ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, which are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD seem to balance brain chemicals and increase their levels. They do not solve the problem and can only treat symptoms if taken regularly.
Side effects of ADHD medications can include changes in blood pressure as well as heart rate, anxiety, and tics. Some children and teenagers who take stimulant drugs notice a slight reduction in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, a central nervous stimulant is the most commonly used medication used to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety forms including liquid, chewable tablet as well as a long-acting oral disintegrating tablet, and an extended release pill. The drug increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This helps to improve concentration. It may also reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. When coupled with other treatments, like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate can be a successful treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters which remove these neurotransmitters normally from the brain. The drug can cause a small increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Patients with diabetes should be aware of this medication since it can cause rapid increases in blood sugar. If you experience any of these side effects, talk with your doctor. Methylphenidate is also known to cause the condition known as Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness and pain in the fingers and toes. This is a rare side effect but it is important to inform your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
Some people are concerned that methylphenidate can slow down children's growth. However this hasn't been proved. If you have a child being treated with methylphenidate, be sure to keep track of the child's weight and height carefully. If your child is on chewable tablets of methylphenidate, it contains phenylalanine, which can be dangerous for children suffering from the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). If you suffer from PKU, ask your doctor about different methylphenidate formulations.
Certain people have issues with stimulants, which are the first choice of medication for treating ADHD. In these cases, doctors could prescribe another medication that works in a similar manner. Apart from methylphenidate there are other stimulants like dexamfetamine and Lisdexamfetamine. These substances can last longer and are stronger than methylphenidate. They are usually taken between two and three times daily However, some people take them more often. Psychological treatments are also available for treating ADHD however, they are less likely to prove effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera and is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that improves concentration, while decreasing the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It belongs to a category called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It works by boosting levels of norepinephrine and dopamine two chemical messengers that control brain's activity. It is a favorite among adults and children who seek an alternative to stimulants such as Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is important to realize that atomoxetine does not work immediately. It could take up to 6 weeks before the effects of this drug become apparent. There is also the possibility of experiencing adverse effects like nausea and drowsiness. For most patients the benefits of taking atomoxetine outweigh any risk.
The efficacy of atomoxetine was verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled study involving 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either atomoxetine at a daily dose 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over a period of 9 weeks. In both the atomoxetine and placebo groups depression symptoms were reduced. The atomoxetine treatment group had better improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However, the improvement was modest (Michelson and colleagues 2001).
In adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication , 10 patients suffering from ADHD who failed to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine over 8 weeks. The atomoxetine treatment group demonstrated improvements in ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo, with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Rated screening version and the Clinical Global Impression Severity scales gaining significant. However, one patient developed a rash and withdrew from the study. Three patients reported transient gastrointestinal disturbances and one experienced increased fatigue (Kratochvil et al 2005).
Talk to your doctor prior to you begin treatment with atomoxetine. Discuss your medical history, which includes any supplements or medications you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over-the-counter medications. Inform your doctor whether any of the following conditions are present such as narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid or adrenal gland tumour or a high blood pressure heart disease or a history sudden death. Also, avoid atomoxetine if taken an MAO inhibitor like isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, rasagiline, phenelzine or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant can help improve ADHD symptoms. It can also reduce impulsivity and boost focus, although it does not affect the brain in the same way as stimulants. It's only available on prescription. Your doctor will determine the best dosage for you. Bupropion is available in capsules and tablets. It is important to take the medication as directed. If you stop taking it abruptly you could experience withdrawal symptoms.
The usual dosage is two or three doses per day separated by four to six hours. The dosage can vary between 100 mg twice or three times daily up to 150 mg daily, three or four times. The drug is in the digestive system and excreted into urine. It cannot enter breast milk. However, it could be absorbed into the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion can increase your blood pressure, making it important to check it often.
Bupropion is a great drug that, in addition to reducing ADHD symptoms and reducing depression, also helps to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. It also helps treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors inside your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine, from entering your brain. This helps to stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other medications. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication. It's important to let your doctor know that you suffer from any allergies. It is also important to avoid caffeine and other stimulants, which can make the side effects worse.
In a number of studies, bupropion was compared to placebos for adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and the majority of them were poorly conducted. Many of these studies did not include participants with psychiatric co-morbidity. The research suggests that bupropion has a small effect on ADHD. However, more research is needed to identify positive outcomes for patients such as improvements in quality of life. Additionally, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is needed before effective treatment can be created. This requires a deeper understanding of the interplay between molecular pathways. It's also important to understand how anti-ADHD drugs work in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed for children with ADHD do not work or cause undesirable side effects, the doctor may look to antidepressants for treatment. These medications, including imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), are effective in boosting the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which help people concentrate. These are older drugs that may have a number of adverse reactions, and are usually only used when other drugs have failed.
The first option for antidepressants in depression is usually an inhibitor of serotonin reuptake (SSRI), such as fluoxetine, sertraline or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants, that have been around for a long time, can be utilized in certain instances. These drugs are effective in treating neuropathic pain and other conditions however their antidepressant effect is not the same. They increase the potency of noradrenephrine by reducing its reuptake. They also function as antagonists of pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs have a lower risk of toxicity, and less serious adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also less harmful during pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic to animals or humans. If they are abruptly stopped, they may cause severe withdrawal symptoms. To minimize these adverse effects, your physician might suggest reducing the dosage gradually over a period of time.
Bupropion, an antidepressant commonly prescribed off-label to treat ADHD however, it is not FDA approved as an adhd drug. It is believed to work by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine and acetylcholine within the brain to increase concentration. It's also known to relieve anxiety, and it can be used in conjunction with stimulants to achieve more rapid and lasting results.
Although there aren't any other FDA-approved medications that are nonstimulant for ADHD, many people do feel relief through the use of supplements to their diets and herbs. A diet low on fat and sugar can help reduce ADHD symptoms. Some people might benefit by staying clear of caffeine. It is essential to inform your doctor about all medications you or your child takes, including over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies. This can help reduce unwanted side effects and help prevent interactions. ADHD medication can affect each person differently, and it's often a process of trial and error to find the appropriate dosage and medication for your child or you.