ADHD Medications - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with ADHD are prescribed medication for the condition. It can improve symptoms but it can also trigger side effects. If you experience any side effects, talk to your GP about them.

Stimulants are among the most popular type of prescription medication that healthcare providers prescribe for ADHD. These medications increase the levels of brain chemicals, also known as neurotransmitters that regulate attention and behavior.

Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate is a stimulant of first choice for treating ADHD in children and adults is the most commonly prescribed medication. It increases activity in the parts of the brain that assist manage attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate can also be used to treat other conditions such as narcolepsy. It can help those suffering from narcolepsy stay awake during the day and increase their ability to concentrate and pay attention.

This medication has a very high potential for abuse and is classified as a Schedule II drug in the US Drug Enforcement Agency. If you take this medication as recommended can decrease the chance for abuse and other side effects. Methylphenidate can trigger psychotic symptoms in some people. It can also worsen behavior and tics in some people suffering from Tourette syndrome or bipolar disorder. Before beginning this medication, those suffering from these conditions should consult their doctor.

It is important to inform your doctor if you have any other health problems or are allergic to any foods or dyes (such as tartrazine, which is a yellow dye present in processed foods and some medications and Adhansia XR). Methylphenidate can interact with certain drugs, including opioid medicines, antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), linezolid (Zyvox) Methylene blue, Phenelzine (Nardil) and rasagiline (Azilect) selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) or tranylcypromine (Parnate).

Avoid drinking alcohol or other stimulants when taking methylphenidate. These drugs can have a negative impact on your heart rate and blood pressure. The tablets with immediate release methylphenidate (Ritalin) and the long-acting chewable tablet and the long-acting oral disintegrating capsule (Quillichew ER and Cotempla XR-ODT) contain phenylalanine, which can be risky if you have a genetic condition called phenylketonuria (PKU).

Bupropion

Bupropion is an antidepressant medicine that works with the brain to improve mood and decrease symptoms of ADHD. It is also used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that is common in autumn-winter. It is also used to help people stop smoking by reducing nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Bupropion has been proven to reduce ADHD symptoms in adults in a variety of studies. The pooled fixed effect RR for week-6 improvement (using an increase in clinical significance of 30% or more on the CGI) is 1.14 (95%CI 0.95-1.37). For the overall response, this is 52 percent of the bupropion group and 37% in the placebo group.

Bupropion may have dangerous and even life-threatening interactions if taken in conjunction with other medications. These include sedatives and antidepressants and blood pressure medications. It may also increase seizure risk in people who have a history of high blood pressure or seizures. It is not recommended in certain medical conditions, and women who are nursing or pregnant are not advised to take it. Bupropion is available under the brand-name medication Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Zyban, Budeprion SR, Aplenzin, and Forfivo XL. It is also available as a generic drug.

Tricyclic antidepressants

Tricyclic antidepressants (abbreviated TCAs) are a group of drugs that affect brain chemicals. They were one of the first antidepressants to be developed, and although they are no longer the first-line treatment for depression, they are still beneficial for people suffering from other disorders. They inhibit the reuptake process of dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline, increasing their presence in neurons. They can be used to treat a variety of other diseases, such as pain syndromes, enuresis like fibromyalgia and the phantom-limb syndrome.

adult adhd medication can be effective in treating ADHD symptoms, regardless of whether they are administered on their own or in combination with stimulants. They can alleviate symptoms that are core to the disorder and reduce anxiety, depression and impulsiveness. They can also aid in managing the tics. These are uncontrollable repeated actions or sounds like blinking or clearing the throat.

TCAs can cause side effects, such as sedation, dry mouth and constipation, and may increase the risk of heart problems. These drugs can interact with other medications, like anticholinergics, and should be avoided in pregnant women. They are also known to be teratogenic in animals and may cross the placenta. If you are concerned, talk to your doctor because there are newer antidepressants that have a less harmful side-effect profile.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

The SSRIs are a class of drugs that hinder serotonin reuptake within neurons and help increase the amount of serotonin available for signaling. They also decrease anxiety and impulse-driven behavior. They are utilized to treat adhd because they can help people with their symptoms and can work in conjunction with other drugs. SSRIs include fluoxetine, sertraline-paroxetine and citalopram. They have linear pharmacokinetics and have a low clearance from the human body. However, they are extensively processed by CYP450 enzymes inside the liver. This results in blood concentrations that fluctuate.

