A Productive Rant About ADHD Treatment Medication
ADHD Treatment MedicationStimulants are the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD and can boost and balance levels of brain chemicals. However, they cannot solve the problem and will only aid in managing symptoms so long as they're taken regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medication can include changes in blood pressure as well as heart rate, anxiety and tics. Children and teens who take stimulant medications notice a slight reduction in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant and the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. It is available in a variety of forms, including a liquid chewable tablet and an oral disintegrating tablet that performs long and has an extended release. The drug works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which help to improve concentration. It can also lessen the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Methylphenidate can be a successful treatment for ADHD in combination with other treatments, including behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters which remove these neurotransmitters normally from the brain. The drug can cause a small increase in blood pressure and heart rate. It can also cause an abrupt change in blood sugar levels, and diabetics should be cautious when taking this medication. If you experience any of these side effects, talk to your doctor. Methylphenidate may also cause Raynaud’s phenomenon, which causes numbness of the feet and fingers. This is a rare, but serious side result. It is essential to inform your doctor if these symptoms are observed.
There are some who believe that methylphenidate may slow the growth of children. However, this has not been proven. If your child is taking methylphenidate be sure to be aware of their weight and height. If your child is on chewable tablets of methylphenidate that contains phenylalanine which is potentially dangerous for children with the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). If you suffer from PKU consult your physician about other formulations of methylphenidate.
Stimulants are often considered to be the first choice treatment for ADHD However, some people have trouble with them. In these cases, doctors could prescribe a different medication that functions in a similar way. In addition to methylphenidate, there are other stimulants like dexamfetamine and the lisdexamfetamine. These drugs can last for longer and are more potent than methylphenidate. The typical dosage is at least three times a day however some individuals may be able to take them more often. Psychological treatments are also available to treat ADHD, but they are less likely to prove effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also known as the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that boosts concentration and reduces hyperactivity as well as impulsiveness. It is part of a class known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It works by boosting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers which regulate brain's activity. It is popular with people of all ages who need an alternative to stimulants like Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is crucial to keep in mind that atomoxetine is not effective instantly and it could take up to six weeks for the effects of the medication to be evident. You may also experience side effects such as nausea and drowsiness. However, the benefits of atomoxetine far outweigh the risks for a majority of patients.
In a double-blind placebo-controlled study conducted on 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18 years old, the effectiveness of atomoxetine is confirmed. The participants were randomized to receive atomoxetine, a daily dose of 0.6 mg per kilogram or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine as well as placebo groups, symptoms of depression were reduced. The atomoxetine treatment group showed greater improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group. The improvement was modest.
In a separate open study, 10 patients suffering from ADHD who failed to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine over 8 weeks. The atomoxetine treatment group demonstrated improvements in ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo, with scores on Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Rated screening version and Clinical Global Impression of Severity scales improving significantly. One patient however, experienced an allergic reaction and was removed from the study. Three patients also reported temporary stomach symptoms, and one patient noticed an increase in fatigue.
Talk to your doctor before you start treatment with atomoxetine about your medical history, including any supplements or medications you take. This includes herbal remedies as well as other over-the-counter medicines. It is particularly important to inform your doctor if you suffer from narrow-angle glaucoma or a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor, high blood pressure, heart disease, or a history of sudden death. You should avoid Atomoxetine in addition to if you've taken an MAO-inhibitor like isocarboxazid or linezolid in the past 14 days, or rasagiline, Methylene Blue Injection, phenelzine or tranylcypromine.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a nonstimulant that can improve the symptoms of ADHD. It can also reduce the impulsivity of children and improve concentration. However, it does not affect the brain the same way that stimulants do. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will determine the best dose for you. Bupropion is available as tablets and capsules. It is essential to take the medication exactly as directed. If you stop taking it suddenly you could experience withdrawal symptoms.
It's typically taken two or three times a day with 4-6 hours between each dose. The dose can range from 100 mg two or three times a day up to 150 mg daily, three or four times. The drug is absorbed by the digestive system and excreted into urine. It isn't able to penetrate breast milk. However, it can be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion can increase blood pressure. It is important to monitor it frequently.
Bupropion can, in addition to helping to reduce ADHD symptoms and reducing depression, also helps to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. It also helps treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking the dopamine receptors within your brain. This stops the neurotransmitter, dopamine, from entering your brain. This helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion can interact with other medications, so it's important to inform your doctor about any other medications you're taking. It's essential to let your doctor know if you are suffering from any allergies. Also, avoid caffeine and other stimulants, as they could make the adverse effects more severe.
Numerous studies have compared bupropion to placebos in adults with ADHD. These studies yielded mixed results, and many were not conducted properly. Moreover, many of them excluded people with psychiatric comorbidity. However, the evidence suggests that bupropion can have a slight impact on ADHD. Further research is needed to determine the positive effects for patients, such as an improvement in quality of life. Before effective treatments can be created, it is necessary to gain a better understanding of the molecular causes of ADHD. This is a greater understanding of the connection between the various molecular pathways. It is also crucial to know the way that anti-ADHD medications work in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants can be prescribed by doctors if stimulants prescribed for children suffering from ADHD do not work or cause adverse side effects. These medications, such as imipramine and Nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor) boost the neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine in the brain, which aids in helping people concentrate. These older medications can cause serious adverse consequences. They are generally only used when other medications are not working.
The first option of antidepressants for depression is usually a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine sertraline, citalopram and escitalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants are still used in certain instances despite their long history. These medications are also effective in treating neuropathic pain and have a second pain-relieving action that is separate from their antidepressant effect. They potentiate the noradrenephrine receptor through blocking its reuptake, and they also act as descending modulators for pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less harmful and have fewer side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. In addition, they're safer in pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic in humans or animals. If they are abruptly stopped, they could cause withdrawal symptoms that are severe. To minimize these adverse effects, your physician may suggest reducing the dose gradually over several weeks.
Bupropion, a common antidepressant that is prescribed off-label for treating ADHD, is not FDA approved as a drug for adhd. It is believed to be effective by increasing neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain, which increases concentration. It is also known to reduce anxiety and stress. It can be combined with stimulants to produce quicker and lasting results.
While there are no other FDA-approved medications that are nonstimulant for ADHD, many people do find relief with the use of supplements to their diets and herbs. A diet low in sugar and fat can also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Some people may also benefit by abstaining from caffeine. It is important to inform your doctor about all the medications that you or your child takes, including over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies. This will help prevent interactions and reduce the risk of unwanted side effects. ADHD medications can affect people differently. It may take some trial and error to determine the read more best dosage and drug for your child or you.