The Worst Advice We've Been Given About ADHD Treatment Medication
The Worst Advice We've Been Given About ADHD Treatment Medication
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ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD seem to regulate brain chemicals and increase their levels. However, they cannot cure the condition and will only help manage symptoms as long as they're taken regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication can include a change in blood pressure and heart rate and stomach upset anxiety and tics. Some teens and children who take stimulant medications experience a slight reduction in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nerve stimulant, is the most common drug used to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms such as a liquid, chewable tablet, a long-acting orally disintegrating tablet, and an extended-release pill. The drug boosts the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This can help improve concentration. It can also help to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. When coupled with other treatments, like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate could be a successful treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters which remove these neurotransmitters normally from the brain. The drug can cause a slight increase in heart rate or blood pressure. It can also cause a rapid change in blood sugar levels, which is why those with diabetes must be aware when taking this medication. If you experience any of these side effects, talk to your physician. Methylphenidate can also trigger Raynaud's phenomenon which causes numbness in the fingers and feet. This is an uncommon side effect, however, it is crucial to notify your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
There is some concerns that methylphenidate may slow children's growth, however this has not been proven to be the case. If your child is taking methylphenidate ensure that you keep an eye on their weight and height. If your child is on chewable tablets of methylphenidate that contains phenylalanine which is a risk for children who have the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). Consult your physician about a different formulation of methylphenidate in case you suffer from PKU.
Stimulants are the most popular treatment for ADHD However, certain people are not able to use them. In these cases, doctors may prescribe other drugs that function in a similar way. Besides methylphenidate, there are other stimulants such as dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine. These substances can last longer and are stronger than methylphenidate. These drugs are typically taken at least three times a day However, some people might be able take them more frequently. Psychological treatments are also available for treating ADHD, but they are less likely to be effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also called Strattera and is a non-stimulant ADHD drug that boosts concentration while decreasing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It is in a class of medications known as selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitors. It is a stimulant of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers that control the brain's activity. It is a popular option for adults and children who prefer a different kind of medication than stimulants, such as Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is important to realize that atomoxetine does not work immediately. It can take up 6 weeks before the effects of this medication are evident. In addition, you may be afflicted by side effects such as reduced appetite, drowsiness and upset stomach. For the majority of patients, the benefits of taking atomoxetine outweigh any risks.
The efficacy of atomoxetine has been confirmed in a multisite double-blind placebo-controlled study involving 297 ADHD patients ages 12 to 18. 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 over 9 weeks. In both the atomoxetine and placebo groups, symptoms of depression were reduced. The atomoxetine treatment group showed greater improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group. The improvement was sporadic.
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 when 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 gaining significant. However, one patient experienced an rash and resigned from the study. Three patients reported transient gastrointestinal disturbances and one experienced increased fatigue (Kratochvil and co., 2005).
Talk to your doctor before you begin treatment with atomoxetine about your medical history, which includes any medications or supplements you are taking. This includes herbal remedies and other over-the-counter medicines. It is particularly important to inform your doctor if there is narrow-angle glaucoma, read more a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor, high blood pressure, heart disease or an unusually sudden death. You should 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 is a non-stimulant drug that can help improve symptoms of ADHD. It can also decrease the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. However it doesn't affect the brain in the way stimulants do. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will decide on the best dose for you. Bupropion comes in tablets and extended-release capsules. It is important to take the medication exactly as instructed. You might experience withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop abruptly.
The most common dosage is two or three doses daily separated by four to six hours. The dose can vary between 100mg and three times per day up to 150mg three or four times every day. The drug is absorbed by the digestive tract and is excreted in urine, meaning it can't enter breast milk. However, it could enter the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion can increase your blood pressure, so it's important to monitor it frequently.
Bupropion is a great drug that, in addition to reducing 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. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, is blocked from entering your brain, which helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other medications. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication. It is important to inform your doctor know if you have any allergies. It is also important to avoid caffeine and other stimulants, which could make the adverse effects more severe.
A number of studies have examined the effects of bupropion versus placebos in adults with ADHD. These studies yielded mixed results and were not conducted properly. Additionally, many did not include participants with psychiatric disorders. The results suggest that bupropion does have a modest impact on ADHD. However, more research is needed to establish positive outcomes for patients like improvements in quality of life. Furthermore, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is needed before effective treatment can be developed. This requires a deeper understanding of the relationship between different molecular pathways. It is also crucial to know how anti-ADHD drugs work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants may be prescribed by doctors if stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD do not work or cause adverse side effects. These drugs, like imipramine and Nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor) are able to increase the neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine in the brain, which helps people concentrate. These older medications can cause serious adverse effects. They are typically employed when other drugs fail.
The first choice for antidepressants in depression is usually a serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as sertraline, fluoxetine or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants, that have been in use for a long time, can be used in certain situations. These medications are also effective in reducing neuropathic pain. They also have an additional pain-relieving effect that is distinct from their antidepressant properties. They increase the activity of the noradrenephrine receptor, by preventing its reuptake, and they also act as descending modulators for pain pathways in spinal cord.
SSRIs are less toxic and have fewer side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also safer during pregnancy and do not appear to be teratogenic to humans or animals. However, they may cause severe withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. To lessen the negative side effects, your doctor might suggest reducing the dosage gradually over several weeks.
Although it isn't officially recognized by the FDA as an adhd medication, bupropion is a commonly prescribed antidepressant off-label for ADHD. It's believed to increase the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine and acetylcholine in the brain, which improves concentration. It is also believed to ease anxiety and can be used in conjunction with stimulants for more rapid and sustained results.
Although there aren't any other FDA-approved medications that are nonstimulant for ADHD however, many people get relief from the use of supplements to their diets and herbs. A diet low in sugar and fat can also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Similarly, eliminating caffeine can also be helpful to some people. Tell your doctor all medications that you or your child is taking such as herbal remedies and prescription drugs. This will prevent interactions and minimize unwanted side effects. ADHD medications can affect people differently. It could take a bit of trial and error to discover the ideal dosage and drug for your child or yourself.