ADHD Treatment Medication

Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD and can increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. They cannot solve the problem and can only help manage symptoms if they are used regularly.

The side effects of ADHD medications may include changes in blood pressure and heart rate, anxiety and tics. Certain teenagers and children who take stimulant medications notice a slight reduction in their growth rate.

Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate is a stimulant for the central nervous system and the most commonly used drug for treating ADHD. It is available in many forms including chewable tablet that is liquid and a long-acting disintegrating orally disintegrating tablet and an extended-release pill. The drug is effective by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which help to improve concentration. It may also reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. When used in conjunction with other treatments like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate could be a very effective treatment for ADHD.

Methylphenidate blocks transporters that remove these neurotransmitters normally from the brain. adhd medication side effects can cause a slight increase in blood pressure and heart rate. It may also trigger an abrupt change in blood sugar levels, so diabetics should be cautious when taking this medication. Speak to your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate can also trigger Raynaud's phenomenon, which causes numbness of the fingers and feet. This is a rare side effect but it is important to notify your doctor if you experience these symptoms.

There is some concern that methylphenidate slows children's growth, but it hasn't been proven to be the situation. If you have a child who is receiving treatment with methylphenidate be sure to keep track of the height and weight closely. If your child is taking a methylphenidate tablet that contains phenylalanine, it can be dangerous to children suffering from Phenylketonuria. Consult your physician about an alternative methylphenidate formulation in case you suffer from PKU.

Stimulants are considered the first-choice medication for treating ADHD however, some individuals have issues with them. In these instances, doctors may prescribe other medications that function in a similar way. There are also other stimulants like dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine, besides methylphenidate. These drugs can last for longer and are stronger than methylphenidate. They are typically taken two to three times per day however some people may take them more frequently. Psychological treatments are also available for treating ADHD, but they are less likely to be effective than stimulants.

Atomoxetine

Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera and is a non-stimulant ADHD drug that boosts concentration while reducing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It is part of a class known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It is a drug that increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers which control brain activity. It is popular with adults and children who seek a different medication than stimulants such as Adderall or Vyvanse.

It is important to remember that atomoxetine doesn't work instantly, and it can take up to 6 weeks for the effects of the medication to become apparent. There are also adverse effects like drowsiness and nausea. However, the benefits of atomoxetine far outweigh the risks for most patients.

In a double-blind placebo-controlled study that was conducted on 297 ADHD patients between the ages of 12 and 18, the effectiveness of atomoxetine is verified. The participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine, which is 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, symptoms of depression were less. The treatment group with atomoxetine showed more improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. The improvement was not significant.

In a second open study that included 10 ADHD patients who were not responding to stimulants were treated with an atomoxetine treatment over 8 weeks. The atomoxetine treatment group showed improvement in ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo with scores on Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Rated screening version and the Clinical Global Impression Severity scales improving significantly. However, one patient developed an rash and resigned from the study. Additionally, three patients experienced gastrointestinal issues that were transient and one reported increased fatigue (Kratochvil et al 2005).

Talk to your doctor before you start 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. It is crucial to tell your doctor if you have narrow-angle glaucoma or a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor, high blood pressure, heart disease or an unusually sudden death. You should stay clear of Atomoxetine in addition to in the event that you've taken an MAO inhibitor like isocarboxazid or linezolid within the last 14 days or rasagiline, Methylene Blue Injection, phenelzine or tranylcypromine.

Bupropion

Bupropion, a nonstimulant can help improve ADHD symptoms. It can also reduce impulsivity and boost focus, although it doesn't affect the brain in the same way as stimulants. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will determine the right dosage for you. Bupropion is available in tablets and extended-release capsules. It is important to take the medication as instructed. You might experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop abruptly.

It's typically taken two or three times daily with 4-6 hours between each dose. The dosage can range between 100 mg twice or three times a day to 150 mg three or four times a day. The drug is absorbed by the digestive system and excreted into urine. It cannot enter breast milk. However, it can get into the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion can increase blood pressure. It is essential to keep it in check frequently.

In addition to improving the symptoms of ADHD, bupropion can also reduce depression. It is also used to treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors within your brain. This stops the neurotransmitter, dopamine, from entering your brain. This helps stabilize your mood.

Bupropion can interact with other medications It's therefore important to tell your doctor about any other medications you're taking. It is important to inform your doctor know that you have any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants because they can make side effects worse.

In a number of studies in a variety of studies, bupropion was compared with placebos for adults suffering from ADHD. These studies had mixed results, and many were poorly designed. Furthermore, many of them excluded people with psychiatric comorbidity. The research suggests that bupropion does have a small effect on ADHD. More research is needed to determine positive outcomes for patients, such as the improvement in their quality of living. Before effective treatments can be developed it is crucial to gain a better understanding of the molecular causes of ADHD. This requires a deeper understanding of the connection between the molecular pathways. Moreover, it's critical to know how various anti-ADHD agents work in combination with psychotherapy.

Tricyclic antidepressants

If the stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD aren't effective or cause adverse side effects, the doctor may look to antidepressants for treatment. These drugs, which include imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), help by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain to help people focus. These older drugs can have serious side consequences. They are usually only used when other medications fail.

The first choice for antidepressants in depression is usually a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like sertraline, fluoxetine or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants which have been around for a long time, can be used in some cases. These drugs are effective in treating neuropathic pain and other conditions, but their antidepressant effect is not the identical. They increase the potency of noradrenephrine by reducing its reuptake. They also function as lower modulators of pain pathways within the spinal cord.


SSRIs have a lower risk of toxicity and less serious side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. Additionally, they're safe in the womb and don't appear to be teratogenic in animals or humans. However, they may cause severe withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. Your doctor may suggest slowly reducing the dose over a few weeks to minimize these effects.

Although it isn't officially recognized by the FDA as a treatment for adhd Bupropion is a widely prescribed antidepressant off-label to treat ADHD. It's thought to be effective by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine and acetylcholine in the brain to increase concentration. It also has been proven to reduce anxiety, and it can be used in conjunction with stimulants for more rapid and lasting results.

Although there aren't any other FDA-approved medications that are nonstimulant for ADHD Many people feel relief through the use of dietary supplements and herbs. A diet low in fat and sugar can also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. In the same way, removing caffeine can also be helpful for certain people. Tell your doctor all medicines you or your child is taking such as herbal remedies and prescription medications. This will help minimize unwanted side effects and prevent interactions. ADHD medication can affect people differently. It could take a bit of trial and error before you find the right dosage and dose for your child or you.