ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD, and appear to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals. They cannot cure the disorder and only treat symptoms if used regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medication can include changes in blood pressure and heart rate, anxiety and tics. Certain teenagers and children who take stimulant medications have a slight decrease in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous stimulant is the most well-known drug used to treat ADHD. It is available in many forms such as a chewable tablet, a liquid as well as a long-acting oral disintegrating tablet, and an extended release pill. The drug boosts the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This helps to improve concentration. It may also reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. When used in conjunction with other treatments such as behavioral therapy, methylphenidate could be a very effective treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks transporters that remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug may cause a slight increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Patients with diabetes should be aware of this medication because it can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar. Talk to your doctor when you experience any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate can also trigger Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness in the feet and fingers. This is an uncommon side effect, but it is important to tell your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
There are some who believe that methylphenidate may slow children's growth. However this hasn't been proved. If your child is taking methylphenidate, be sure to be aware of their weight and height. If your child is on chewable tablets containing methylphenidate that contains phenylalanine which is potentially dangerous for children with the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). If you suffer from PKU consult your doctor about the different methylphenidate formulations.
Some people are unable to take stimulants which are the primary treatment for ADHD. In these cases, doctors may prescribe other medications that work similarly. There are other stimulants like dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine in addition to methylphenidate. These substances are stronger than methylphenidate and can last longer. The typical dosage is at least three times a day however some individuals might be able to take them more often. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD, but these are not as effective as stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera and is a non-stimulant ADHD drug that increases concentration, while decreasing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It belongs to a category known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It works by boosting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers which control the brain's activity. It is popular with children and adults who want an alternative to stimulants like Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is important to remember that atomoxetine does not work instantly and it could take up to six weeks for the effects of the drug to be apparent. There are also side effects such as drowsiness and nausea. However the benefits of atomoxetine surpass the risks for many patients.
The effectiveness of atomoxetine was verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled study with 297 ADHD patients ages 12 to 18. The participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine, which is a daily dose of 0.6 mg per kilogram or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine group as well as the placebo group experienced reduction in depression symptoms. The atomoxetine treatment group showed greater improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group. However the improvement was only modest (Michelson et al 2001).
In medication for adult add -up open trial in a second open trial, 10 ADHD patients who did not respond to stimulants received atomoxetine treatment for 8 weeks. The atomoxetine treatment group demonstrated improvement in ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Version of the screening and the Clinical Global Impression of Severity scales improving significantly. One patient withdrew due to an outbreak of skin rash. In addition, three patients reported intermittent gastrointestinal problems and one experienced increased fatigue (Kratochvil and colleagues, 2005).
Talk to your doctor prior to you begin treatment with atomoxetine about your medical history, which includes any supplements or medications you're taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as prescription medications. It is especially important to inform your doctor if there is narrow-angle glaucoma, thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor, high blood pressure, heart disease or a history of sudden death. You should also 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 non-stimulant drug that can aid in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It can also reduce impulsivity, and increase concentration. However it doesn't affect the brain in the way stimulants do. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate dosage for you. Bupropion is available as capsules and tablets. It is important to follow the prescriptions. If you stop taking it suddenly you could experience withdrawal symptoms.
The typical dosage is two or three doses per day separated by 4 to 6 hours. The dose can vary from 100mg two or three times a day to 150mg four or three times daily. The drug is absorbed by the digestive tract, and then excreted into urine, which means that it cannot be absorbed into breast milk. However, it can enter the bloodstream and impact other organs. Bupropion may increase blood pressure, which is why it's important to check it often.
Bupropion is a great drug that, in addition to reducing ADHD symptoms, can also reduce depression. It can also 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. Inform your doctor if you're taking any other medication. It's also important to determine if you have any allergies. You should also stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants that could make the adverse effects more severe.
In a variety of studies the bupropion drug was compared with placebos for adults with ADHD. These studies yielded mixed results and were poorly conducted. Many of these studies did not include people with psychiatric disorders co-morbidity. Nevertheless, the data suggest that bupropion may have a small impact on ADHD. More research is needed to determine the positive effects for patients, including an improvement in quality of living. Furthermore, a better understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is needed before effective treatment can be developed. This is a greater understanding of the connection between the molecular pathways. It is also crucial to know the way that anti-ADHD medications work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
If the stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD do not work or cause adverse side effects, doctors may consider antidepressants as a treatment. These medications, like imipramine and Nortriptyline, (Aventyl and Pamelor) boost the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which helps people to focus. These older drugs may cause serious adverse negative effects. They are usually only used when other medications are not working.
The first choice of antidepressant for depression is usually a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram or escitalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants are still being used in certain cases, despite their long history. They are also effective in treating neuropathic pain and have a second pain-relieving action which is distinct from their antidepressant effect. They potentiate noradrenephrine by inhibiting its reuptake and also act as descending modulators of pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less toxic and have less adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. Additionally, they're safe in the womb and don't appear to be teratogenic in animals or humans. If suddenly stopped, they could cause withdrawal symptoms that are severe. To minimize these adverse effects, your physician might suggest reducing the dosage gradually over a period of time.
Although it isn't officially recognized by the FDA as a medication for adhd, bupropion is a commonly prescribed antidepressant off-label to treat ADHD. It's thought to be effective by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine and acetylcholine 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 long-lasting results.
While there are no other FDA-approved medications that are nonstimulant for ADHD Many people get relief from the use of dietary supplements and herbs. A diet that is low in fat and sugar may aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people may benefit from staying clear of caffeine. It's important to tell your doctor about all the medications that you or your child is taking, including prescription medications and herbal remedies. This can help reduce unwanted side effects as well as prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect everyone differently, so it's sometimes a process of trial and error to find the appropriate dosage and medication for you or your child.