ADHD Treatment Medication

Stimulants, which are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD seem to regulate brain chemicals and boost their levels. They cannot solve the problem and can only manage symptoms if taken regularly.

Side effects of ADHD medications can include changes in blood pressure as well as heart rate, anxiety, and tics. Certain teens and children who take stimulant drugs experience a slight reduction in their growth.

Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate is a central nerve stimulant is the most commonly used medication used to treat ADHD. It is available in a variety of forms, such as tablets that chew liquid and an oral disintegrating tablet that acts long and has an extended release. 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 may be an effective treatment for ADHD.

Methylphenidate blocks transporters that eliminate these neurotransmitters naturally from the brain. The drug can cause a small increase in heart rate and blood pressure. People with diabetes should also be aware of this medication because it can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar. If you have any of these side effects, talk to your physician. Methylphenidate can also cause a condition known as Raynaud's phenomena that causes numbness and pain in the toes and fingers. This is an uncommon side effect, however it is essential to notify your doctor if you experience these symptoms.

Some people are concerned that methylphenidate may slow the growth of children. However this hasn't been proven. If your child is taking methylphenidate be sure to be attentive to their weight and height. If your child is on chewable tablets of methylphenidate that contains phenylalanine which can be dangerous for children with the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). If you suffer from PKU, ask your doctor about different forms of methylphenidate.

Some people have difficulty with stimulants which are the primary option for treating ADHD. In these cases doctors might prescribe other medications that function in a similar manner. There are also other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine, in addition to the methylphenidate. These drugs can last for longer and are more potent than methylphenidate. These drugs are typically taken at least three times a day However, some people may be able to take them more often. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD, but these are less effective than stimulants.

Atomoxetine

Atomoxetine is also called Strattera and is a non-stimulant ADHD drug that boosts concentration, while decreasing the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It's part of a group of medications known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers that regulate the brain's activity. It is a popular option for adults and children who prefer a different type of medication from stimulants like Adderall and Vyvanse.

It is important to know that atomoxetine isn't a drug that works instantly. It could take up to six weeks before the effects of this drug become apparent. In addition, you may suffer from side effects like diminished appetite, drowsiness and stomach upset. For most patients, the benefits of taking atomoxetine are greater than any risks.

In a double-blind, placebo controlled study of 297 ADHD patients aged between 12 and 18 years old, the effectiveness of atomoxetine was verified. Participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine, a daily dose of 0.6 mg per kilogram or 1.2 mg/kg, or a placebo for 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine and the placebo group experienced a decrease in the symptoms of depression. The atomoxetine group saw greater improvements in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However, the improvement was modest (Michelson and co. 2001).

In a different 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 treatment group showed improvements in ADHD symptoms in comparison to placebo, with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Rated screening version and Clinical Global Impression of Severity scales increasing significantly. One patient was unable to continue treatment due to an skin rash. In addition, three patients reported intermittent gastrointestinal problems and one experienced increased fatigue (Kratochvil and co., 2005).

Before beginning treatment with atomoxetine, talk with your physician about your health background and any other medications or supplements that you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over-the-counter medications. Inform your doctor when any of the following conditions are present: narrow-angle glaucoma; a thyroid or adrenal gland tumour and 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 or phenelzine, as well as tranylcypromine, in the past 14 days.

Bupropion

Bupropion is a non-stimulant drug that can help improve symptoms of ADHD. It can also reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve focus. However it doesn't affect the brain in the same way that stimulants do. It's available by prescription only. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate dosage for you. Bupropion is available in tablets and extended-release capsules. It's important to take the medication exactly as prescribed. If you stop taking it suddenly you could experience withdrawal symptoms.

It's usually taken twice or three times per day with 4-6 hours between each dose. The dose can vary between 100mg and three times per day to 150mg three or four times every day. The drug is absorbed by the digestive tract and is excreted in urine, meaning it can't enter breast milk. It can, however, get into the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion may increase blood pressure, making it vital to monitor it regularly.

Bupropion can, in addition to helping to reduce ADHD symptoms it can also help 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 reaching your brain. This helps stabilize your mood.

Bupropion can interact with other drugs, so it's important to inform your doctor of any other medications you're taking. It's also important to determine if you have any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants since they can cause side effects to become worse.

In several studies the bupropion drug was compared with placebos for adults with ADHD. These studies yielded mixed results, and many were not conducted properly. Many of these studies did not include participants with psychiatric co-morbidity. The results suggest that bupropion has an impact on ADHD. However it is necessary to conduct more research to identify positive outcomes for patients such as improvements in quality of life. Before effective treatments can be created it is essential to understand the underlying causes of the molecular types of ADHD. This requires a deeper understanding of the connection between the various molecular pathways. It's also important to understand how anti-ADHD drugs function in combination with psychotherapy.

Tricyclic antidepressants

Antidepressants may be prescribed by doctors when stimulants prescribed for children with ADHD are not effective or cause side negative effects. These drugs, which include imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), work by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain to help people concentrate. These older drugs may cause severe negative side effects. They are generally only used when other medications do not work.

The first choice for depression-related antidepressants is typically a serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, sertraline or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants, which have been around for decades, may still be utilized in certain instances. These medications are also effective in reducing neuropathic pain. They also have a second pain-relieving action which is distinct from their antidepressant effect. They enhance the noradrenephrine receptor, by preventing its reuptake, and they also act as descending modulators for pain pathways in the spinal cord.

SSRIs have a lower risk of toxicity and have less severe side effects than the tricyclic antidepressants. In addition, they're safer in the womb and do not appear to cause teratogenicity in humans website or animals. If suddenly stopped, they may cause withdrawal symptoms that are severe. To reduce the risk of these side effects, your doctor may suggest reducing your dose gradually over several weeks.

Although it isn't officially recognized by the FDA as a treatment for adhd Bupropion is a widely prescribed antidepressant that is off-label for ADHD. It is believed to work by increasing neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which improves concentration. It also has been proven to reduce anxiety, and it can be used in conjunction with stimulants to achieve more rapid and sustained results.

While there are no other FDA-approved nonstimulant medications for ADHD, many people do find relief with the use of nutritional supplements and herbs. A diet low on sugar and fat may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Some people may also benefit by abstaining from caffeine. Discuss with your doctor any medicines you or your child is taking as well as herbal remedies and over-the-counter medicines. This can help reduce unwanted side effects and prevent interactions. ADHD medication can affect people differently. It may take some trial and error to discover the ideal dosage and dose for your child or yourself.