13 Things You Should Know About ADHD Treatment Medication That You Might Not Have Known
ADHD Treatment Medication Stimulants, the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD seem to balance brain chemicals and boost their levels. They do not solve the problem and can only help manage symptoms if they are used regularly. Side effects of ADHD medications can include changes in blood pressure as well as heart rate, anxiety and tics. Some children and teenagers who take stimulant medications experience a minor reduction in their growth rate. Methylphenidate Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant and is the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. It comes in a variety forms including chewable tablet, a liquid, a long-acting orally disintegrating tablet, and an extended release pill. The drug boosts the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This can help improve concentration. It can also help reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Methylphenidate is a proven treatment for ADHD when combined with other treatments, like behavioural therapy. Methylphenidate works by blocking the transporters that normally remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug can cause a small increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Patients with diabetes should be aware of this medication since it can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar. Speak to your doctor when you have any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate can also cause the condition known as Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness as well as pain in the toes and fingers. This is a rare side effect, however it is essential to tell your doctor if you experience these symptoms. Some people are concerned that methylphenidate can slow down children's growth. However this hasn't been proved. If you have a child receiving treatment with methylphenidate be sure to monitor the child's weight and height closely. If your child is on a methylphenidate chewable tablet, it contains phenylalanine, which can be dangerous for children who have the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). If you suffer from PKU consult your physician about other formulations of methylphenidate. Some people have difficulty with stimulants, which are the first choice of medication for treating ADHD. In these instances, doctors might prescribe another medication that works in a similar way. There are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine, besides the methylphenidate. These drugs can last longer and are more potent than methylphenidate. They are typically taken two to three times a day However, some people take them more often. medication for add adults are also available to treat ADHD however, they are less likely to prove effective than stimulants. Atomoxetine Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera and is a non-stimulant ADHD drug that boosts concentration, while decreasing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It belongs to a category known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It works by boosting levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers which regulate brain's activity. It is a preferred choice for both adults and children who prefer a different kind of medication than stimulants like Adderall and Vyvanse. It is important to remember that atomoxetine doesn't work instantly, and it can take up to six weeks for the effects of the drug to become apparent. There is also the possibility of experiencing negative side effects, such as drowsiness and nausea. However, the benefits of atomoxetine surpass the risks for many patients. The efficacy of atomoxetine was confirmed in a multisite double-blind placebo-controlled study with 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18. Participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine, which is a daily dose of 0.6 mg per kilogram or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine group as well as the placebo group experienced a reduction in symptoms of depression. The atomoxetine group experienced greater improvements in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was only modest (Michelson et al 2001). In a follow-up open trial, 10 ADHD patients who were not responding to stimulants were given an atomoxetine treatment over 8 weeks. The atomoxetine treatment group demonstrated 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 however, experienced an rash and resigned from the study. Additionally, three patients reported intermittent gastrointestinal problems and one experienced increased fatigue (Kratochvil and colleagues, 2005). Before you begin treatment with atomoxetine to your doctor about your health history and any other supplements or medications that you're taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as prescription medications. It is particularly important to inform your doctor if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor or high blood pressure, heart disease, or an unusually sudden death. It is also recommended to be wary of atomoxetine in the event that you have taken an MAO inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid or methylene blue injection rasagiline or phenelzine, as well as tranylcypromine in the last 14 days. Bupropion Bupropion is a non-stimulant drug that can aid in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It can also reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. However, it does not affect the brain the similar way that stimulants do. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will determine the best dosage for you. Bupropion comes in tablets and extended-release capsules. It is crucial to follow the prescriptions. You may experience withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop abruptly. The usual dosage is two or three doses daily divided by four to six hours. The dosage can range between 100mg and three times a day to 150mg three or four time every day. The drug is absorbed in the digestive tract, and then excreted into urine, which means it cannot be absorbed into breast milk. However, it is able to be absorbed into the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion can increase blood pressure. It is important to keep it in check regularly. Bupropion is a great drug that, in addition to reducing ADHD symptoms it can also help reduce depression. It is also a treatment for bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors that are located in your brain. This prevents the neurotransmitter dopamine from entering your brain, which can help stabilize mood. Bupropion may interact with other drugs, so it's important to inform your doctor about any other medications you're taking. It is important to inform your doctor know if you suffer from any allergies. You should also stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants, which could make the adverse effects worse. Several studies have compared bupropion with placebos in adults suffering from ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and the majority of studies were not well-designed. Furthermore, many of them excluded participants with psychiatric comorbidity. However, the research suggests that bupropion may have a small effect on ADHD. Further research is needed to determine positive outcomes for patients, including an improvement in quality of life. Before effective treatments can be created, it is necessary to understand the underlying causes of the molecular forms of ADHD. This includes a better understanding of the connection between different molecular pathways. Furthermore, it's essential to know how various anti-ADHD agents work in combination with psychotherapy. Tricyclic antidepressants Antidepressants may be prescribed by doctors if stimulants prescribed for children with ADHD don't work or cause side adverse effects. These drugs, which include imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), help by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain to help people concentrate. These are old drugs that may have a number of side effects, so they're usually only used after other medications have failed. The first choice for depression treatment is typically a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as sertraline, fluoxetine or citalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants are still being used in some cases despite their long history. These medications are effective in treating neuropathic and other pains however their antidepressant effect is not the same. They increase the potency of noradrenephrine by reducing its reuptake and also act as lower modulators of pain pathways in the spinal cord. SSRIs have lower risks of toxicity, and less serious side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. In addition, they're safer during pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic in humans or animals. However, they may cause severe withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. Your doctor might suggest gradually decreasing the dosage over several weeks to reduce the effects. Bupropion, a popular antidepressant that is prescribed off-label for treating ADHD however, it is not FDA approved as a treatment for adhd. It is believed to work by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine and acetylcholine within the brain to increase concentration. It is also known to reduce anxiety and stress. It can be combined with stimulants to achieve faster and longer-lasting results. Although there aren't any other FDA-approved medications that are nonstimulant for ADHD, many people do feel relief through the use of dietary supplements and herbs. A diet low in fat and sugar may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. In the same way, removing caffeine may be beneficial for some. Tell your doctor all medications you or your child are taking such as herbal remedies and prescription drugs. This will help prevent interactions and reduce the risk of unwanted adverse effects. ADHD medication can affect people differently. It may take some trial and error to discover the ideal dosage and drug for your child or you.