ADHD Treatment Medication

Stimulants, the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD are believed to regulate brain chemicals and increase their levels. However, they don't cure the condition and can only help manage symptoms as long as they are taken regularly.

The adverse effects of ADHD medications may include changes in blood pressure and heart rate, anxiety and tics. Certain teens and children who take stimulant drugs have a slight decrease in their growth.

Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate is a stimulant for the central nervous system and is the most frequently used drug for treating ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms, including tablets that chew liquid, an orally disintegrating tablet that acts long and has an extended release. The drug boosts the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This helps to improve concentration. It may also reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. When coupled with other treatments, such as behavioral therapy, methylphenidate could 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 a slight increase in heart rate and blood pressure. People who suffer from diabetes should be cautious when taking this medication since it can cause an abrupt rise in blood sugar. Consult your physician when you notice any of these signs. Methylphenidate is also known to cause a condition known as Raynaud's phenomena that causes numbness and discomfort in the fingers and toes. This is a rare but serious side effect. It is crucial to notify your doctor if these symptoms develop.

There is some concerns that methylphenidate may slow children's growth, but it hasn't been proven to be the situation. If your child is taking methylphenidate, be sure to be attentive to their weight and height. If your child takes a methylphenidate tablet that contains phenylalanine, it can be dangerous for children suffering from phenylketonuria. If you suffer from PKU ask your doctor about different forms of methylphenidate.

Certain people have issues with stimulants which are the primary treatment for ADHD. In these instances doctors might prescribe other drugs that function in a similar way. Apart from methylphenidate there are other stimulants like dexamfetamine and Lisdexamfetamine. These substances can last longer and are more potent than methylphenidate. They are usually taken at least three times a day however some individuals might be able take them more often. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD however, they are not as effective as stimulants.

Atomoxetine

Atomoxetine is also called Strattera and is a non-stimulant ADHD drug that boosts concentration while decreasing the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It belongs to a category known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It is a drug that increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine two chemical messengers that control brain's activity. It is a favorite among children and adults who want an alternative to stimulants such as Adderall or Vyvanse.

It is crucial to keep in mind that atomoxetine doesn't work instantly and it could take up to 6 weeks for the effects of the drug to be apparent. There are also adverse effects like nausea and drowsiness. However, the benefits of atomoxetine outweigh the risks for most patients.

The effectiveness of atomoxetine was verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled study involving 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18. The participants were randomized to receive atomoxetine at a daily dose of 0.6 mg per kilogram or 1.2 mg/kg, or a placebo for 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine as well as placebo groups depression symptoms were less. The atomoxetine-treated group had more improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However, the improvement was modest (Michelson and colleagues 2001).

In a follow-up open trial, 10 ADHD patients who prescribes medication for adhd did not respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine treatment for 8 weeks. The group receiving atomoxetine had improved ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group with scores on the Conners Adult adhd medication not working Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version and Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale gaining significant. One patient was unable to continue treatment due to a eruption. 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 about your health history, including any supplements or medications you're taking. This includes herbal remedies and other over-the-counter medicines. Inform your doctor when any of the following conditions exist: narrow-angle glaucoma; a thyroid or adrenal gland tumour or a high blood pressure heart disease or sudden death. Also, avoid atomoxetine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid or methylene blue injection rasagiline, phenelzine or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.

Bupropion

Bupropion, a non-stimulant, can help to improve ADHD symptoms. It also helps reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. However it doesn't affect the brain the similar way that stimulants do. It's only available on prescription. Your doctor will decide on the best medicine for adhd and social anxiety dose for you. Bupropion comes in tablets as well as extended-release capsules. It is crucial to follow the instructions. You may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop suddenly.

The most common dosage is two or three doses per day, separated by four to six hours. The dose can range from 100 mg two or three times per day up to 150 mg three or four times a day. The drug is absorbed by the digestive system and excreted in urine. It cannot enter breast milk. However, it can get into the bloodstream and cause harm to other organs. Bupropion can raise blood pressure, which is why it's important to check it often.

Bupropion can, in addition to helping to reduce ADHD symptoms and reducing depression, also helps to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. It can also be used to treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors in your brain. This prevents the neurotransmitter dopamine from entering your brain, which helps stabilize mood.

Bupropion can interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor if you're taking any other medication. It is important to inform your doctor know that you have any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants as they can make the side effects worse.

A number of studies have compared bupropion to placebos in adults suffering from ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed, and most studies were not well-designed. A majority of these studies excluded patients with psychiatric co-morbidity. The results suggest that bupropion has a modest impact on ADHD. Further research is needed to determine the positive effects for patients, including the improvement in their quality of life. Before effective treatments can be developed, it is necessary to understand the underlying causes of the molecular types of ADHD. This includes a better understanding of the relationship between the different molecular pathways. It's also important to understand how anti-ADHD drugs function in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Tricyclic antidepressants

If the stimulants prescribed to children suffering from ADHD do not work or cause adverse side effects, doctors may consider antidepressants as a treatment. These medications, including imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), are effective in boosting the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain to help people concentrate. These are old drugs that can have challenging adverse reactions, and are typically only considered after other medications have failed.

The first choice for depression-related antidepressants is typically an inhibitor of serotonin reuptake (SSRI) such as sertraline, fluoxetine or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants that have been in use for a long time, can be used in some cases. They are effective in treating neuropathic and other pains but their antidepressant action is not the same. They potentiate noradrenephrine by inhibiting its reuptake and also act as lower modulators of pain pathways within the spinal cord.

SSRIs are less toxic and have fewer side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. In addition, they're safer in the womb and do not appear to cause teratogenicity in animals or humans. But they can a doctor prescribe adhd medication without a diagnosis have significant withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped. To lessen the negative side effects, your doctor may suggest reducing the dose gradually over a period of time.

Although it isn't officially recognized by the FDA as a treatment for adhd bupropion is commonly prescribed antidepressant off-label for ADHD. It is believed to work by increasing neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain, which enhances concentration. It is also believed to relieve stress and anxiety. It can be combined with stimulants for quicker and lasting results.

Although there aren't any other FDA-approved nonstimulant drugs for ADHD, many people do get relief from the use of supplements to their diets and herbs. A diet that is low in fat and sugar can also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Certain people can benefit by avoiding caffeine. It is important to inform your doctor about all the medications that you or your child uses, including prescription drugs and herbal remedies. This will minimize unwanted side effects and prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect people differently. It could take a bit of trial and error before you find the right dosage and dose for your child or yourself.