Will ADHD Treatment Medication One Day Rule The World?
ADHD Treatment MedicationStimulants, the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD seem to balance brain chemicals and boost their levels. They cannot cure the disorder and only help manage symptoms if they are taken regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication can include a change in blood pressure and heart rate as well as upset stomach anxiety and tics. Some teens and children who take stimulant medications notice a slight slowing in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, a central nervous stimulant, is the most common medication used to treat ADHD. It is available in various forms, including tablets that chew liquid, an orally disintegrating tablet, which acts long and has an extended release. The drug boosts the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This can help improve concentration. It may also reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Methylphenidate can be a successful treatment for ADHD in conjunction with other treatments, including behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that eliminate these neurotransmitters naturally from the brain. The medication can cause a slight increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Patients with diabetes should be cautious when taking this medication as it could cause an abrupt rise in blood sugar. If you experience any of these side effects, speak to your physician. Methylphenidate can also trigger Raynaud's phenomenon, which causes numbness of the feet and fingers. This is a rare side effect, but it is important to notify your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
Some people are concerned that methylphenidate could slow the growth of children. However it hasn't been proved. If your child is taking methylphenidate be sure to keep an eye on their weight and height. If your child is on chewable tablets containing methylphenidate that contains phenylalanine which is potentially dangerous for children who have the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). Ask your doctor about an alternative methylphenidate formulation when you suffer from PKU.
Some people are unable to take stimulants which are the primary choice of medication for treating ADHD. In these cases doctors might prescribe other medications that function similarly. There are other stimulants like dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine, besides the methylphenidate. These drugs are a little more powerful than methylphenidate and may last longer. They are usually taken two to three times daily, but some people can take them more frequently. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD however, they are less effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also called Strattera and is a non-stimulant ADHD drug that boosts concentration while reducing 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 that regulate brain activity. It is popular with children and adults who want an alternative to stimulants like Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is important to know that atomoxetine doesn't work instantly. It may take up to 6 weeks before the effects of this drug become apparent. There are also side effects such as drowsiness and nausea. However the benefits of atomoxetine outweigh the risks for most 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 either atomoxetine at a daily dose 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine and placebo groups depression symptoms were less. The treatment group with atomoxetine showed more improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group. The improvement was not significant.
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 the Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Version of the screening and the Clinical Global Impression Severity scales increasing significantly. One patient had to withdraw due to a skin rash. Three patients also reported transient digestive symptoms, and one complained of increased fatigue.
Talk to your doctor before you begin treatment with atomoxetine. Discuss your medical history, including any medications or supplements you are taking. This includes herbal remedies and over-the-counter medications. It is especially important to tell your doctor if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor and high blood pressure heart disease or an unusually 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, phenelzine or tranylcypromine, in the past 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant can help improve ADHD symptoms. It can also reduce impulsivity and boost focus, though it does not affect the brain in the same way as stimulants. It's only available with a prescription. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate dosage for you. Bupropion is available as tablets and capsules. It is essential to follow the prescriptions. You may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop suddenly.
The typical dosage is two or three doses daily, separated by 4-6 hours. The dose can range from 100 mg two or three times a day to get more info 150 mg three or four times a day. The drug is absorbed in the digestive tract and excreted into urine, meaning it can't enter breast milk. However, it is able to enter the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion can raise blood pressure, so it's vital to monitor it regularly.
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 dopamine receptors that are located in your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter, dopamine, from entering your brain. This helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other drugs. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medication. It's also important to find out if you have any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants since they can make the side effects worse.
A number of studies have compared bupropion to placebos in adults with ADHD. These studies yielded mixed results and were poorly designed. Moreover, many of them excluded participants with psychiatric comorbidity. The data indicate that bupropion can have an impact on ADHD. More research is needed to determine the positive effects for patients, including the improvement in their quality of living. Before effective treatments can be developed it is crucial to have a better understanding of the molecular causes of ADHD. This is a greater understanding of the interplay between the molecular pathways. It's also important to understand the way that anti-ADHD medications work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants are often prescribed by doctors when stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD don't work or cause side adverse effects. These drugs, like imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor) are able to increase the neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine in the brain, which help people concentrate. These are older medications which can cause serious adverse reactions, and are usually only used when other medications have failed.
The first choice of antidepressant for depression is typically a selective serotonin receptor inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram and escitalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants, that have been around for decades, may still be used in certain situations. These drugs are effective in treating pain caused by neuropathic or other however their antidepressant effect is not the same. They potentiate noradrenephrine by inhibiting its reuptake. They also function as antagonists of pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less toxic and have less side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. Additionally, they're safe in the womb and do not appear to cause teratogenicity in animals or humans. If they are abruptly stopped, they could cause significant withdrawal symptoms. To minimize these adverse effects, your physician might suggest reducing the dosage gradually over a period of several weeks.
While not officially approved by the FDA as a treatment for adhd, bupropion is a commonly prescribed antidepressant that is off-label for ADHD. It's thought to increase the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and acetylcholine in the brain to increase concentration. It's also known to relieve anxiety, and it can be used 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 low on sugar and fat may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Similarly, eliminating caffeine can be beneficial for some. It is essential to inform your doctor about all the medications your child or you takes, including over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies. This can help reduce unwanted side effects and prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect everyone differently, which is why it's often a process of trial and error to find the right dosage and drug for your child or yourself.