ADHD Treatment Medication

Stimulants, the most frequently prescribed treatment for ADHD, appear to balance brain chemicals and increase their levels. However, they don't solve the problem and will only help manage symptoms as long as they're taken regularly.

The adverse effects of ADHD medication may include an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, upset stomach, anxiety and tics. Certain teenagers and children who are taking stimulant drugs notice a slight reduction in their growth rate.


Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate is a central nervous stimulant, is the most common medication used to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety forms such as a liquid, chewable tablet, a long-acting orally disintegrating tablet, and an extended release pill. The drug works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which help to improve focus. It can also help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. When combined with other treatments like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate could be a very effective treatment for ADHD.

Methylphenidate blocks the transporters which eliminate these neurotransmitters naturally from the brain. The medication can cause a slight increase in heart rate and blood pressure. People with diabetes should also be aware of this medication as it could cause an abrupt rise in blood sugar. If you experience any of these side effects, speak with your doctor. Methylphenidate is also known to cause a condition called Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness and discomfort in the toes and fingers. It is a rare but serious side result. It is crucial to inform your doctor in the event that these symptoms develop.

There are some who believe that methylphenidate may slow children's growth. However, this has not been proven. If you have a child who is being treated with methylphenidate be sure to monitor the weight and height closely. If your child is taking a methylphenidate chewable tablet, it contains phenylalanine, which is potentially dangerous for children who have the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). Ask your doctor about a different formulation of methylphenidate in case you suffer from PKU.

Some people are unable to take stimulants which are the primary choice of medication for treating ADHD. In these cases, doctors could prescribe a different medication that functions similarly. Besides methylphenidate, there are other stimulants like dexamfetamine and the lisdexamfetamine. These substances are more powerful than methylphenidate and may last longer. The typical dosage is at least three times a day however some individuals might be able to take them more often. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD however they are not as effective as stimulants.

Atomoxetine

Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera and is a nonstimulant 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 dopamine and norepinephrine two chemical messengers that control the brain activity. It is a favorite among people of all ages who need 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 drug to be evident. There is also the possibility of experiencing side effects such as drowsiness and nausea. For most patients the benefits of taking atomoxetine are greater than any risk.

In a double-blind placebo controlled study of 297 ADHD patients aged between 12 and 18 years old, the effectiveness of atomoxetine was confirmed. The participants were randomized to receive atomoxetine at a daily dose of 0.6 mg per kilogram or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine group and the placebo group experienced reduction in depression symptoms. The atomoxetine treatment group had better improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group. The improvement was sporadic.

In a different open trial in another open trial, 10 patients with ADHD who were unable to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine over 8 weeks. The atomoxetine treatment group showed improvements in ADHD symptoms in comparison 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 however, experienced an allergic reaction and was removed from the study. Additionally, three patients experienced gastrointestinal issues that were transient and one reported increased fatigue (Kratochvil and co., 2005).

Talk to your doctor before you begin treatment with atomoxetine. Discuss your health history, including any supplements or medications you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as prescription medications. Tell your doctor when any of the following conditions are present such as narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid or adrenal gland tumor or a high blood pressure heart disease or sudden death. You should stay clear of atomoxetine as well in the event that you've taken an MAO inhibitor like isocarboxazid or linezolid in the last 14 days or rasagiline, Methylene Blue Injection, phenelzine or tranylcypromine.

Bupropion

Bupropion is a non-stimulant drug that can aid in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It can also reduce impulsivity and improve focus, though it doesn't affect the brain in the same way as stimulants. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will determine the most effective dosage for you. Bupropion is available in tablets and extended-release capsules. It is essential to take the medication as directed. If you stop taking it suddenly you may experience withdrawal symptoms.

The typical dosage is two or three doses per day separated by four to six hours. The dosage can range from 100 mg two or three times a day up to 150 mg three or four times a day. The drug is absorbed into the digestive tract, and then excreted into urine, which means it can't enter breast milk. However, it could be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause harm to other organs. Bupropion may increase blood pressure, making it important to monitor it frequently.

Bupropion, in addition to improving ADHD symptoms, can also reduce depression. It also helps treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking the dopamine receptors that are located in your brain. This stops the neurotransmitter, dopamine, from entering your brain. This helps stabilize your mood.

Bupropion may interact with other medications. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications. It's essential to let your doctor know if you suffer from any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants since they can cause side effects to become worse.

In a number of studies the bupropion drug was compared with placebos for adults with ADHD. These studies had mixed results, and a lot were not conducted properly. A majority of these studies excluded participants with psychiatric co-morbidity. However, the evidence suggests that bupropion has a modest effect on ADHD. More research is needed to determine the positive effects for patients, including the improvement in their quality of living. Furthermore, a better understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is required before effective treatment can be developed. This requires a deeper understanding of the connection between the various molecular pathways. Additionally, it's important to know how various anti-ADHD drugs work with psychotherapy.

Tricyclic antidepressants

Antidepressants can be prescribed by doctors when stimulants prescribed for children with ADHD don't work or cause adverse side adverse effects. These medications, like imipramine and Nortriptyline, (Aventyl and Pamelor) boost the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which aids in helping people focus. These are older medications that may have a number of adverse effects, so they're usually only used when other drugs have failed.

The first option of antidepressants for depression is typically a selective serotonin receptor inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine sertraline, citalopram or escitalopram. However, medication for adhd that have been around for a long time, can be used in some cases. They are effective in treating pain caused by neuropathic or other but their antidepressant action is not the identical. They increase the potency of noradrenephrine by reducing its reuptake and also act as descending modulators of pain pathways in the spinal cord.

SSRIs have lower risks of toxicity and less serious side effects than the tricyclic antidepressants. They are also safer during pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic for humans or animals. However, they may cause severe withdrawal symptoms if they are stopped abruptly. Your doctor may suggest slowly reducing the dose over a few weeks to minimize these effects.

Although not officially recognized by the FDA as an adhd medication, bupropion is a commonly prescribed antidepressant off-label to treat ADHD. It is believed to work by increasing neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which improves concentration. It is also known to alleviate anxiety and stress. adult adhd medication can be used in conjunction with stimulants for more rapid and lasting results.

Although there aren't any other FDA-approved nonstimulant drugs for ADHD, many people do find relief with the use of dietary supplements and herbs. A diet low in fat and sugar may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Similarly, eliminating caffeine can be beneficial to some people. Tell your doctor all medications that you or your child are taking, including herbal remedies and over-the-counter medicines. This will help minimize unwanted side effects and prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect people differently. It may take some trial and error before you find the right dosage and dose for your child or yourself.