The 10 Scariest Things About ADHD Treatment Medication
The 10 Scariest Things About ADHD Treatment Medication
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ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD and can boost and balance levels of brain chemicals. They are not able to treat the disorder, but rather help manage symptoms if they are taken regularly.
Side effects of ADHD medication can include changes in blood pressure as well as heart rate, anxiety and tics. Certain teens and children who take stimulant drugs notice a slight slowing in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous stimulant is the most commonly used drug used to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms including chewable tablet that is liquid, a long-acting orally disintegrating tablet and an extended-release pill. The drug boosts the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This improves concentration. It can also help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. When coupled with other treatments, like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate can be a very effective treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate works by blocking the transporters that are normally responsible for removing these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug may cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure. People with diabetes should also be aware of this medication because it can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar. If you encounter any of these side effects, talk to your doctor. Methylphenidate can also trigger Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness in the feet and fingers. This is a rare side effect, but it is important to inform your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
Some people are concerned that methylphenidate may slow the growth of children. However, this has not been proven. If your child is taking methylphenidate, be sure to be aware of their weight and height. If your child is taking a tablet containing methylphenidate that contains phenylalanine, it could pose a risk to children suffering from phenylketonuria. If you suffer from PKU consult your physician about other methylphenidate formulations.
Stimulants are often considered to be the first choice medication for treating ADHD However, certain people are not able to use these medications. In these cases doctors might prescribe other medications that function similarly. In addition to methylphenidate, there are other stimulants such as dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine. These drugs can last longer and are more potent than methylphenidate. The typical dosage is every day, either twice or three times however some individuals might be able to take them more frequently. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD however they are not as effective as stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known by the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that improves concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It belongs to a category known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It is a drug that increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine two chemical messengers that regulate brain activity. It is a favorite choice for both adults and children who prefer a different kind of medication from stimulants like Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is important to remember that atomoxetine doesn't work instantly and it could take up to 6 weeks for the effects of the medication to be evident. In addition, you may suffer from side effects like drowsiness, decreased appetite, and upset stomach. However, the benefits of atomoxetine far outweigh the risks for most patients.
In a double-blind placebo controlled study conducted on 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18 years old, the effectiveness of atomoxetine was verified. Participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine in a daily dose of 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine and placebo groups depression symptoms were reduced. The atomoxetine-treated group had more improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was not as dramatic (Michelson et al 2001).
In a separate open study, 10 patients suffering from ADHD who failed to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine over 8 weeks. The group treated with atomoxetine showed improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group and scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version as well as the Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale gaining significant. However, one patient developed an allergic reaction and was removed from the study. Three patients also reported transient gastrointestinal symptoms, and one patient noticed an increase in fatigue.
Talk to your doctor before you start treatment with atomoxetine about your health history, including any supplements or medications you're taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as prescription medications. Discuss with your doctor if any of the following conditions exist: narrow-angle glaucoma; a thyroid or adrenal gland tumor and high blood pressure heart disease or 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, methylene blue injection rasagiline, phenelzine or tranylcypromine within the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant that is a non-stimulant, can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. It can also reduce impulsivity and improve focus, though it does not affect the brain in the same way as stimulants do. It's available by prescription only. Your doctor will decide the most effective dosage for you. Bupropion is available in tablets and capsules. It is essential to follow the instructions. You may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop suddenly.
The typical dosage is two or three doses daily separated by 4 to 6 hours. The dosage can range from 100mg twice or three times per day to 150mg three or four times daily. The drug is absorbed into the digestive tract and eliminated into urine, meaning it isn't able to enter breast milk. However, it could get into the bloodstream and cause harm to other organs. Bupropion can increase your blood pressure, making it important to check it often.
In addition to reducing the symptoms of ADHD, bupropion can also reduce depression. It is also used to treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors in your brain. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, is blocked from entering your brain, which helps stabilize mood.
Bupropion may interact with other medications It's therefore important to inform your doctor of any other medications you're taking. It's also important to determine whether you are allergic to. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants as they can cause side effects to become worse.
Several studies have examined the effects of bupropion versus placebos in adults with ADHD. These studies yielded mixed results, and many were poorly designed. Many of these studies excluded participants with psychiatric co-morbidity. The non prescription adhd medication uk results suggest that bupropion has a modest impact on ADHD. More research is required to determine the positive effects for patients, such as an improvement in quality of living. Furthermore, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is essential before a successful treatment can be created. This includes a better understanding of the connection between the different molecular pathways. Furthermore, it's essential to know how various anti-ADHD medications work with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
If the stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD don't work or cause undesirable side effects, doctors may consider antidepressants as a treatment. These medications, such as imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), are effective in boosting the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to help people concentrate. These are old drugs which can cause serious adverse effects, so they're usually tried only when other drugs have failed.
The first option of antidepressants for depression is typically a selective serotonin receptor inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram or escitalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants that have been in use for decades, may still be utilized in certain instances. These medications are also effective in treating neuropathic pain and provide a pain-relieving effect which is distinct from their antidepressant effect. They enhance noradrenephrine through inhibiting its reuptake, and also act as descending modulators of pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs have less risk of toxicity and have less severe side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They're also safer in the womb and don't appear to be teratogenic in humans or animals. However, they can cause significant withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped. Your doctor might suggest gradually reducing the dose over a few weeks to reduce the effects.
Although it isn't officially recognized by the FDA as a treatment for adhd, bupropion is a commonly prescribed antidepressant off-label to treat ADHD. It is believed to increase neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain, which improves concentration. It is also believed to relieve stress and anxiety. It can be used in conjunction with stimulants for more rapid and lasting results.
While there are no other FDA-approved nonstimulant medications for ADHD Many people get relief from the use of nutritional supplements and herbs. A diet that is low in fat and sugar may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Some people might also benefit by avoiding caffeine. Tell your doctor all medicines you or your child take, including herbal remedies and over-the-counter medicines. This will minimize unwanted side effects and help prevent interactions. ADHD medication can affect people differently. It may take some trial and error to find the right dosage and dose for your child or yourself.