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 are believed to increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. They do not cure the disorder and only treat symptoms if they are taken regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication can include changes in blood pressure and heart rate and stomach upset anxiety and tics. Children and teens who are taking stimulant drugs have a slight decrease in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, a central nervous stimulant is the most well-known drug used to treat ADHD. It is available in many forms such as a 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 norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which help to enhance concentration. It may also reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. When used in conjunction with other treatments such as behavioral therapy, methylphenidate can be a very effective treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate is a drug that blocks transporters that are normally responsible for removing these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug may cause a slight increase in blood pressure or heart rate. It can also cause an abrupt change in blood sugar levels, so diabetics should be cautious when taking this medication. Speak to your doctor in the event that you have any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate can also trigger Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness in the fingers and feet. This is a rare but serious side result. It is crucial to inform your doctor in the event that these symptoms occur.
Some people are concerned that methylphenidate could slow children's growth. However it hasn't been proven. If you have a child who is being treated with methylphenidate, ensure that you monitor his or her height and weight closely. If your child is taking chewable tablets containing methylphenidate, it contains phenylalanine, which can be dangerous for children suffering from the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). Ask your doctor about a different methylphenidate formula in case you suffer from PKU.
Some people are unable to take stimulants which are the primary option for treating ADHD. In these cases doctors may prescribe another medication that works similarly. In addition to methylphenidate, there are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine and the lisdexamfetamine. These substances can last longer and are more potent than methylphenidate. 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 effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also called Strattera and is a non-stimulant ADHD drug that increases concentration while reducing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It belongs to a category known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It works by boosting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine two chemical messengers that control the brain activity. It is popular with children and adults who want an alternative to stimulants such as Adderall or 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 drug to be evident. There is also the possibility of experiencing adverse effects like nausea and drowsiness. For most patients the advantages of taking atomoxetine far outweigh any risk.
The efficacy of atomoxetine has been confirmed in a multisite double-blind placebo-controlled trial with 297 ADHD patients between the ages of 12 and 18. Participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine at a daily dose 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine as well as placebo groups, symptoms of depression were less. The atomoxetine treatment group showed greater improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. The improvement was modest.
In a second open trial that included 10 ADHD patients who did not respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine treatment for 8 weeks. The atomoxetine treatment group showed improvements in ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo with scores on Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Version of the screening and the Clinical Global Impression of Severity scales gaining significant. One patient was unable to continue treatment due to an skin rash. Three patients also reported transient digestive symptoms, and one noticed an increase in fatigue.
Before beginning treatment with atomoxetine with your physician about your health background and any other supplements or medications that you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as other over-the-counter medicines. It is especially important to tell your doctor if there is narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor and high blood pressure heart disease or a history of sudden death. You should stay clear of Atomoxetine in addition to when you've been taking an MAO-inhibitor, such isocarboxazid or linezolid in the past 14 days, or rasagiline Methylene Blue Injection phenelzine or tranylcypromine.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a nonstimulant, can help to improve ADHD symptoms. It can also reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve focus. However it doesn't affect the brain in the same way that stimulants do. Only prescriptions are approved. Your doctor will determine the best dosage for you. Bupropion comes in tablets and extended-release capsules. It is crucial to follow the prescriptions. There are withdrawal symptoms that can occur if you stop suddenly.
The typical dosage is two or three doses daily separated by four to six hours. The dose can range from 100 mg two or three times a day to 150 mg daily, three or four times. The drug is absorbed into the digestive tract and excreted into urine, meaning it cannot be absorbed into breast milk. It can, however, get into the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion may increase blood pressure, so it's important to check it often.
Bupropion, in addition to improving ADHD symptoms it can also help reduce depression. It can also be used to treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking the dopamine receptors within your brain. This stops the neurotransmitter, dopamine, from entering your brain. This helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion can interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor if you're taking any other medication. It's essential to let your doctor know that you suffer from any allergies. It is also important to avoid caffeine and other stimulants, which could make the adverse effects worse.
In a number of studies in a variety of studies, bupropion was compared with placebos for adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed, and the majority of them were not conducted properly. Many of these studies did not include people with psychiatric disorders co-morbidity. The research suggests that bupropion can have a modest impact on ADHD. However, more research is needed to determine positive patient-centered outcomes such as improvement in quality of life. Before effective treatments can be developed it is essential to have a better understanding of the molecular types of ADHD. This requires a deeper understanding of the connection between molecular pathways. It's also important to understand the way that anti-ADHD medications work in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants may be prescribed by doctors if stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD do not work or cause adverse side effects. These medications, including imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), are effective in boosting the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain, which help people focus. These are old drugs which can cause serious adverse reactions, and are usually tried only after other medications have failed.
The first choice of antidepressants for depression is typically a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram and escitalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants, that have been around for a long time, can be utilized in certain instances. These medications are also effective in reducing neuropathic pain. They also have a second pain-relieving action that is separate from their antidepressant properties. They here potentiate noradrenephrine by inhibiting its reuptake and also act as antagonists of pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less harmful and have fewer side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. In addition, they're safer in pregnancy and do not appear to cause teratogenicity in animals or humans. If abruptly stopped, they may cause significant withdrawal symptoms. To lessen the negative adverse effects, your physician may suggest reducing your dose gradually over a period of several weeks.
Although it isn't officially recognized by the FDA as a medication for adhd, bupropion is a commonly prescribed antidepressant off-label to treat ADHD. It's believed to increase the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and acetylcholine that are found in the brain to increase concentration. It is also believed to reduce anxiety and stress. It can be used in conjunction with stimulants to produce faster and longer-lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved non-stimulant ADHD medication, however many people find relief from dietary supplements and herbal remedies. A diet low in fat and sugar can also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Certain people can also benefit from avoiding caffeine. It is important to inform your doctor about all medications that you or your child takes, including over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies. This can help reduce unwanted side effects as well as prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect people differently. It could take a bit of trial and error before you determine the best dosage and dose for your child or you.