ADHD Treatment Medication

Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD and can boost and balance levels of brain chemicals. They cannot solve the problem and can only help manage symptoms if they are taken regularly.

The adverse effects of ADHD medication could include a change in blood pressure and heart rate as well as upset stomach, anxiety and tics. Some children and teenagers who are taking stimulant drugs notice a slight reduction in their growth rate.

Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate, a central nervous stimulant is the most commonly used drug used to treat ADHD. It is available in various forms, such as a liquid chewable tablet, an orally disintegrating tablet that acts long, and a pill with extended release. The drug boosts the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This helps to improve concentration. It can also help to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Methylphenidate is an effective treatment for ADHD in combination with other treatments, including behavioural therapy.

Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that eliminate these neurotransmitters naturally from the brain. The medication can my general practitioner prescribe adhd Medication cause a slight increase in blood pressure and heart rate. It can also cause a rapid change in blood sugar levels, which is why diabetics should be aware when taking this medication. Speak to your doctor when you have any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate can also cause a condition called Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness and pain in the toes and fingers. This is a rare side effect but it is important to tell your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms.

There is some concern that methylphenidate slows the growth of children, but it hasn't been proven to be the situation. If your child is taking methylphenidate make sure you be attentive to their weight and height. If your child takes tablets containing methylphenidate and phenylalanine is present, it could be harmful for children suffering from Phenylketonuria. Consult your physician about a different formulation of methylphenidate when you suffer from PKU.

Some people have difficulty with stimulants which are the primary option for treating ADHD. In these cases doctors might prescribe other medications that work in a similar way. There are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine, besides methylphenidate. These substances are stronger than methylphenidate and can last longer. The typical dosage is twice or three times daily, but some people may be able to take them more frequently. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD however, they are not as effective as stimulants.

Atomoxetine

Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera and is a non-stimulant ADHD drug that increases concentration while reducing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It is part of a class called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It is a drug that increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine two chemical messengers that control the brain's activity. It is a favorite among people of all ages who need an alternative to stimulants such as Adderall or Vyvanse.

It is important to remember that atomoxetine does not work instantly, and it can take up to six weeks for the effects of the drug to become apparent. There is also the possibility of experiencing side effects such as drowsiness and nausea. However, the benefits of atomoxetine far outweigh the risks for most patients.

The effectiveness of atomoxetine was verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled trial with 297 ADHD patients between the ages of 12 and 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 reduced. The atomoxetine treatment group showed greater improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. The improvement was not significant.

In another open trial in another open trial, 10 patients with ADHD who failed to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine over 8 weeks. The group treated with atomoxetine showed improvements in ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Version of the screening and the Clinical Global Impression of Severity scales improving significantly. One patient however, experienced an allergic reaction and was removed from the study. Three patients reported transient gastrointestinal disturbances and one reported increased fatigue (Kratochvil and co., 2005).

Consult your physician before you start treatment with atomoxetine. Discuss your medical history, which includes any supplements or medications you take. This includes herbal remedies as well as prescription medications. It is especially important to inform your doctor if there is narrow-angle glaucoma, thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor, high blood pressure, heart disease or an unusually sudden death. Also, avoid atomoxetine if taken an MAO inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid or methylene blue injection rasagiline or phenelzine, as well as tranylcypromine within the last 14 days.

Bupropion

Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug, can help to improve ADHD symptoms. It can also decrease the amount of impulsivity and improve focus. However it doesn't affect the brain in the similar way that stimulants do. Only prescriptions are approved. Your doctor will decide on the most effective dosage for you. Bupropion comes in tablets as well as extended-release capsules. It is essential to take the medication as instructed. If you stop taking it abruptly, you may have withdrawal symptoms.

The most common dosage is two or three doses per day divided by 4-6 hours. The dosage can vary between 100 mg twice or three times daily up to 150 mg daily, three or four times. The drug is absorbed by the digestive system and excreted into urine. It is not able to enter breast milk. However, it could enter the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion can increase blood pressure. It's important to check it regularly.

In addition to helping improve the symptoms of ADHD Bupropion can also reduce depression. It is also a treatment for bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors that are located in your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine, from reaching your brain. This helps to stabilize your mood.

Bupropion can interact with other medications. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications. It's essential to let your doctor know if you are suffering from any allergies. Also, avoid caffeine or other stimulants that could make the adverse effects worse.

Numerous studies have compared bupropion to placebos in adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed, and the majority of them were poorly conducted. Many of these studies did not include people with psychiatric disorders co-morbidity. Nevertheless, the data suggest that bupropion may have a small effect 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 created, it is necessary to understand the underlying causes of the molecular causes of ADHD. This is a greater understanding of the connection between the various molecular pathways. It is also crucial to know the way that anti-ADHD medications work in combination with psychotherapy.

Tricyclic antidepressants

If the stimulants prescribed to children suffering from ADHD don't work or cause undesirable side effects, the doctor may turn to antidepressants as a treatment. These medications, such as imipramine and Nortriptyline, (Aventyl and Pamelor) are able to increase the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which aids in helping people to focus. These older medications can cause serious side negative effects. They are typically used when other medications fail.

The first choice for depression treatment is typically a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like sertraline, fluoxetine or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants, that have been in use for decades, may still be used in some cases. They also work in treating neuropathic pain and provide a pain-relieving effect that is separate from their antidepressant properties. They increase the potency of noradrenephrine by reducing its reuptake, and also act as antagonists of pain pathways in the spinal cord.

SSRIs are less harmful and have less side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. Additionally, they're safe in the womb and aren't teratogenic in humans or animals. If they are abruptly stopped, they could cause severe withdrawal symptoms. To minimize these adverse effects, your physician may suggest reducing the dose gradually over several weeks.

Although it isn't officially recognized by the FDA as an adhd medication bupropion is commonly prescribed antidepressant off-label for ADHD. It is believed to work by increasing neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which increases concentration. It is also believed to ease anxiety, and it can be used in conjunction with stimulants to achieve more rapid and lasting results.

There are no FDA-approved non-stimulant ADHD medications, however many people experience relief from herbal remedies and supplements to their diets. A diet that is low in fat and sugar can help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Some people may also benefit from staying clear of caffeine. It's important to tell your doctor about all the medications your child or you uses, including prescription drugs and herbal remedies. This will prevent interactions and reduce the risk of unwanted side effects. ADHD medication can affect people differently. It may take some trial and error before you determine the best dosage and drug for your child or yourself.