ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD seem to regulate brain chemicals and boost their levels. However, they cannot cure the condition and will only aid in managing symptoms so long as they are taken regularly.
Side effects of ADHD medications may include changes in blood pressure, heart rate, anxiety and tics. Children and teens who take stimulant medications experience a minor reduction in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nerve stimulant is the most well-known medication used to treat ADHD. It is available in many forms such as a liquid, chewable tablet, a long-acting orally disintegrating tablet and an extended-release pill. The drug increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which helps to increase focus. It can also help 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 the transporters which eliminate these neurotransmitters naturally from the brain. The drug can cause a small 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 careful when taking this medication. Talk to your doctor in the event that you notice any of these signs. Methylphenidate is also known to cause Raynaud's phenomenon, which causes numbness of the fingers and feet. It is a rare but serious side effect. It is important to notify your doctor if these symptoms develop.
There is some concerns that methylphenidate may slow children's growth, however it hasn't been proved to be the case. If your child is taking methylphenidate be sure to be attentive to their weight and height. If your child is taking chewable tablets of methylphenidate that contains phenylalanine which is a risk for children who have the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). Consult your physician about a different formulation of methylphenidate in case you suffer from PKU.
Stimulants are considered the first-choice treatment for ADHD however, some people have trouble with them. In these cases, doctors may prescribe other drugs that function similarly. There are also other stimulants like dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine in addition to methylphenidate. These are more powerful than methylphenidate and may last longer. These drugs are typically taken at least three times a day, but some people might be able to take them more frequently. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD, but these are not as effective as stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known under the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that improves concentration and reduces hyperactivity as well as impulsiveness. It belongs to a category known as 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 among adults and children who seek a different medication than stimulants such as Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is important to remember that atomoxetine does not work immediately, and it may take up to 6 weeks for the effects of the drug to become apparent. Additionally, you could suffer from side effects like diminished appetite, drowsiness and upset stomach. For the majority of patients, the advantages of taking atomoxetine far outweigh any risk.
In a double-blind, placebo controlled study that was conducted on 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18 years old, the efficacy of atomoxetine was confirmed. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either atomoxetine at a daily dose 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for a period of 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine and the placebo group experienced reduction in symptoms of depression. The atomoxetine-treated group had more improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was only modest (Michelson et al 2001).
In another open trial in another open trial, 10 patients with ADHD who failed to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine for 8 weeks. The atomoxetine group demonstrated improved ADHD symptoms compared to 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 a rash. Additionally, three patients reported intermittent gastrointestinal problems and one experienced increased fatigue (Kratochvil et al 2005).
Before you begin treatment with atomoxetine, talk with your physician about your health history as well as any other medications or supplements that you're taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over-the-counter medicines. Inform your doctor if any of the following conditions are present such as narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid or adrenal gland tumor and high blood pressure heart disease or a history sudden death. You should stay clear of Atomoxetine in addition to if you've taken an MAO-inhibitor such as isocarboxazid and linezolid within the last 14 days, or rasagiline Methylene Blue Injection phenelzine or tranylcypromine.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a nonstimulant can help improve ADHD symptoms. It also helps to reduce impulsivity and increase focus, though it doesn't affect the brain in the same way as stimulants do. It's only available with a prescription. Your doctor will determine the best dosage for you. Bupropion comes in tablets and capsules. It's important to take the medication exactly as prescribed. There are withdrawal symptoms that can occur in the event that you stop abruptly.
It is usually taken two or three times daily with a 4-6 hour interval between each dose. The dosage can vary from 100 mg twice or three times per day up to 150 mg daily, three or four times. The drug is taken up by the digestive system, and excreted through urine. It cannot enter breast milk. However, it is able to be absorbed into the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion can increase blood pressure. It's important to monitor it frequently.
Bupropion, in addition to improving ADHD symptoms it can also help reduce depression. It also helps treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking the dopamine receptors that are located in your brain. This prevents the neurotransmitter dopamine from entering your brain, which can help stabilize your mood.
Bupropion can interact with other medications. Inform your doctor if taking any other medications. It's important to let your doctor know if you have any allergies. Also, avoid caffeine and other stimulants that can make the side effects worse.
Numerous studies have compared bupropion to placebos in adults with ADHD. These studies had mixed results and were poorly conducted. Furthermore, many of them excluded participants with psychiatric comorbidity. The data indicate that bupropion does have a modest impact on ADHD. More research is required to determine positive outcomes for patients, such as an improvement in quality of living. Additionally, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is essential before a successful treatment can be developed. This is a greater understanding of the connection between molecular pathways. It is also crucial to know how anti-ADHD drugs work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed for children suffering from ADHD do not work or cause undesirable side effects, doctors may turn to antidepressants as a treatment. These drugs, like imipramine and Nortriptyline, (Aventyl and Pamelor) boost the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which helps people to focus. These are old drugs that can have challenging side effects, so they're usually only used when other medications have failed.
The first choice for depression treatment is typically a serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine, sertraline or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants that have been around for decades, may still be used in certain situations. These drugs are effective in treating pain caused by neuropathic or other but their antidepressant action is not the same. They increase the activity of the noradrenephrine receptor, by preventing its reuptake, and they also act as descending moderators for pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs have a lower risk of toxicity and have less severe side effects than the tricyclic antidepressants. They are also less harmful during pregnancy and do not appear to be teratogenic for humans or animals. If suddenly stopped, they can cause severe withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor may suggest slowly reducing the dose over a few weeks to minimize these effects.
While not officially approved by the FDA as a treatment for adhd Bupropion is a widely prescribed antidepressant off-label to treat ADHD. how to treat adhd without medication in adults is believed to increase neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which improves concentration. It's also known to relieve anxiety, and it can be used in conjunction with stimulants to achieve more rapid and lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved non-stimulant ADHD medication, however many people experience relief from herbal remedies and supplements to their diets. A diet that is low in sugar and fat may also help reduce ADHD symptoms. In the same way, removing caffeine can be beneficial for certain people. Discuss with your doctor any medications that you or your child are taking as well as herbal remedies and over-the-counter medicines. This will help minimize unwanted side effects and prevent interactions. ADHD medication can affect each person differently, and it's often a trial and error to determine the right drug and dosage for you or your child.