A Vibrant Rant About ADHD Treatment Medication
ADHD Treatment MedicationStimulants are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD and are believed to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals. However, they do not cure the condition and will only help manage symptoms as long as they are used regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medications can include changes in blood pressure, heart rate, anxiety, and tics. Some teens and children who are taking stimulant medication notice a slight slowing in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous stimulant is the most well-known drug used to treat ADHD. It is available in many forms including chewable tablet that is liquid as well as a long-acting oral disintegrating tablet, and an extended-release pill. The drug works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which help to increase concentration. It can also lessen the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Methylphenidate is a proven treatment for ADHD when combined with other treatments, including behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate blocks transporters that remove these neurotransmitters normally from the brain. The drug may cause a slight increase in blood pressure and 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 when you experience any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate may also trigger a condition called Raynaud's phenomenon, which causes numbness and pain in the toes and fingers. This is a rare side effect but it is important to tell your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
There are some who believe that methylphenidate can slow down children's growth. However, this has not been proved. If your child is taking methylphenidate make sure you be aware of their weight and height. If your child takes a methylphenidate tablet and phenylalanine is present, it could pose a risk for children suffering from Phenylketonuria. If you suffer from PKU, consult your doctor about the different forms of methylphenidate.
Stimulants are considered the first-choice treatment for ADHD However, some individuals have issues with these medications. In these cases doctors might prescribe other medications that function in a similar manner. There are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine in addition to methylphenidate. These are stronger than methylphenidate and can last longer. They are typically taken two to three times a day, but some people can take them more frequently. Psychological treatments are also available for treating ADHD, but they are less likely to be effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known under the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that boosts concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It's part of a group of drugs known as selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitors. It increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers that regulate the brain's activity. It is a favorite choice for children and adults who want a different type of medication than stimulants, like Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is crucial to keep in mind that atomoxetine is not effective instantly, and it can take up to six weeks for the effects of the medication to be evident. You may also experience adverse effects like drowsiness and nausea. However the benefits of atomoxetine outweigh the risks for most 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 atomoxetine, a daily dose of 0.6 mg per kilogram or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine group and the placebo group experienced reduction in symptoms of depression. The atomoxetine treatment group had better improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group. However, the improvement was modest (Michelson and colleagues 2001).
In a second open trial that included 10 ADHD patients who did not respond to stimulants were given atomoxetine treatment for 8 weeks. The atomoxetine group demonstrated improved ADHD symptoms when compared to the placebo group with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version and Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale improving significantly. One patient however, experienced an allergic reaction and was removed from the study. Three patients reported intermittent gastrointestinal problems and one reported increased fatigue (Kratochvil and colleagues, 2005).
Talk to your doctor prior to you start treatment with atomoxetine. Discuss your medical history, including any supplements or medications you take. This includes herbal remedies and over-the-counter medications. Tell your doctor if any of the following conditions are present: narrow-angle glaucoma; a thyroid or adrenal gland tumour or a high blood pressure heart disease or a history sudden death. You should also be wary of atomoxetine in the event that you have taken an MAO inhibitor like isocarboxazid, linezolid, 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. It's only available on prescription. Your doctor will determine the right dosage for you. Bupropion is available in tablets and extended-release capsules. It's important to take the medication as directed. You might experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop suddenly.
The typical dosage is two or three doses per day separated by 4 to 6 hours. The dosage can vary between 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 cannot enter breast milk. However, it can enter the bloodstream and impact other organs. Bupropion may increase blood pressure, so it's vital to monitor it regularly.
In addition to helping improve the symptoms of ADHD In addition, bupropion may reduce depression. It also helps treat bipolar disorder. It is a method of blocking dopamine receptors inside your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine from entering your brain, which can help 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 have any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants because they can make side effects worse.
Numerous studies have examined the effects of bupropion versus placebos in adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed, and most studies were not conducted properly. Moreover, many of them did not include participants with psychiatric disorders. Nevertheless, the data suggest that bupropion has a modest effect on ADHD. However, more research is needed to determine positive patient-centered outcomes like improvements in quality of life. Furthermore, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is needed before effective treatment can be developed. This requires a deeper understanding of the relationship between the various molecular pathways. It is also crucial to know the way that anti-ADHD medications work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants are often prescribed by doctors if stimulants prescribed for children with ADHD are not effective or cause adverse side effects. These drugs, which include imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), work by increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to aid in concentration. These are old drugs that may have a number of side effects, so they're typically only considered after other medications have failed.
The first option for antidepressants in depression is usually an inhibitor of serotonin reuptake (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants, which have been around for a long time, can be utilized in certain instances. They also work in reducing neuropathic pain. They also provide a pain-relieving effect that is separate from their antidepressant properties. They increase the potency of noradrenephrine by reducing its reuptake, and also act click here as antagonists of pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less harmful and have fewer side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. Additionally, they're safe in the womb and don't appear to be teratogenic in humans or animals. If suddenly stopped, they can cause severe withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor may recommend slowly reducing the dose over a few weeks to lessen the negative effects.
Although not officially recognized by the FDA as an adhd medication Bupropion is a widely prescribed antidepressant off-label to treat ADHD. It is believed to increase neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which improves concentration. It is also known to alleviate anxiety and stress. It can be paired with stimulants to achieve more rapid and lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved non-stimulant ADHD medications, but many people experience relief from dietary supplements and herbal remedies. A diet that is low in fat and sugar can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Also, avoiding caffeine can also be helpful for some. Inform your doctor about all medicines you or your child is taking such as herbal remedies and over-the-counter medicines. This will help prevent interactions and reduce unwanted adverse effects. ADHD medication can affect people differently. It could take a bit of trial and error to discover the ideal dosage and drug for your child or yourself.