Do You Think ADHD Treatment Medication Always Rule The World?
ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD and are believed to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals. They are not able to cure the disorder and only help manage symptoms if they are taken regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medications can include changes in blood pressure and heart rate, anxiety and tics. Some children and teens who are taking stimulant medication have a slight decrease in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, a central nervous stimulant, is the most common medication used to treat ADHD. It is available in many forms such as a liquid, chewable tablet 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 helps to enhance concentration. It can also help reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. When coupled with adhd medications for adults , such as behavioral therapy, methylphenidate could be a very effective treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate is a drug that blocks transporters that normally remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The medication can cause a slight increase in blood pressure and heart rate. People who suffer from diabetes should be on guard when taking this medication as it could cause rapid increases in blood sugar. If you encounter any of these side effects, speak to your physician. Methylphenidate is also known to cause Raynaud's phenomenon which causes numbness in the feet and fingers. This is a rare but serious side result. It is important to inform your doctor if any of these symptoms occur.
There are some who believe that methylphenidate can slow down the growth of children. However, this has not been proved. If you have a child receiving treatment with methylphenidate be sure to keep track of the child's height and weight closely. If your child is taking tablets containing methylphenidate that contains phenylalanine, it can be dangerous to children suffering from Phenylketonuria. If you suffer from PKU, consult your physician about other formulations of methylphenidate.
Some people have difficulty with stimulants which are the primary treatment for ADHD. In these cases, doctors could prescribe another medication that performs similarly. In addition to methylphenidate, there are other stimulants such as dexamfetamine and the lisdexamfetamine. These drugs are a little stronger than methylphenidate and can last longer. They are usually taken between two and three times per day However, some people take them more often. Psychological treatments are also available for treating ADHD however, they are less likely to prove effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known by the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that increases concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It belongs to a category called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It works by boosting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine two chemical messengers that regulate 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 realize that atomoxetine does not work immediately. It could take up to six weeks before the effects of this medication begin to show. Additionally, you may be afflicted by side effects such as drowsiness, decreased appetite, and stomach upset. However the benefits of atomoxetine outweigh the risks for most patients.
In a double-blind placebo-controlled study conducted on 297 ADHD patients aged between 12 and 18 years old, the effectiveness of atomoxetine has been verified. 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 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine group and the placebo group experienced decrease in the symptoms of depression. The atomoxetine group saw more improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was not as dramatic (Michelson et al 2001).
In a second open trial, 10 ADHD patients who did not respond to stimulants were given atomoxetine treatment for 8 weeks. The atomoxetine treatment group showed improved ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Version of the screening and Clinical Global Impression of Severity scales improving significantly. However, one patient developed an allergic reaction and was removed from the study. Additionally, three patients reported intermittent gastrointestinal problems and one experienced increased fatigue (Kratochvil et al 2005).
Talk to your doctor prior to you begin treatment with atomoxetine about your health history, including any medications or supplements you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over-the-counter medications. Tell your doctor whether any of the following conditions are present for narrow-angle glaucoma thyroid or adrenal gland tumor or a high blood pressure heart disease or sudden death. Also, be wary of atomoxetine in the event that you have taken an MAO inhibitor like isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection rasagiline or phenelzine, as well as tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug can help improve ADHD symptoms. It can also reduce impulsivity and boost concentration, but it doesn't affect the brain in the same way that stimulants do. It's available by prescription only. Your doctor will decide the most effective dosage for you. Bupropion comes in capsules and tablets. It is essential to take the medication exactly as directed. You may experience withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop abruptly.
It's usually taken twice or three times a day with a gap of 4-6 hours between each dose. The dose can vary from 100mg two or three times per day up to 150mg three or four times each day. The drug is taken up by the digestive system, and excreted through urine. It is not able to enter breast milk. However, it could get into the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion raises blood pressure. It's important to keep it in check regularly.
Bupropion is a great drug that, in addition to reducing ADHD symptoms, can also reduce depression. It can also be used to treat bipolar disorder. It is a method of blocking dopamine receptors within 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 taking any other medications. It's important to let your doctor know that you are suffering from any allergies. Also, stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants, as they could make the adverse effects worse.
Numerous studies have compared bupropion to placebos in adults with ADHD. These studies produced mixed results, and a lot were poorly designed. Additionally, many excluded participants with psychiatric comorbidity. The research suggests that bupropion can have a modest impact on ADHD. More research is required to determine positive outcomes for patients, including an improvement in quality of living. Before effective treatments can be created, it is necessary to understand the underlying causes of the molecular forms of ADHD. This requires a deeper understanding of the connection between different molecular pathways. It's also important to understand how anti-ADHD drugs work in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed for children with ADHD don't work or cause adverse side effects, doctors might look to antidepressants for treatment. These drugs, like imipramine and Nortriptyline, (Aventyl and Pamelor) boost the neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine in the brain, which help people focus. These older drugs can have severe side negative effects. They are generally only employed when other drugs do not work.
The first option of antidepressants for depression is typically a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram, or escitalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants continue to be used in certain instances, despite their long history. These medications are also effective in treating neuropathic pain. They have an additional pain-relieving effect that is separate from their antidepressant effect. They enhance the noradrenephrine receptor through blocking its reuptake, and they also act as descending modulators for pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less harmful and have fewer side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. Additionally, they're safe in the womb and do not appear to cause teratogenicity in humans or animals. If they are abruptly stopped, they can cause severe withdrawal symptoms. To lessen the negative side effects, your doctor might suggest reducing the dosage gradually over several weeks.
Bupropion, a common antidepressant that is used off-label to treat ADHD however, it is not FDA approved as a treatment for adhd. It's thought to be effective by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine and acetylcholine in the brain to increase concentration. It also has been proven to reduce anxiety and can be utilized in conjunction with stimulants to get faster and sustained results.
While there aren't any FDA-approved nonstimulant medications for ADHD however, many people find relief with the use of nutritional supplements and herbs. A diet that is low in fat and sugar can 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 is taking, including prescription medications and herbal remedies. This will minimize unwanted side effects as well as prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect every person differently, so it's sometimes an exercise of trial and error to discover the right drug and dosage for you or your child.