ADHD Treatment Medication Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD, and appear to increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. However, they don't solve the problem and will only aid in managing symptoms so long as they're taken regularly. The side effects of ADHD medications may include changes in blood pressure as well as heart rate, anxiety and tics. Some children and teens who take stimulant medications have a slight decrease in their growth. Methylphenidate Methylphenidate, a central nervous stimulant is the most commonly used drug used to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms, including a liquid chewable tablet and an oral disintegrating tablet that acts long, and a pill with extended release. The drug works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, helping to increase focus. It may also reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Methylphenidate is an effective treatment for ADHD in conjunction with other treatments, like behavioural therapy. Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that eliminate these neurotransmitters naturally from the brain. The drug can cause a small increase in blood pressure and heart rate. It may also trigger rapid changes in blood sugar levels, so those with diabetes must be careful when taking this medication. Consult your physician in the event that you experience any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate can also trigger 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 these symptoms develop. There is a concern that methylphenidate slows children's growth, however this hasn't been proved to be the situation. If your child is taking methylphenidate ensure that you be aware of their weight and height. If medication adhd adults is taking chewable tablets of methylphenidate that contains phenylalanine which is a risk for children with the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). Ask your doctor about a different formulation of methylphenidate if you have PKU. Some people have difficulty with stimulants which are the primary option for treating ADHD. In these cases doctors may prescribe a different medication that functions similarly. There are other stimulants like dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine, besides the methylphenidate. These are more potent than methylphenidate, and they can last longer. These drugs are typically taken every day, either twice or three times however some individuals might be able to take them more often. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD however, they are less effective than stimulants. Atomoxetine Atomoxetine, also known by the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that boosts concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It is part of a class known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It is a drug that increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers which control the brain activity. It is a favorite choice for both adults and children who want a different type of medication than stimulants such as Adderall and Vyvanse. It is important to remember that atomoxetine doesn't work instantly, and it can take up to 6 weeks for the effects of the drug to be apparent. Additionally, you may be afflicted by side effects such as drowsiness, decreased appetite, and stomach upset. For most patients, the benefits of taking atomoxetine are greater than the risks. The efficacy of atomoxetine has been confirmed in a multisite double-blind placebo-controlled study with 297 ADHD patients ages 12 to 18. The participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine, a daily dose of 0.6 mg per kilogram or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine as well as placebo groups, symptoms of depression were less. The atomoxetine group experienced more improvements in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was not as dramatic (Michelson et al 2001). In a follow-up open trial in a second open trial, 10 ADHD patients who were not responding to stimulants were given the treatment of atomoxetine for eight weeks. The group receiving atomoxetine had improved ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group and scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version and Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale increasing significantly. One patient withdrew due to a skin rash. Three patients reported intermittent gastrointestinal problems and one reported increased fatigue (Kratochvil et al 2005). Talk to your doctor prior to 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. It is especially important to tell your doctor if you have narrow-angle glaucoma or a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor or high blood pressure, heart disease, or an unusually sudden death. You should also avoid atomoxetine if 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 medication that can aid in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It also helps reduce impulsivity and increase concentration, but it does not 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 as tablets and capsules. It is important to take the medication as directed. You might experience withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop abruptly. It is usually taken two or three times a day with a gap of 4-6 hours between each dose. The dose can range between 100 mg two or three times per day up to 150 mg three or four times a day. linked web page is absorbed into the digestive tract, and then is excreted in urine, meaning it isn't able to enter breast milk. However, it can enter the bloodstream and impact other organs. Bupropion can increase blood pressure. It is important to monitor it regularly. Bupropion can, in addition to helping to reduce ADHD symptoms it can also help reduce depression. It is also a treatment for bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors in your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter, dopamine, from entering your brain. This helps stabilize your mood. Bupropion may interact with other medications It's therefore important to tell your doctor about any other medications you're taking. It's also important to find out if you have any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants since they can make the side effects worse. Numerous studies have compared bupropion to placebos in adults with ADHD. These studies yielded mixed results, and many were poorly designed. Additionally, many did not include participants with psychiatric disorders. The research suggests that bupropion does have a modest impact on ADHD. More research is needed to determine the positive effects for patients, including an improvement in quality of life. Before effective treatments can be developed it is essential to have a better understanding of the molecular forms of ADHD. This requires a deeper understanding of the relationship between different molecular pathways. Furthermore, it's essential to know how various anti-ADHD medications work with psychotherapy. Tricyclic antidepressants If the stimulants prescribed to children suffering from ADHD don't work or cause undesirable side effects, the doctor may look to antidepressants for treatment. These medications, such as imipramine and Nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor) boost the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which aids in helping people to focus. These are older drugs that may have a number of adverse effects, so they're typically only considered after other medications have failed. The first choice of antidepressant for depression is usually a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram or escitalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants are still used in certain cases despite their long-standing history. These medications are also effective in treating neuropathic pain and have a second pain-relieving action that is separate from their antidepressant properties. They enhance noradrenephrine through inhibiting its reuptake. They also function as antagonists of pain pathways in the spinal cord. SSRIs have a lower risk of toxicity and have less severe side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. Additionally, they're safe in the womb and aren't teratogenic in animals or humans. If they are abruptly stopped, they can cause significant withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor may recommend slowly decreasing the dosage over several weeks to reduce the effects. Although it isn't officially recognized by the FDA as a treatment for adhd Bupropion is a widely prescribed antidepressant that is off-label for ADHD. It is believed to work by increasing neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which increases concentration. It also has been proven to reduce anxiety, and it can be used in conjunction with stimulants for more rapid and lasting results. While there are no other FDA-approved medications that are nonstimulant for ADHD, many people do feel relief through the use of supplements to their diets and herbs. A diet that is low in sugar and fat can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Certain people can also benefit by abstaining from caffeine. Tell your doctor all medications that you or your child are taking, including herbal remedies and prescription medications. This will minimize unwanted side effects and prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect people differently. It may take some trial and error before you discover the ideal dosage and dose for your child or yourself.
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