10 Quick Tips About ADHD Treatment Medication
10 Quick Tips About ADHD Treatment Medication
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ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD, and appear to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals. However, they don't solve the problem and will only help with symptoms as long as they are taken regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication could include an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, upset stomach, anxiety and tics. Some teens and children who are taking stimulant medication have a slight decrease in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant for the central nervous system and the most commonly used drug for treating 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 increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps to increase focus. It may also reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Methylphenidate is a proven treatment for ADHD in combination with other treatments, such as behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate blocks transporters that remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug can cause a small increase in blood pressure and heart rate. It may also trigger a rapid change in blood sugar levels, which is why diabetics should be cautious when taking this medication. If you encounter any of these side effects, talk to your doctor. 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 notify your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
Some people are concerned that methylphenidate can slow down children's growth. However it hasn't been proved. If you have a child who is being treated with methylphenidate be sure to monitor his or her weight and height closely. If your child is taking chewable tablets containing methylphenidate is a phenylalanine-based tablet, which can be dangerous for children suffering from 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 option for treating ADHD. In these cases, doctors could prescribe another medication that performs in a similar manner. In addition to methylphenidate, there are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine and the lisdexamfetamine. These substances are more potent than methylphenidate, and they can last longer. The typical dosage is at least three times a day however some individuals might be able to take them more often. Psychological treatments are also available for treating ADHD however, they are less likely to prove beneficial than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known under the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that increases concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It is part of a class called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It works by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers which regulate brain activity. It is popular with adults and children who seek an alternative to stimulants such as Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is crucial to keep in mind that atomoxetine doesn't work instantly, and it can take up to six weeks for the effects of the medication to be apparent. Additionally, you may suffer from side effects like diminished appetite, drowsiness and upset stomach. However the benefits of atomoxetine outweigh the risks for most patients.
The efficacy of atomoxetine has been verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled study with 297 ADHD patients ages 12 to 18. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either atomoxetine in a daily dose of 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over a period of 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine group and the placebo group experienced decrease in the symptoms of depression. The atomoxetine group saw more improvements in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was not as dramatic (Michelson et al 2001).
In a different open trial in another open trial, 10 patients with ADHD who failed to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine for 8 weeks. The atomoxetine group demonstrated improved ADHD symptoms compared to placebo group with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version and Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale increasing significantly. One patient however, experienced an rash and resigned from the study. In addition, three patients reported intermittent gastrointestinal problems and one reported increased fatigue (Kratochvil and co., 2005).
Talk to your doctor prior to you start treatment with atomoxetine regarding your medical history, which includes any medications or supplements you're taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over-the-counter medications. Discuss with your doctor if any of the following conditions are present for narrow-angle glaucoma thyroid or adrenal gland tumor and high blood pressure heart disease or sudden death. You should also avoid atomoxetine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor like isocarboxazid, linezolid or methylene blue injection rasagiline or phenelzine, as well as tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant, can help to improve ADHD symptoms. It can also reduce impulsivity, and increase focus. However, it does not affect the brain the same way that stimulants do. It's available by prescription only. Your doctor will determine the best dosage for you. Bupropion is available in tablets and capsules. It is important to take the medication exactly as directed. There are withdrawal symptoms that can occur if you stop suddenly.
The usual dosage is two or three doses per day separated by 4 to 6 hours. The dosage can range from 100 mg two or three times a day up to 150 mg three or four times a day. The drug is absorbed by the digestive tract, and then is excreted in urine, meaning it isn't able to enter breast milk. However, it can be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause harm to other organs. Bupropion can increase your blood pressure, which is why it's vital to monitor it regularly.
In addition to helping improve the symptoms of ADHD In addition, bupropion may reduce depression. It can also be used to treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors within your brain. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, is blocked from reaching your brain, which helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion can interact with other drugs. Inform your doctor if taking any other medications. It's important to let your doctor know if you are suffering from any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants since they can cause side effects to become worse.
Numerous studies have compared bupropion to placebos in adults suffering from ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed, and the majority of studies were not well-designed. A majority of these studies excluded participants with psychiatric co-morbidity. The results suggest that bupropion does have a small effect on ADHD. More research is needed to determine the positive effects for patients, such as the improvement in their quality of living. Before effective treatments can be created it is crucial to gain a better understanding of the molecular causes of ADHD. This requires a deeper understanding of the relationship between the molecular pathways. It is also crucial to know how anti-ADHD drugs function in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants can be prescribed by doctors if stimulants prescribed for children with ADHD are not effective or cause side effects. These medications, including imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), help by increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to aid in concentration. These are older medications that can have challenging side effects, so they're usually tried only when other drugs have failed.
The first choice for depression-related antidepressants is typically a serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as sertraline, fluoxetine or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants which have been around for a long time, can be used in certain situations. They also work in treating neuropathic pain. They provide a pain-relieving effect that is separate from their antidepressant effect. They increase the potency of noradrenephrine by reducing its reuptake, and also act as descending modulators of pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less toxic and have fewer side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. Additionally, they're safe in pregnancy and aren't teratogenic in humans or animals. But they can have significant withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. To reduce the risk of these side effects, your doctor may suggest reducing your dose gradually over several weeks.
While not officially approved by the FDA as an adhd medication bupropion is commonly prescribed antidepressant off-label to treat ADHD. It is believed to be effective by increasing neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which enhances concentration. It is also known to reduce anxiety and stress. It can be combined with stimulants to produce more rapid and lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved non-stimulant ADHD medications, however many people experience relief from herbal remedies and dietary supplements. A diet low in fat and sugar may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Also, avoiding caffeine may be beneficial to some people. It is important to inform your doctor about all the medications your child or you uses, including over the counter adhd medication prescription drugs and herbal remedies. This will help minimize unwanted side effects and help prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect people differently. It could take a bit of trial and error to determine the best dosage and dose for your child or yourself.