Do Not Buy Into These “Trends” About ADHD Treatment Medication

ADHD Treatment Medication Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD and can boost and balance levels of brain chemicals. However, they don't solve the problem and will only help manage symptoms as long as they're taken regularly. The adverse effects of ADHD medication may include changes in blood pressure and heart rate and stomach upset as well as anxiety and tics. Some children and teens who take stimulant drugs experience a slight reduction in their growth. Methylphenidate Methylphenidate, a central nervous stimulant, is the most common medication used to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms, such as chewable tablets with liquid, an orally disintegrating tablet that acts long and has an extended release. The drug increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which help to enhance concentration. It may also reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Methylphenidate is an effective treatment for ADHD in combination with other treatments, such as behavioural therapy. Methylphenidate blocks transporters that remove these neurotransmitters normally from the brain. The medication can cause a slight increase in blood pressure and heart rate. It may also trigger an abrupt change in blood sugar levels, so diabetics should be aware when taking this medication. Consult your physician in the event that you experience any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate may also trigger a condition called Raynaud's phenomenon, which causes numbness and pain in the toes and fingers. This is a rare, but serious side effect. It is crucial to inform your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. There is some concerns that methylphenidate may slow children's growth, but it hasn't been proved to be the case. If your child is taking methylphenidate, be sure to be attentive to their weight and height. If your child is taking a methylphenidate tablet and phenylalanine is present, it could pose a risk to children suffering from Phenylketonuria. If you suffer from PKU consult your physician about other methylphenidate formulations. Certain people have issues with stimulants which are the most popular choice of medication for treating ADHD. In these cases, doctors could prescribe another medication that performs in a similar manner. Apart from methylphenidate there are other stimulants such as dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine. These drugs are a little more powerful than methylphenidate and may last longer. They are usually taken twice or three times daily However, some people might be able take them more frequently. Psychological treatments are also available to treat ADHD however, they are less likely to be beneficial than stimulants. Atomoxetine Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera and is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that improves concentration while reducing the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It's part of a class of drugs known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers that regulate the brain's activity. It is a preferred choice for children and adults who prefer a different kind of medication from stimulants such as Adderall and Vyvanse. It is crucial to understand that atomoxetine isn't a drug that works instantly. It can take up six weeks before the effects of this medication are evident. Additionally, you could suffer from side effects like reduced appetite, drowsiness and stomach upset. However, the benefits of atomoxetine outweigh the risks for a majority of patients. The efficacy of atomoxetine has been verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled study with 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18. The participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine, which is a daily dose of 0.6 mg per kilogram or 1.2 mg/kg, or a placebo for 9 weeks. In both the atomoxetine and placebo groups depression symptoms were reduced. The atomoxetine treatment group had greater improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However, the improvement was modest (Michelson et al 2001). In another open trial, 10 patients with ADHD who were unable to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine over 8 weeks. The atomoxetine treatment group demonstrated improved ADHD symptoms in comparison to placebo, with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Version of the screening and Clinical Global Impression of Severity scales increasing significantly. One patient withdrew due to an eruption. Three patients also reported temporary gastrointestinal symptoms, and one complained of increased fatigue. Talk to your doctor before you begin treatment with atomoxetine. Discuss your medical history, including any supplements or medications you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over the counter medicines. Tell your doctor if any of the following conditions are present: narrow-angle glaucoma; a thyroid or adrenal gland tumor; high blood pressure; heart disease or a history sudden death. It is also recommended to be wary of atomoxetine in the event that you have taken an MAO inhibitor like isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, rasagiline, phenelzine or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days. Bupropion Bupropion is a non-stimulant drug that can aid in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It can also reduce impulsivity and improve concentration, but it doesn't affect the brain in the same way as stimulants do. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will decide the best dose for you. Bupropion is available in tablets and extended-release capsules. It is essential to take the medication exactly as prescribed. If you stop taking it abruptly you could experience withdrawal symptoms. The typical dosage is two or three doses daily divided by 4-6 hours. The dose can vary from 100mg twice or three times a day to 150mg three or four times daily. The drug is absorbed in the digestive tract and is excreted in urine, which means that it isn't able to enter breast milk. However, it could be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion increases blood pressure. It's important to check it regularly. In addition to helping improve the symptoms of ADHD In addition, bupropion may reduce depression. It can also treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking the dopamine receptors in your brain. This stops the neurotransmitter, dopamine, from entering your brain. This helps stabilize your mood. Bupropion may interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor if taking any other medication. It's also important to know if you have any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants because they can make the side effects worse. In several studies the bupropion drug was compared with placebos for adults suffering from ADHD. These studies had mixed results and were poorly conducted. A majority of these studies excluded patients with psychiatric co-morbidity. The data indicate that bupropion does have a small effect on ADHD. More research is needed to determine positive outcomes for patients, including an improvement in the quality of life. Furthermore, a better understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is essential before a successful treatment can be developed. This is a greater understanding of the connection between the different molecular pathways. Moreover, it's critical to know how various anti-ADHD medications work with psychotherapy. Tricyclic antidepressants Antidepressants may be prescribed by doctors when stimulants prescribed for children suffering from ADHD are not effective or cause adverse side effects. These medications, such as imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), work by increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to aid in concentration. These are older medications that may have a number of side effects, so they're typically only considered after other medications have failed. The first choice of antidepressants in depression is usually an inhibitor of serotonin reuptake (SSRI) like fluoxetine, sertraline or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants that have been around for a long time, can be used in some cases. They also work in treating neuropathic pain. They have an additional pain-relieving effect that is separate from their antidepressant effect. They potentiate the noradrenephrine receptor by blocking its reuptake, and they also function as descending modulators for pain pathways in the spinal cord. SSRIs are less toxic and have fewer side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. add in adults medication IamPsychiatry are also safer during pregnancy and do not appear to be teratogenic for animals or humans. If abruptly stopped, they may cause withdrawal symptoms that are severe. Your doctor may suggest slowly lowering the dose over several weeks to minimize these effects. Although it isn't officially recognized by the FDA as a treatment for adhd bupropion is commonly prescribed antidepressant that is 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 known to relieve stress and anxiety. It can be paired with stimulants to achieve more rapid and lasting results. There are no FDA-approved nonstimulant ADHD medications, however many people find relief from dietary supplements and herbal remedies. A diet low on fat and sugar may aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people may benefit from abstaining from caffeine. It is essential to inform your doctor about all the medications you or your child is taking, including prescription medications and herbal remedies. This will help minimize unwanted side effects and prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect people differently. It could take a bit of trial and error before you determine the best dosage and drug for your child or you.