ADHD Treatment Medication

Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD, and appear to increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. They are not able to cure the disorder and only help manage symptoms if they are used regularly.

The side effects of ADHD medications can include changes in blood pressure, heart rate, anxiety and tics. Some teens and children who take stimulant medications experience a slight reduction in their growth.

Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate is a stimulant for the central nervous system and the most commonly prescribed drug to treat ADHD. It is available in many forms including chewable tablet that is liquid as well as a long-acting oral disintegrating tablet, and an extended-release pill. The drug increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, helping to increase concentration. It may also reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. When coupled with other treatments, like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate may be a successful treatment for ADHD.

Methylphenidate works by blocking the transporters that remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The medication can cause a slight increase in heart rate and blood pressure. It can also cause rapid changes in blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes should be aware when taking this medication. Talk to your doctor if you notice any of these signs. Methylphenidate is also known to cause Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness in the fingers and feet. This is a rare side effect but it is important to tell your doctor if you have these symptoms.

There are some who believe that methylphenidate can slow down the growth of children. However this hasn't been proven. If your child is taking methylphenidate be sure to be attentive to their weight and height. If your child is on a methylphenidate chewable tablet, it contains phenylalanine, which is potentially dangerous for children suffering from the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). Consult your physician about a different formulation of methylphenidate when you suffer from PKU.

Stimulants are considered the first-choice medication for treating ADHD however, some people have trouble with them. In these cases doctors might prescribe other drugs that function in a similar manner. Apart from methylphenidate there are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine. These drugs can last longer and are stronger than methylphenidate. They are typically taken between two and three times daily, but some people can take them more frequently. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD, but these are not as effective as stimulants.

Atomoxetine

Atomoxetine is also called Strattera and is a nonstimulant ADHD drug that increases concentration while decreasing the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It belongs to a class called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It works by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine two chemical messengers that control the brain activity. It is popular among people of all ages who need a different Adhd Medications medication than stimulants like Adderall or Vyvanse.

It is crucial to understand that atomoxetine does not work immediately. It may take up to six weeks before the effects of this drug become apparent. Additionally, you could be afflicted by side effects such as reduced appetite, drowsiness and upset stomach. For most patients, the benefits of taking atomoxetine outweigh the risks.

The effectiveness of atomoxetine was verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled trial with 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18. The participants were randomized to receive atomoxetine, a daily dose of 0.6 mg per kilogram or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine and the placebo group experienced reduction in symptoms of depression. The atomoxetine treatment group had better improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was only modest (Michelson and colleagues 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 atomoxetine group demonstrated improved ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group, with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version as well as the Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale improving significantly. One patient was unable to continue treatment due to an outbreak of eruption. Additionally, three patients experienced gastrointestinal issues that were transient and one experienced increased fatigue (Kratochvil and co., 2005).

Talk to your doctor before you start treatment with atomoxetine about your medical history, including any medications or supplements you're taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over-the-counter medicines. Tell your doctor when any of the following conditions occur for narrow-angle glaucoma thyroid or adrenal gland tumor or a high blood pressure heart disease or a history sudden death. It is also recommended to avoid atomoxetine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid or methylene blue injection rasagiline or phenelzine, as well as tranylcypromine, in the past 14 days.

Bupropion

Bupropion is a nonstimulant that can improve the symptoms of ADHD. It can also decrease impulsivity, and increase concentration. However, it does not affect the brain the similar way that stimulants do. It's only available with a prescription. Your doctor will determine the right dosage for you. Bupropion comes in tablets and extended-release capsules. It is important to take the medication as prescribed. You might experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop abruptly.

It is usually taken two or three times daily with 4-6 hours between each dose. The dosage can range between 100 mg two or three times per day to 150 mg three or four times daily. The drug is absorbed by the digestive system and excreted into urine. It cannot enter breast milk. However, it is able to be absorbed into the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion may increase blood pressure, making it important to check it often.

Bupropion, in addition to improving ADHD symptoms, can also reduce depression. It can also treat bipolar disorder. It is a method of blocking dopamine receptors inside your brain. This prevents the neurotransmitter dopamine from entering your brain, which can help stabilize your mood.

Bupropion may interact with other drugs, so it's important to inform your doctor about any other medications you're taking. It's also important to determine if you have any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants as they can make side effects worse.

A number of studies have examined the effects of bupropion versus placebos in adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and the majority of studies were poorly conducted. Furthermore, many of them did not include participants with psychiatric disorders. The results suggest that bupropion has a small effect on safest adhd medication. However there is a need for more research to establish positive outcomes for patients such as improvement in quality of life. Before effective treatments can be created it is crucial to have a better understanding of the molecular types of ADHD. This includes a better knowledge of the connection between 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 suffering from ADHD don't work or cause undesirable side effects, doctors might turn to antidepressants as a treatment. These medications, like imipramine and Nortriptyline, (Aventyl and Pamelor) boost the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which aids in helping people concentrate. These older drugs can have severe negative side effects. They are generally only used when other medications fail.

The first choice of depression treatment is typically a serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, sertraline or citalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants are still being used in certain instances despite their long history. These drugs are effective in treating pain caused by neuropathic or other however their antidepressant effect is not the same. They increase the activity of the noradrenephrine receptor by blocking its reuptake. They also function as descending modulators for pain pathways in the spinal cord.

SSRIs have less risk of toxicity and less serious 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 can cause severe withdrawal symptoms. To minimize these adverse effects, your physician might suggest reducing the dosage gradually over a period of several weeks.

While not officially approved by the FDA as a treatment for adhd, bupropion is a commonly prescribed antidepressant off-label for safest adhd medication for adults. It is believed to increase neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain, which increases concentration. It also helps alleviate anxiety and stress. It can be paired with stimulants to produce faster and longer-lasting results.

While there aren't any FDA-approved nonstimulant medications for ADHD, many people do find relief with the use of supplements to their diets and herbs. A diet low estrogen and adhd medication in fat and sugar can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Similarly, eliminating caffeine can also be helpful for certain people. It's important to tell your doctor about all the medications your child or you is taking, including prescription medications and herbal remedies. This will prevent interactions and reduce the risk of unwanted adverse effects. ADHD medication can affect people differently. It may take some trial and error to determine the best dosage and drug for your child or yourself.