ADHD Treatment Medication

Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD, and appear to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals. They cannot solve the problem and can only treat symptoms if they are taken regularly.

The side effects of ADHD medication can include a change in heart rate and blood pressure, upset stomach anxiety and tics. Some teens and children who are taking stimulant medication have a slight decrease in their growth.

Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant and the most commonly prescribed drug to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms such as a liquid, chewable tablet, a long-acting orally disintegrating tablet and an extended-release pill. The drug is effective by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps to enhance focus. It can also lessen the symptoms of anxiety and depression. When used in conjunction with other treatments like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate could be a successful treatment for ADHD.

Methylphenidate blocks transporters that eliminate these neurotransmitters naturally from the brain. The drug may cause a slight increase in blood pressure or heart rate. It can also cause a rapid change in blood sugar levels, and those with diabetes must be aware when taking this medication. Speak to your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate is also known to cause Raynaud's phenomenon, which causes numbness of the feet and fingers. This is an uncommon side effect, however it is essential to notify your doctor if you experience these symptoms.

There is some concern that methylphenidate slows children's growth, but this has not been proved to be the case. If you have a child being treated with methylphenidate, be sure to monitor the weight and height closely. If your child takes a methylphenidate tablet that contains phenylalanine, it could be harmful to children suffering from Phenylketonuria. If you suffer from PKU, consult your doctor about the different methylphenidate formulations.

Some people are unable to take stimulants which are the most popular treatment for ADHD. In these cases, doctors may prescribe other medications that work in a similar manner. There are other stimulants like dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine, in addition to methylphenidate. These drugs can last for longer and are more potent than methylphenidate. The typical dosage is 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 known as Strattera and is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that improves concentration, while decreasing the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It belongs to a class called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It is a drug that increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine two chemical messengers that control the brain activity. It is a popular choice for children and adults who prefer a different kind of medication than stimulants such as Adderall and Vyvanse.

It is important to realize that atomoxetine isn't a drug that works instantly. It may take up to six weeks before the effects of this medication are evident. In addition, you may suffer from side effects like diminished appetite, drowsiness and stomach upset. However the benefits of atomoxetine surpass the risks for many patients.

The efficacy of atomoxetine has been confirmed in a multisite double-blind placebo-controlled study involving 297 ADHD patients ages 12 to 18. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either the daily dose of atomoxetine 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for a period of 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine and the placebo group experienced reduction in depression symptoms. The atomoxetine group saw greater improvements in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. The improvement was not significant.

In a second open trial that included 10 ADHD patients who were not responding to stimulants were given atomoxetine treatment for 8 weeks. The atomoxetine treatment group demonstrated improvements in ADHD symptoms in comparison to placebo, with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Screening version rated and the Clinical Global Impression Severity scales increasing significantly. However, one patient experienced a rash and withdrew from the study. Three patients experienced gastrointestinal issues that were transient and one reported increased fatigue (Kratochvil and co., 2005).

Consult your physician before you start treatment with atomoxetine regarding your health history, including any medications or supplements you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as prescription medications. Inform your doctor if any of the following conditions occur such as narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid or adrenal gland tumor; high blood pressure; heart disease or sudden death. Avoid atomoxetine as well when you've been taking an MAO-inhibitor such as isocarboxazid and linezolid in the last 14 days or rasagiline Methylene Blue Injection phenelzine, or tranylcypromine.

Bupropion

Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug can help improve ADHD symptoms. It also helps reduce the impulsivity of children and improve concentration. However, it does not affect the brain the way stimulants do. read more It's only available on prescription. Your doctor will determine the right dosage for you. Bupropion is available in tablets and capsules. It's important to take the medication as prescribed. You may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop suddenly.

The most common dosage is two or three doses per day, separated by 4 to 6 hours. The dosage can vary from 100 mg two or three times daily up to 150 mg daily, three or four times. The drug is absorbed in the digestive tract, and then eliminated into urine, meaning it can't enter breast milk. However, it could enter the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion increases blood pressure. It is essential to keep it in check frequently.

In addition to helping improve the symptoms of ADHD Bupropion can also reduce depression. It can also be used to treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking the dopamine receptors within your brain. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, is blocked from reaching your brain, which can help stabilize your mood.

Bupropion may interact with other drugs So it's crucial to inform your doctor about any other medications you're taking. It's essential to let your doctor know that you are suffering from any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants since they can cause side effects to become worse.

In a variety of studies the bupropion drug was compared with placebos for adults with ADHD. These studies produced mixed results, and a lot were not conducted properly. Many of these studies excluded people with psychiatric disorders co-morbidity. However, the evidence suggests that bupropion can have a slight 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 developed. This includes a better understanding of the relation between different molecular pathways. It's also important to understand how anti-ADHD drugs function in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Tricyclic antidepressants

If the stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD do not work or cause troublesome side effects, the doctor may turn to antidepressants as a treatment. These drugs, like imipramine and Nortriptyline, (Aventyl and Pamelor), increase the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which aids in helping people concentrate. These are older drugs which can cause serious adverse reactions, and are usually only used after other medications have failed.

The first choice of depression-related antidepressants is typically an inhibitor of serotonin reuptake (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, or citalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants continue to be used in some cases despite their long history. They also work in treating neuropathic pain and have an additional pain-relieving effect that is separate from their antidepressant properties. They enhance the noradrenephrine receptor by blocking its reuptake, and they also function as descending modulators for pain pathways in spinal cord.

SSRIs are less harmful and have less adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They're also safer during pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic in animals or humans. But they can have significant withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. To lessen the negative side effects, your doctor may suggest reducing the dose gradually over a period of time.

Bupropion, a popular antidepressant that is used off-label to treat ADHD however, it is not FDA approved as a drug for adhd. It is believed to be effective by increasing neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which improves concentration. It is also believed to ease anxiety and can be utilized in conjunction with stimulants to achieve more rapid and long-lasting results.

There are no FDA-approved non-stimulant ADHD medications, but many people have found relief through herbal remedies and dietary supplements. A diet that is low in sugar and fat may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Certain people can also benefit from avoiding caffeine. It is important to inform your doctor about all medications you or your child uses, including prescription drugs and herbal remedies. This can help reduce unwanted side effects as well as prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect individuals differently. It could take a bit of trial and error before you discover the ideal dosage and drug for your child or yourself.