ADHD Treatment Medication

Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD and are believed to increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. However, they do not cure the condition and can only help manage symptoms as long as they are taken regularly.

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


Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate is a stimulant for the central nervous system and is the most widely used drug for treating ADHD. It is available in many forms such as a chewable tablet that is liquid and a long-acting disintegrating orally disintegrating tablet, and an extended-release pill. The drug works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, helping to enhance concentration. It can also lessen the symptoms of depression and anxiety. When combined with other treatments like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate could be an effective treatment for ADHD.

Methylphenidate blocks transporters that remove these neurotransmitters normally from the brain. The drug can cause a small 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. If most effective adhd medication for adults have any of these side effects, talk to your doctor. Methylphenidate is also known to cause a condition called Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness and pain in the fingers and toes. This is a rare but serious side effect. It is essential to notify your doctor if these symptoms develop.

There is a concerns that methylphenidate can slow children's growth, but this hasn't been proved to be the case. If your child is taking methylphenidate, be sure to be aware of their weight and height. If your child takes tablets containing methylphenidate that contains phenylalanine, it could pose a risk to children with phenylketonuria. Consult your physician about a different formulation of methylphenidate if you have PKU.

Certain people have issues with stimulants which are the most popular option for treating ADHD. In these cases doctors may prescribe another medication that works in a similar manner. Besides methylphenidate, there are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine and Lisdexamfetamine. These drugs can last for longer and are stronger than methylphenidate. They are typically taken twice to three times a day However, some people take them more often. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD, but these are not as effective as stimulants.

Atomoxetine

Atomoxetine, also known by the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that increases concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It belongs to a class known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It works by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers which control the brain activity. It is a preferred choice for both adults and children who want a different type of medication from stimulants such as Adderall and Vyvanse.

It is important to know that atomoxetine does not work immediately. It can take up 6 weeks before the effects of this medication begin to show. You may also experience negative side effects, such as drowsiness and nausea. However the benefits of atomoxetine far outweigh the risks for most patients.

In a double-blind placebo controlled study conducted on 297 ADHD patients aged between 12 and 18 years old, the effectiveness of atomoxetine was confirmed. 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 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine as well as placebo groups depression symptoms were less. The treatment group with atomoxetine showed greater improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. The improvement was not significant.

In a separate open study in another open trial, 10 patients with ADHD who were unable to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine for 8 weeks. The group treated with atomoxetine showed improvement in ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo, with scores on Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Screening version rated and the Clinical Global Impression Severity scales improving significantly. However, one patient developed an rash and resigned from the study. Three patients also reported temporary digestive symptoms, and one complained of increased fatigue.

Before beginning treatment with atomoxetine with your physician about your medical background and any other medications or supplements that you're taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as prescription medications. It is particularly important to inform your doctor if there is narrow-angle glaucoma or a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor or high blood pressure, heart disease, or a history of sudden death. You should stay clear of atomoxetine as well if you've taken an MAO-inhibitor, such isocarboxazid or linezolid within the last 14 days or rasagiline, Methylene Blue Injection, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine.

Bupropion

Bupropion is a non-stimulant medication that can improve the 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 appropriate dosage for you. Bupropion is available in tablets and extended-release capsules. It is essential to follow the instructions. If you stop taking it abruptly you may experience withdrawal symptoms.

The most common dosage is two or three doses per day separated by 4-6 hours. The dose can vary from 100mg two or three times a day to 150mg three or four time daily. The drug is absorbed into the digestive tract and excreted into urine, which means that it cannot be absorbed into breast milk. However, it is able to enter the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion can increase blood pressure. It is important to check it frequently.

Bupropion, in addition to improving ADHD symptoms it can also help reduce depression. It can also be used to treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking the dopamine receptors that are located in your brain. This prevents the neurotransmitter dopamine from reaching your brain, which helps stabilize mood.

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

A number of studies have compared bupropion to placebos in adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and the majority of them were not conducted properly. Many of these studies excluded patients with psychiatric co-morbidity. The results suggest that bupropion can have a small effect on ADHD. However, more research is needed to determine positive patient-centered outcomes like improvements in quality of life. Before effective treatments can be developed, it is necessary to have a better understanding of the molecular causes of ADHD. This requires a deeper understanding of the connection between different molecular pathways. Furthermore, it's essential to understand how different anti-ADHD drugs work with psychotherapy.

Tricyclic antidepressants

When the stimulants prescribed for children suffering from ADHD aren't effective or cause undesirable side effects, doctors may look to antidepressants for treatment. These medications, including imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), help by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain to aid in concentration. These older drugs may cause severe side consequences. They are usually only employed when other drugs fail.

The first option for depression-related antidepressants is typically a serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine, sertraline or citalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants are still used in some cases despite their long history. They are effective in treating neuropathic and other pains but their antidepressant action is not the same. They potentiate the noradrenephrine receptor, by preventing its reuptake, and they also function as descending modulators for pain pathways in the spinal cord.

SSRIs are less toxic and have fewer side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also safer during pregnancy and do not appear to be teratogenic to animals or humans. But they can have significant withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped. Your doctor might suggest gradually reducing the dose over a few weeks to minimize these effects.

Although not officially recognized by the FDA as a medication for adhd bupropion is commonly prescribed antidepressant off-label to treat ADHD. It is believed to be effective by increasing neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which increases concentration. It is also believed to ease anxiety, and it can be utilized in conjunction with stimulants to get faster and lasting results.

While there aren't any FDA-approved medications that are nonstimulant for ADHD Many people get relief from the use of nutritional supplements and herbs. A diet that is low in fat and sugar can help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Also, avoiding caffeine can also be helpful to some people. Discuss with your doctor any medications that you or your child take, including herbal remedies and prescription medications. This will help prevent interactions and reduce the risk of unwanted adverse effects. ADHD medications can affect everyone differently, which is why it's often a trial and error to determine the right drug and dosage for your child or you.