A Good Rant About ADHD Treatment Medication
ADHD Treatment MedicationStimulants, which are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD are believed to regulate brain chemicals and increase their levels. They are not able to cure the disorder and only help manage symptoms if they are used regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication may include an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, upset stomach, anxiety and tics. Certain teens and children who take stimulant medications experience a slight reduction in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous stimulant, is the most common drug used to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms, including tablets that chew liquid, an orally disintegrating tablet that performs long, and a pill with extended release. The drug increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This improves concentration. It can also help reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. When combined with other treatments like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate could be a successful treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that are normally responsible for removing these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug can cause an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. Patients with diabetes should be cautious when taking this medication because it can cause an abrupt rise in blood sugar. If you experience any of these side effects, speak to your doctor. Methylphenidate can also 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.
There is some concerns that methylphenidate may slow the growth of children, but it hasn't been proven to be the case. If you have a child being treated with methylphenidate be sure to monitor his or her weight and height carefully. If your child is on chewable tablets of methylphenidate, it contains phenylalanine, which is potentially dangerous for children with the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). Ask your doctor about an alternative methylphenidate formulation in case you suffer from PKU.
Stimulants are the most popular treatment for ADHD however, certain people are not able to use these medications. In these instances, doctors may prescribe other medications that work similarly. In addition to methylphenidate, there are other stimulants like dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine. These are stronger than methylphenidate and can last longer. They are usually taken twice or three times daily However, some people might be able to take them more frequently. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD, but these 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 category called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It works by boosting levels of norepinephrine and dopamine two chemical messengers that control brain activity. It is a favorite among adults and children who seek an alternative to stimulants like Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is crucial to keep in mind that atomoxetine doesn't work immediately, and it may take up to 6 weeks for the effects of the medication to be apparent. There is also the possibility of experiencing negative side effects, such as drowsiness and nausea. For the majority of patients the benefits of taking atomoxetine outweigh the risks.
The effectiveness of atomoxetine was verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled study with 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18. The participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine at a daily dose of 0.6 mg per kilogram or 1.2 mg/kg, or a placebo for 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine as well as placebo groups depression symptoms were reduced. The atomoxetine group experienced more improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. The improvement was not significant.
In a separate open study, 10 patients suffering from ADHD who were unable to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine for 8 weeks. The group receiving atomoxetine had improved ADHD symptoms when 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 had to withdraw due to an skin rash. Three patients also reported temporary digestive symptoms, and one patient noticed an increase in fatigue.
Before you begin treatment with atomoxetine, talk with your physician about your medical history and any other medications or supplements that you're taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over-the-counter medications. It is particularly important to inform your doctor if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor or high blood pressure, heart disease or a history of sudden death. You should also avoid atomoxetine if taken an MAO inhibitor like isocarboxazid, linezolid or methylene blue injection rasagiline or phenelzine, as well as tranylcypromine within the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug, can help to improve ADHD symptoms. It also helps reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. However, it does not affect the brain in the same way that stimulants do. Only prescriptions are approved. Your doctor will decide the most effective dosage for you. Bupropion comes in capsules and tablets. It is important to follow the directions. If you stop taking it abruptly, you may have withdrawal symptoms.
It's usually taken twice or three times daily with 4-6 hours between each dose. The dosage can range from 100mg two or three times per day up to 150mg three or four times every day. The drug is absorbed by the digestive tract, and then eliminated into urine, meaning it cannot be absorbed into breast milk. However, it could be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause harm to other organs. Bupropion may increase blood pressure, making it important to check it often.
Bupropion, in addition to improving ADHD symptoms it can also help reduce depression. It also helps treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors that are located in your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter, dopamine, from entering your brain. This helps to stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other medications. Inform your doctor if taking any other medications. It's essential to let your doctor know if are suffering from any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants as they can cause side effects to become worse.
A number of 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. Many of these studies excluded people with psychiatric disorders co-morbidity. However, the evidence suggests that bupropion has a modest effect on ADHD. However there is a need for more research to establish positive outcomes for patients such as improvements in quality of life. Furthermore, a better understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is needed before effective treatment can be created. This is a greater understanding of the relationship between molecular pathways. Moreover, it's critical to know how various anti-ADHD agents work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants can be prescribed by doctors when stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD are not effective or cause adverse side adverse effects. These medications, such as imipramine and Nortriptyline, (Aventyl and Pamelor) are able to increase the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which help people to focus. These are older drugs which can cause serious side effects, so they're usually tried only when other medications have failed.
The first choice for antidepressants in depression is usually an inhibitor of serotonin reuptake (SSRI) like sertraline, fluoxetine or citalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants are still being used in certain instances, despite their long history. They are also effective in reducing neuropathic pain. They also have an additional pain-relieving effect which is distinct from their antidepressant activity. They potentiate noradrenephrine by inhibiting its reuptake. They also function as antagonists of pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs have lower risks of toxicity and have less severe adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also less harmful during pregnancy here and do not appear to be teratogenic for humans or animals. If suddenly stopped, they could cause withdrawal symptoms that are severe. Your doctor may suggest slowly decreasing the dosage over several weeks to reduce the effects.
Although it isn't officially recognized by the FDA as an adhd medication Bupropion is a widely prescribed antidepressant that is off-label for ADHD. It's believed to increase the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine and acetylcholine within the brain to increase concentration. It also helps alleviate anxiety and stress. It can be combined with stimulants to achieve faster and longer-lasting results.
While there are no other FDA-approved nonstimulant drugs for ADHD however, many people get relief from the use of dietary supplements and herbs. A diet low on sugar and fat may also aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people might also benefit from abstaining from caffeine. It is essential to inform 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 and prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect everyone differently, so it's sometimes an exercise of trial and error to discover the right dosage and drug for your child or you.