other drugs have failed.

The first choice of antidepressant for depression is typically a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram, or escitalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants continue to be used in certain cases, despite their long history. These medications are also effective in treating neuropathic pain. They have a second pain-relieving action that is separate from their antidepressant effect. They increase the potency of noradrenephrine by reducing its reuptake, and also act as descending modulators of pain pathways within the spinal cord.

SSRIs are less harmful and have less side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. Additionally, they're safe during pregnancy and do not appear to cause teratogenicity in humans or animals. If they website are abruptly stopped, they could cause severe withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor may recommend slowly lowering the dose over several weeks to reduce the effects.

Bupropion, a popular antidepressant prescribed off-label to treat ADHD but isn't FDA approved as an adhd drug. It is believed to increase neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which improves concentration. It's also known to relieve anxiety, and it can be combined with stimulants to get faster and lasting results.

While there are no other FDA-approved nonstimulant medications for ADHD, many people do feel relief through the use of supplements to their diets and herbs. A diet that is low in fat and sugar may help reduce ADHD symptoms. Some people might also benefit from avoiding caffeine. Inform your doctor about all medications you or your child is taking such as herbal remedies and prescription medications. This will help minimize unwanted side effects and prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect individuals differently. It may take some trial and error to determine the best dosage and dose for your child or you.