These medications are also prescribed to treat other conditions, such as major depression disorder, bulimia nervosa generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The SSRIs fluoxetine, escitalopram, and sertraline may help to reduce PTSD core symptoms. However, they don't appear to be effective for other PTSD symptoms.

The SSRIs can trigger an uncommon side effect that can cause sexual dysfunction. It is important to discuss this with your doctor if are thinking about taking one of these drugs. Many people have to try various types of ADHD medication before finding the one that works for them. The development and research of new medication is ongoing. It is crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all medications you take.

Selective norepinephrine Reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

If stimulant drugs don't work for adults with ADHD doctors prescribe a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibit (SNRI). These medications increase levels of norepinephrine and serotonin two brain chemical substances. They also aid in improving mood and reduce anxiety and depression.

SNRIs are similar to TCAs however, they are less risky and have less side effects. They are used for many ailments, including anxiety disorders, long-term pain such as fibromyalgia, as well as nerve pain. Sometimes they are used to treat depression in addition. Examples of SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor).

These medications inhibit the reabsorption process of norepinephrine within the brain that is a normal procedure following neurotransmission. This causes a greater than normal the phasic release of norepinephrine. The increased levels of norepinephrine help improve mood and concentration.

SNRIs aren't approved by the FDA for the treatment of ADHD, but certain doctors prescribe them as an alternative stimulant. They are typically taken as pills. However they can also be taken in liquid form or in patches. The FDA approved a SNRI for oral use known as viloxazine or Qelbree, to treat ADHD in adolescents and children in April 2021. It is not a controlled drug because it does not have the potential to be abused.

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

SNRIs are antidepressants which affect the levels of norepinephrine as well as serotonin in the brain. They are used to treat anxiety and depression disorders, but also help control symptoms of ADHD. SNRI medications such as venlafaxine or duloxetine have been proven in numerous studies to significantly lower scores on a variety of ADHD questionnaires. SNRIs may increase blood pressure or interact with other medications. It is important to consult with a doctor prior to taking these medications. Additionally, improperly discarded medications could cause harm to animals and people therefore it is essential to follow the proper disposal guidelines.

SSRIs or SNRIs are not been approved by the FDA for treating ADHD However, doctors may prescribe them off-label. They are safe, effective, and have less negative effects than stimulants. Talk to your doctor about your child's health issues and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these medications.

SNRIs are not appropriate for everyone. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take SNRIs as they may pass through breast milk. Those who suffer from high blood pressure or liver issues should not take these drugs, either, because they could increase the risk of cardiovascular issues.


Selective dopamine reuptake inhibitors (DARPIs)

Many people suffering from ADHD find that medication helps improve their attention and focus. Some people may also notice a decrease in their impulsive behavior. The medication is usually used with behavioral therapy and training to help people learn how to manage their symptoms. It takes time to find the appropriate dosage and medication for each individual. In this period doctors will be monitoring the physical reactions of patients to determine an equilibrium between the effects of side effects and the benefits.

Drugs that stimulate the brain, like methylphenidate boost the activity of certain brain chemicals that control memory and concentration. Although they are generally safe and effective for most people, they can trigger serious side effects such as decreased appetite and difficulty sleeping. These side effects usually disappear after some weeks as your body adjusts to the medication.

Adults and children alike can use non-stimulant drugs. They take longer to start working, but they are able to improve concentration and impulse control. They could include alpha-2 adrenergic receptors (atomoxetine viloxazine, atomoxetine) and Guanfacine hydrochloride.

Antidepressants are also effective in treating ADHD. They can increase the neurotransmitter neopinephrine levels in the brain and help with impulsive behavior and depression. Bupropion, an antidepressant, has been prescribed to treat ADHD. It was prescribed "off-label" however, drug companies created extended-release versions, and the FDA approved the use of it as a treatment.