ADHD Treatment Medication

Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD and can increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. They are not able to cure the disorder and only treat symptoms if used regularly.

The side effects of ADHD medication can include changes in blood pressure as well as heart rate, anxiety and tics. Certain teens and children who take stimulant drugs have a slight decrease in their growth.

Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate, a central nervous stimulant is the most well-known drug used to treat ADHD. It is available in a variety of forms, such as a liquid chewable tablet, an orally disintegrating tablet that performs 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 can also lessen the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Methylphenidate is a proven treatment for ADHD in conjunction with other treatments, like behavioural therapy.

Methylphenidate blocks the transporters which eliminate these neurotransmitters naturally from the brain. The medication can cause a slight increase in blood pressure and heart rate. It can also cause rapid changes in blood sugar levels, so diabetics should be careful when taking this medication. Talk to your doctor when you experience any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate is also known to cause a condition called Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness and pain in the toes and fingers. This is a rare side effect however it is essential to inform your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms.

Some people are concerned that methylphenidate could slow children's growth. However this hasn't been proven. If you have a child who is being treated with methylphenidate be sure to monitor the child's weight and height carefully. If your child is taking a methylphenidate tablet that contains phenylalanine, it could pose a risk to children with Phenylketonuria. If you have PKU, consult your doctor about the different forms of methylphenidate.

Stimulants are often considered to be the first choice treatment for ADHD however, certain people are not able to use these medications. In these cases doctors may prescribe another medication that works in a similar way. In addition to methylphenidate, there are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine and Lisdexamfetamine. These are more powerful than methylphenidate and may last longer. These drugs are typically taken at least three times a day However, some people may be able to take them more often. Psychological treatments are also available for treating ADHD however they are less likely to prove effective than stimulants.

Atomoxetine

Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera and is a nonstimulant ADHD drug that increases concentration, while decreasing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It belongs to a class called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It works by boosting levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers which control brain's activity. It is a favorite choice for children and adults who prefer a different kind of medication from stimulants like Adderall and Vyvanse.

It is important to remember that atomoxetine does not work instantly, and it can take up to 6 weeks for the effects of the drug to become apparent. You may also experience adverse effects like nausea and drowsiness. However, the benefits of atomoxetine far outweigh the risks for most patients.

The efficacy of atomoxetine was verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled trial with 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18. The participants were randomized 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 as well as the placebo group experienced reduction in depression symptoms. The atomoxetine treatment group showed greater improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was only modest (Michelson et al 2001).

In a different open trial in another open trial, 10 patients with ADHD who prescribes medication for adhd failed to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine for 8 weeks. The group treated with atomoxetine showed improved ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo, with scores on Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Screening version rated and Clinical Global Impression of Severity scales gaining significant. One patient had to withdraw due to an outbreak of rash. Three patients experienced gastrointestinal issues that were transient and one reported increased fatigue (Kratochvil et al 2005).

Before you begin treatment with atomoxetine, talk with your physician about your health history as well as any other supplements or medications that you're taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over the counter medications. Tell your doctor if any of the following conditions occur such as narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid or adrenal gland tumor and high blood pressure heart disease or a history sudden death. You should stay clear of atomoxetine as well when you've been taking an MAO-inhibitor such as isocarboxazid and linezolid in the past 14 days, or rasagiline Methylene Blue Injection phenelzine, or tranylcypromine.

Bupropion

Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug that is a non-stimulant, can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. It can also decrease impulsivity, and increase focus. However, it does not affect the brain the similar way that stimulants do. Only prescriptions are approved. Your doctor will determine the best dose for you. Bupropion is available in tablets and capsules. It is important to take the medication exactly as directed. If you stop taking it abruptly you may experience withdrawal symptoms.

It's usually taken twice or three times daily with 4-6 hours between each dose. The dose can range from 100 mg twice or three times per day to 150 mg three or four times a day. The drug is in 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's important to check it regularly.

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 treat bipolar disorder. It is a method of blocking dopamine receptors within your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine from reaching your brain, which can help to regulate your mood.

Bupropion may interact with other medications. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medication. It's also important to know if you have any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants because they can make the side effects worse.

Numerous studies have compared bupropion to placebos in adults suffering from ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed, and most studies were not well-designed. A majority of these studies excluded patients with psychiatric co-morbidity. The data indicate that bupropion can have a modest impact on ADHD. However there is a need for more research to determine positive patient-centered outcomes like improvements in quality of life. Furthermore, a better understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is essential before a successful treatment can be created. This requires a deeper understanding of the interplay between molecular pathways. It's also important to understand the way that anti-ADHD medications work in combination with psychotherapy.

Tricyclic antidepressants

Antidepressants can be prescribed by doctors when stimulants prescribed for children with ADHD do not work or cause side effects. These medications, such as imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), are effective in boosting the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain, which help people concentrate. These older drugs may cause serious negative side consequences. They are usually 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. Tricyclic antidepressants are still used in certain cases despite their long-standing history. They also work in treating neuropathic pain and have a second pain-relieving action which is distinct from their antidepressant activity. They enhance noradrenephrine through inhibiting its reuptake and also act as antagonists of pain pathways within the spinal cord.

SSRIs have a lower risk of toxicity, and less serious adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also less harmful during pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic to humans or animals. However, they may cause severe withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped. To minimize these side effects, your doctor might suggest reducing the dosage gradually over several weeks.

Bupropion, an antidepressant commonly prescribed off-label to treat ADHD but isn't FDA approved as a treatment for adhd. It's believed to increase the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine and acetylcholine in the brain, which improves concentration. It is also believed to alleviate anxiety and stress. It can be used in conjunction with stimulants for faster and longer-lasting results.

While there are no other FDA-approved nonstimulant medications for ADHD however, many people get relief from the use of supplements to their diets and herbs. A diet that is low in sugar and fat may also help reduce ADHD symptoms. In the same way, removing caffeine can also be helpful to some people. It is important to inform your doctor about all medications your child or you is taking, including prescription medications and herbal remedies. This will prevent interactions and reduce unwanted side effects. ADHD medications can affect every person differently, and it's often a trial and error to find the right dosage and drug for your child or yourself.