A Productive Rant About ADHD Treatment Medication
A Productive Rant About ADHD Treatment Medication
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ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD are believed to regulate brain chemicals and boost their levels. However, they do not cure the condition and can only aid in managing symptoms so long as they are used regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medications can include changes in blood pressure, heart rate, anxiety and tics. Certain teenagers and children who take stimulant drugs have a slight decrease in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, a central nervous stimulant is the most commonly used drug used to treat ADHD. It is available in many forms, including a liquid, chewable tablet, a long-acting orally disintegrating tablet, and an extended-release pill. The drug increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This helps to improve concentration. It may also reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. When coupled with other treatments, like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate can be a successful treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks transporters that remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug may cause a slight increase in heart rate or blood pressure. It can also cause an abrupt change in blood sugar levels, and diabetics should be aware when taking this medication. Speak to your doctor in the event that you notice any of these signs. Methylphenidate may also trigger a condition known as Raynaud's phenomena, which causes numbness and discomfort in the toes and fingers. This is an uncommon side effect, however, it is crucial to tell your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
Some people are concerned that methylphenidate may slow the growth of children. However, this has not been proven. If your child is taking methylphenidate, be sure to keep an eye on their weight and height. If your child is on chewable tablets containing methylphenidate that contains phenylalanine which is a risk for children suffering from the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). Ask your doctor about a different formulation of methylphenidate when you suffer from PKU.
Certain people have issues with stimulants which are the primary option for treating ADHD. In these cases, doctors may prescribe other drugs that function similarly. There are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine, besides the methylphenidate. These drugs can last longer and are stronger than methylphenidate. The typical dosage is at least three times a day, but some people might be able take them more often. Psychological treatments are also available to treat ADHD however, they are less likely to be helpful than a stimulant.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also called Strattera and is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that improves concentration while decreasing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It's part of a class of drugs known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and works by boosting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. two chemical messengers that control the brain's activity. It is a popular choice for children and adults who prefer a different kind of medication than stimulants such as Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is crucial to keep in mind that atomoxetine is not effective immediately, and it may take up to 6 weeks for the effects of the drug to be apparent. There are also adverse effects like drowsiness and nausea. For most patients, the benefits of taking atomoxetine are greater than the risks.
In a double-blind placebo-controlled study of 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18 years old, the efficacy of atomoxetine was confirmed. 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 group and the placebo group experienced a reduction in depression symptoms. The treatment group with atomoxetine showed greater improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group. However, the improvement was modest (Michelson and co. 2001).
In a different 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 improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to placebo group and 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 had to withdraw due to a eruption. Three patients also reported transient gastrointestinal symptoms, and one patient noticed an increase in fatigue.
Consult your physician before you start treatment with atomoxetine regarding your health history, including any medications or supplements you're taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over-the-counter medications. Tell your doctor if any of the following conditions are present for narrow-angle glaucoma thyroid or adrenal gland tumor and high blood pressure heart disease or a history sudden death. Also, avoid atomoxetine if taken an MAO inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, rasagiline, phenelzine or tranylcypromine within the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a nonstimulant can help improve ADHD symptoms. It can also decrease the impulsivity of children and improve concentration. However it doesn't affect the brain in the same way that stimulants do. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will decide the best dose for you. Bupropion comes in tablets and extended-release capsules. It is important to follow the instructions. You might experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop suddenly.
It's typically taken two or three times per day with a 4-6 hour interval between each dose. The dosage can vary between 100 mg twice or three times a day up to 150 mg daily, three or four times. The drug is absorbed in the digestive tract, and then is excreted in urine, which means that it isn't able to enter breast milk. However, it could enter the bloodstream and impact other organs. Bupropion can increase your blood pressure, so it's important to check it often.
Bupropion can, in addition to helping to reduce ADHD symptoms and reducing depression, also helps to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. It also helps treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors within your brain. This stops the neurotransmitter, dopamine, from reaching your brain. This helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other medications. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication. It's also important to find out whether you are allergic to. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants since they can make side effects worse.
Numerous studies have examined the effects of bupropion versus placebos in adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and the majority of them were not well-designed. Many of these studies did not include people with psychiatric disorders co-morbidity. However, the research suggests that bupropion can have a slight impact on ADHD. However, more research is needed to establish positive outcomes for patients such as improvement in quality of life. Furthermore, a better understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is essential before a successful treatment can be developed. This requires a deeper understanding of the relationship between different molecular pathways. Furthermore, it's essential to understand how different anti-ADHD medications work with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
If the stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD do not work or cause troublesome side effects, doctors may turn to antidepressants as a treatment. These drugs, which include imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), help by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain to aid in concentration. These older drugs can have serious adverse effects. They are generally only employed when other drugs fail.
The first choice of antidepressant for depression is usually a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine sertraline, citalopram, or escitalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants continue to be used in some cases despite their long-standing history. They are also effective in treating neuropathic pain. They have a second pain-relieving action that is separate from their antidepressant effect. They increase the activity of the noradrenephrine receptor by blocking its reuptake. They also function as descending modulators for pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs have less risk of toxicity, and less serious side effects than the tricyclic antidepressants. In addition, they're safer in pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic in animals or humans. If they are abruptly stopped, they could cause significant withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor might suggest gradually lowering the dose over several weeks to lessen the negative 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 and dopamine in the brain, which increases concentration. It is also known get more info to relieve stress and anxiety. It can be combined with stimulants to produce faster and longer-lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved non-stimulant ADHD medications, but many people experience relief from herbal remedies and supplements to their diets. A diet low on sugar and fat may also help reduce ADHD symptoms. Similarly, eliminating caffeine can also be helpful for certain people. Tell your doctor all medicines you or your child take such as herbal remedies and prescription medications. This will avoid interactions and minimize unwanted adverse effects. ADHD medications can affect people differently. It could take a bit of trial and error to determine the best dosage and drug for your child or yourself.