The Most Advanced Guide To ADHD Treatment Medication
The Most Advanced Guide To ADHD Treatment Medication
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ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, which are the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD, appear to regulate brain chemicals and increase their levels. However, they do not cure the condition and can only help manage symptoms as long as they are taken regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medication may include an increase in heart rate and blood pressure and stomach upset as well as anxiety and tics. Some children and teens who are taking stimulant medication notice a slight slowing in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, a central nervous stimulant is the most well-known drug used to treat ADHD. It is available in various forms, such as a liquid chewable tablet, an orally disintegrating tablet that acts long and has an extended release. The drug increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This can help improve concentration. It may also reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Methylphenidate is a proven treatment for ADHD when combined with other treatments, like behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate is a drug that blocks transporters that normally remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug can cause a slight increase in blood pressure or heart rate. People who suffer from diabetes should be cautious when taking this medication because it can cause rapid increases in blood sugar. Talk to your doctor in the event that you have any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate can also cause a condition known as Raynaud's phenomena, which causes numbness and discomfort in the toes and fingers. This is a rare but serious side effect. It is crucial to inform your doctor if any of these symptoms develop.
There is some concerns that methylphenidate may slow children's growth, but this hasn't been proved to be the case. 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 a methylphenidate chewable tablet, it contains phenylalanine, which can be dangerous for children with the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). Ask your doctor about an alternative methylphenidate formulation if you have PKU.
Some people are unable to take stimulants, which are the first choice of medication for treating ADHD. In these cases doctors may prescribe a different medication that functions in a similar manner. There are other stimulants, like dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine in addition to the methylphenidate. These drugs can last longer and are stronger than methylphenidate. They are usually taken between two and three times a day however some people may take them more frequently. Psychological treatments are also available for treating ADHD however, they are less likely to prove beneficial than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known under the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that boosts concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It belongs to a class called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It works by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers which control the brain's activity. It is popular among adults and children who seek a different medication than stimulants such as Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is important to remember that atomoxetine doesn't work immediately, and it may take up to 6 weeks for the effects of the medication to be apparent. In addition, you may be afflicted by side effects such as diminished appetite, drowsiness and upset stomach. However, the benefits of atomoxetine surpass the risks for many patients.
In a double-blind placebo controlled study that was conducted on 297 ADHD patients aged between 12 and 18 years old, the effectiveness of atomoxetine has been verified. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either atomoxetine in a daily dose of 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over a period of 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine group and the placebo group experienced a reduction in depression symptoms. The atomoxetine group saw more improvements in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was only modest (Michelson et al 2001).
In a separate open study, 10 patients suffering from ADHD who failed to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine over 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 gaining significant. One patient withdrew due to a eruption. Three patients reported intermittent gastrointestinal problems and one reported increased fatigue (Kratochvil and co., 2005).
Talk to your doctor before you begin treatment with atomoxetine about your health history, including any supplements or medications you are taking. This includes herbal remedies and prescription medications. Inform your doctor when any of the following conditions exist: narrow-angle glaucoma; a thyroid or adrenal gland tumor and high blood pressure heart disease or a history sudden death. It is also recommended to avoid atomoxetine if 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, a non-stimulant drug can help improve ADHD symptoms. It can also decrease the impulsivity of children and improve focus. However it doesn't affect the brain the same way that stimulants do. Only prescriptions are approved. Your doctor will determine the best dosage for you. Bupropion is available in capsules and tablets. It is essential to take the medication exactly as directed. There are withdrawal symptoms that can occur when you stop abruptly.
The usual dosage is two or three doses daily separated by 4-6 hours. The dosage can vary from 100 mg two or three times per day up to 150 mg three or four times daily. The drug is taken up by the digestive system and excreted in urine. It isn't able to penetrate breast milk. It can, however, get into the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion can increase your blood pressure, which is why it's 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 can also be used to treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors in your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine, from entering your brain. This helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion can interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication. It's important to let your doctor know if you suffer from any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants since they can make side effects worse.
Several studies have examined the effects of bupropion versus placebos in adults suffering from ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and the majority of studies were not conducted properly. Furthermore, many of them excluded participants with psychiatric comorbidity. The research suggests that bupropion can have an impact on ADHD. However there is a need for more research to identify positive outcomes for patients like improvements in quality of life. Furthermore, a better understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is essential before a successful treatment can be developed. This is a greater understanding of the relationship between the different molecular pathways. It is also crucial to know how anti-ADHD drugs function in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants can be prescribed by doctors if stimulants prescribed for children with ADHD don't work or cause side effects. These medications, such as imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor), increase the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which help people to focus. These older drugs can have serious side consequences. They are generally only employed when other drugs are not working.
The first option of antidepressants for depression is usually a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram or escitalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants, that have been around for decades, may still be used in certain situations. They are effective in treating neuropathic and other pains however their antidepressant effect is not the same. They potentiate noradrenephrine by inhibiting its reuptake and also act as lower modulators of pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs have a lower risk of toxicity and have less severe adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also less harmful during pregnancy and do not appear to be teratogenic to humans or animals. If suddenly stopped, they may cause severe withdrawal symptoms. To lessen the negative side effects, your doctor might suggest reducing the dosage gradually over a period of time.
While not officially approved by the FDA as an adhd medication, bupropion is a commonly prescribed antidepressant off-label to treat ADHD. It is believed to read more increase neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which improves concentration. It is also known to relieve stress and anxiety. It can be used in conjunction with stimulants for more rapid and lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved non-stimulant ADHD medications, however many people experience relief from herbal remedies and supplements to their diets. A diet that is low in sugar and fat may also aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Certain people can also benefit from avoiding caffeine. Tell your doctor all medicines you or your child take as well as herbal remedies and over-the-counter medicines. This will help minimize unwanted side effects and help prevent interactions. ADHD medication can affect people differently. It may take some trial and error before you determine the best dosage and drug for your child or you.