The 10 Most Scariest Things About ADHD Treatment Medication
The 10 Most Scariest Things About ADHD Treatment Medication
Blog Article
ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD and are believed to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals. They are not able to solve the problem and can only manage symptoms if they are taken regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication may include a change in heart rate and blood pressure, upset stomach as well as anxiety and tics. Some children and teens who take stimulant drugs have a slight decrease in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous stimulant is the most commonly used medication used to treat ADHD. It is available in many forms, including a chewable tablet that is liquid, a long-acting orally disintegrating tablet and an extended-release pill. The drug increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This improves concentration. It can also help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. When coupled with other treatments, like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate can be a successful treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks transporters that eliminate these neurotransmitters naturally from the brain. The medication can cause a slight increase in heart rate and blood pressure. It may also trigger an abrupt change in blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes should be aware when taking this medication. Talk to your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate may also cause Raynaud’s phenomenon that causes numbness in the feet and fingers. This is a rare side effect, however, it is crucial to notify your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms.
Some people are concerned that methylphenidate can slow down the growth of children. However it hasn't been proved. If you have a child being treated with methylphenidate, be sure to monitor the child's height and weight closely. If your child is taking chewable tablets of methylphenidate that contains phenylalanine which is a risk for children suffering from the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). Ask your doctor about an alternative methylphenidate formulation if you have PKU.
Stimulants are the most popular treatment for ADHD however, some people have trouble with these medications. In these instances, doctors may prescribe other drugs that function in a similar way. There are other stimulants, like dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine, besides methylphenidate. These substances are more powerful than methylphenidate and may last longer. They are usually taken twice or three times daily However, some people might be able to take them more frequently. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD however, they are less effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also called Strattera and is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that improves concentration while decreasing the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It is part of a class called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It works by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine two chemical messengers that control the brain activity. It is a popular choice for children and adults who prefer a different type of medication than stimulants such as Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is important to remember that atomoxetine is not effective instantly, and it can take up to 6 weeks for the effects of the medication to be apparent. You may also experience side effects such as drowsiness and nausea. However, the benefits of atomoxetine outweigh the risks for a majority of patients.
The effectiveness of atomoxetine was verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled study involving 297 ADHD patients between the ages of 12 and 18. Participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine at a daily dose of 0.6 mg per kilogram or 1.2 mg/kg, or a placebo for 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine group and the placebo group experienced reduction in depression symptoms. The atomoxetine treatment group showed better improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group. The improvement was modest.
In a separate open study 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 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. However, one patient developed an rash and resigned from the study. In addition, three patients reported transient gastrointestinal disturbances and one experienced increased fatigue (Kratochvil et al 2005).
Consult your physician before you start treatment with atomoxetine regarding your medical history, which includes any medications or supplements you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over the counter medications. Inform your doctor whether any of the following conditions exist such as narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid or adrenal gland tumor or a high blood pressure heart disease or a history sudden death. It is also recommended to be wary of atomoxetine in the event that you have taken an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid linezolid, methylene blue injection, rasagiline, phenelzine or tranylcypromine, in the past 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a nonstimulant that can aid in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It also helps reduce impulsivity and improve focus, though it does not affect the brain in the same way as stimulants. It's only available on prescription. Your doctor will decide on the best dosage for you. Bupropion comes in tablets as well as extended-release capsules. It is crucial to follow the instructions. If you stop taking it abruptly you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
The usual dosage is two or three doses daily, separated by 4-6 hours. The dosage can range from 100mg twice or three times a day to 150mg four or three times daily. The drug is absorbed by the digestive system and excreted into urine. It is not able to enter breast milk. However, it can be absorbed into the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion raises blood pressure. It is important to check it frequently.
Bupropion, in addition to improving ADHD symptoms it can also help reduce depression. It is also a treatment for bipolar disorder. It works by blocking the dopamine receptors that are located in your brain. This stops the neurotransmitter, dopamine, from entering your brain. This helps to stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other medications. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications. It's also important to find out whether you are allergic to. It is also important to avoid caffeine or other stimulants, which can make the side effects more severe.
Numerous studies have compared bupropion to placebos in adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and the majority more info of them were not conducted properly. Many of these studies did not include participants with psychiatric co-morbidity. Nevertheless, the data suggest that bupropion may have a small impact on ADHD. However there is a need for more research to establish positive outcomes for patients such as improvement in quality of life. Furthermore, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is essential before a successful treatment can be developed. This includes a better understanding of the relation between different molecular pathways. It is also crucial to know how anti-ADHD drugs work in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD don't work or cause troublesome side effects, doctors might turn to antidepressants as a treatment. These medications, such as imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor), increase the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which help people to focus. These older drugs can have severe adverse consequences. They are typically employed when other drugs are not working.
The first choice of antidepressants for depression is typically a selective serotonin receptor inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram, or escitalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants which have been around for a long time, can be used in certain situations. These medications are effective in treating pain caused by neuropathic or other, but their antidepressant effect is not the identical. They potentiate the noradrenephrine receptor, by preventing its reuptake. They also act as descending moderators for pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less toxic and have less adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. Additionally, they're safe in pregnancy and do not appear to cause teratogenicity in animals or humans. If suddenly stopped, they may cause withdrawal symptoms that are severe. To lessen the negative side effects, your doctor may suggest reducing your dose gradually over a period of several weeks.
Although not officially recognized by the FDA as an adhd medication Bupropion is a widely prescribed antidepressant off-label to treat ADHD. It's believed to increase the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine and acetylcholine that are found in the brain, which improves concentration. It also helps relieve stress and anxiety. It can be paired with stimulants to achieve quicker and lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved nonstimulant ADHD medications, however many people find relief from dietary supplements and herbal remedies. A diet that is low in sugar and fat can also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Certain people can also benefit from abstaining from caffeine. Tell your doctor all medicines you or your child are taking, including herbal remedies and over-the-counter medicines. This will prevent interactions and minimize unwanted adverse effects. ADHD medication can affect each person differently, and it's often a trial and error to determine the right dosage and drug for your child or you.