13 Things About ADHD Treatment Medication You May Not Have Considered
13 Things About ADHD Treatment Medication You May Not Have Considered
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ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, which are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD, appear to regulate brain chemicals and boost their levels. They are not able to treat the disorder, but rather manage symptoms if they are taken regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medications can include changes in blood pressure as well as heart rate, anxiety and tics. Some teens and children who take stimulant drugs notice a slight slowing in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nerve stimulant is the most commonly used drug used to treat ADHD. It is available in various forms, including a liquid chewable tablet and an oral disintegrating tablet that acts long, and a pill with extended release. The drug works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which helps to improve concentration. It may also reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. When used in conjunction with other treatments like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate could be a successful treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate works by blocking the transporters that normally remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug may cause a slight increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Patients with diabetes should be cautious when taking this medication because it can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar. If you experience any of these side effects, talk with your doctor. Methylphenidate is also known to cause a condition called Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness as well as discomfort in the fingers and toes. This is a rare, but serious side effect. It is essential to inform your doctor if these symptoms develop.
There is some concerns that methylphenidate can slow children's growth, but this hasn't been proven to be the case. If you have a child who is being treated with methylphenidate be sure to keep track of the child's weight and height carefully. If your child takes tablets containing methylphenidate, the phenylalanine in it could pose a risk to children with phenylketonuria. If you have PKU, consult your physician about other forms of methylphenidate.
Stimulants are considered the first-choice medication for treating ADHD however, some individuals have issues with them. In these cases doctors might prescribe other medications that work in a similar way. In addition to methylphenidate, there are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine and the lisdexamfetamine. These 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. Psychological treatments are also available for treating ADHD, but they are less likely to prove helpful than a stimulant.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera and is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that improves concentration while decreasing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It is part of a class called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It works by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers which regulate brain's activity. It is popular among adults and children who seek an alternative to stimulants like Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is important to realize that atomoxetine does not work immediately. It may take up to six weeks before the effects of this medication are evident. There is also the possibility of experiencing adverse effects like nausea and drowsiness. For the majority of patients the benefits of taking atomoxetine outweigh any risks.
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 atomoxetine in a daily dose of 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine group as well as the placebo group experienced decrease in the symptoms of depression. The atomoxetine group experienced more improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was only modest (Michelson and co. 2001).
In a separate open study, 10 patients suffering from 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 compared to the placebo group with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version as well as the Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale increasing significantly. One patient was unable to continue treatment due to an outbreak of rash. Three patients also reported temporary gastrointestinal symptoms, and one noticed an increase in fatigue.
Talk to your doctor prior to you start treatment with atomoxetine about your medical history, which includes any supplements or medications you are taking. This includes herbal remedies and over-the-counter medications. Inform your doctor whether any of the following conditions are present for narrow-angle glaucoma thyroid or adrenal gland tumour; high blood pressure; heart disease or a history sudden death. It is also recommended to avoid atomoxetine if taken an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid linezolid, methylene blue injection rasagiline, phenelzine or tranylcypromine within the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug that is a non-stimulant, can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. It can also reduce impulsivity, and increase concentration. However it doesn't affect the brain the similar way that stimulants do. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will determine the best dosage for you. Bupropion is available in tablets and capsules. It is crucial to follow the instructions. You might experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop abruptly.
It is usually taken two or three times per day with 4-6 hours between each dose. The dosage can range from 100mg twice or three times per day to 150mg four or three times each day. The drug is absorbed in the digestive tract and is excreted in urine, which means it isn't able to enter breast milk. It can, however, get into the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion can increase your blood pressure, so it's important to monitor it frequently.
In addition to helping improve the symptoms of ADHD, bupropion can also reduce depression. It is also used to 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 drugs. Tell your doctor if you're taking any other medications. It's also important to know whether you suffer from any allergies. Also, avoid caffeine or other stimulants, which could make the adverse effects worse.
Numerous studies have examined the effects of bupropion versus placebos in adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed, and the majority of studies were poorly conducted. Additionally, many excluded participants with psychiatric comorbidity. However, the evidence suggests that bupropion can have a slight effect on ADHD. However it is necessary to conduct more research to identify positive outcomes for patients such as improvements in quality of life. Furthermore, a better understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is needed before effective treatment can be created. This includes a better knowledge of the interplay between molecular pathways. Moreover, it's critical to understand how different anti-ADHD medications work with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants can be prescribed by doctors if stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD don't work or cause side negative effects. These medications, like imipramine and Nortriptyline, (Aventyl and Pamelor) are able to increase the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which aids in helping people focus. These older drugs can have serious side effects. They are generally only employed when other drugs fail.
The first choice for depression-related antidepressants is typically a serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine, sertraline or citalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants continue to be used in some cases despite their long-standing history. They also work in treating neuropathic pain and have an additional pain-relieving effect that is separate from their antidepressant effect. They potentiate noradrenephrine by inhibiting its reuptake, and also act as lower modulators of pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs have lower risks of toxicity and less serious side effects than the tricyclic antidepressants. They are also less harmful during pregnancy and do not appear to be teratogenic to humans or animals. However, they may cause severe withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped. To reduce the risk of these side effects, your doctor may suggest reducing the dose gradually over a period of time.
Bupropion, a popular antidepressant that is prescribed off-label for treating ADHD however, it is not FDA approved as a treatment for adhd. It is believed to work by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine and acetylcholine in the brain to improve concentration. It also has been proven to reduce anxiety and can be combined with stimulants to get faster and sustained results.
While there aren't any FDA-approved medications that are nonstimulant for ADHD however, many people find relief with the use of dietary supplements and herbs. A diet low on fat and sugar may aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people may also benefit by avoiding caffeine. Discuss with your doctor any medications you or your child is taking as well as herbal remedies and prescription medications. This will avoid interactions and reduce unwanted adverse effects. ADHD medication can affect each person differently, get more info and it's often a trial and error to discover the appropriate dosage and medication for your child or yourself.