The Biggest Issue With ADHD Treatment Medication And What You Can Do To Fix It
ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD, and appear to increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. However, they do not cure the condition and will only aid in managing symptoms so long as they are taken regularly.
Side effects of ADHD medications may include changes in blood pressure, heart rate, anxiety, and tics. Some children and teenagers who are taking stimulant drugs experience a minor reduction in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant and the most commonly used drug for treating ADHD. It is available in a variety of forms, such as a liquid chewable tablet as well as an oral disintegrating tablet that performs long, and a pill with extended release. adhd treatment without medication increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This improves concentration. It can also help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. 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 could cause a slight increase in blood pressure or heart rate. People who suffer from diabetes should be on guard when taking this medication since it can cause an abrupt rise in blood sugar. Talk to your doctor when you experience any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate is also known to cause Raynaud's phenomenon which causes numbness in the fingers and feet. This is a rare side effect, however, it is crucial to tell your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms.
There is some concerns that methylphenidate may slow children's growth, however this hasn't been proven to be the situation. If you have a child being treated with methylphenidate, ensure that you monitor the weight and height carefully. If your child is taking a methylphenidate tablet and phenylalanine is present, it can be dangerous to children suffering from phenylketonuria. If you have PKU, ask your doctor about different formulations of methylphenidate.
Stimulants are often considered to be the first choice medication for treating ADHD however, some people have trouble with them. In these cases doctors might prescribe other medications that function in a similar way. There are other stimulants, like dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine, in addition to the methylphenidate. These are more powerful than methylphenidate and may last longer. The typical dosage is twice or three times daily, but some people may be able to take them more often. Psychological treatments are also available for treating ADHD, but they are less likely to be effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera and is a non-stimulant ADHD drug that boosts concentration while reducing the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It belongs to a class known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It works by boosting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine two chemical messengers that control brain activity. It is a favorite among children and adults who want an alternative to stimulants such as Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is crucial to keep in mind that atomoxetine does not work instantly and it could take up to 6 weeks for the effects of the medication to be evident. There are also side effects such as drowsiness and nausea. However, the benefits of atomoxetine outweigh the risks for most patients.
The efficacy of atomoxetine was verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled study with 297 ADHD patients ages 12 to 18. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either the daily dose of atomoxetine 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over a period of 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine group and the placebo group experienced decrease in the symptoms of depression. The atomoxetine treatment group showed more improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group. However the improvement was only modest (Michelson and co. 2001).
In a follow-up open trial that included 10 ADHD patients who did not respond to stimulants were treated with an atomoxetine treatment over 8 weeks. The group receiving atomoxetine had improved ADHD symptoms compared to placebo group, with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version and Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale improving significantly. However, one patient developed an rash and resigned from the study. Three patients also reported temporary gastrointestinal symptoms, and one patient reported increased fatigue.
Talk to your doctor before you start treatment with atomoxetine. Discuss your medical history, including any medications or supplements you're taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as other over-the-counter medicines. It is especially important to inform your doctor if there is narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor or high blood pressure, heart disease or an unusually 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 is a nonstimulant that can aid in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It also helps reduce impulsivity, and increase focus. However, it does not affect the brain the way stimulants do. Only prescriptions are approved. Your doctor will decide on the best dosage for you. Bupropion is available in tablets and extended-release capsules. It's important to take the medication as prescribed. There are withdrawal symptoms that can occur if you stop suddenly.
It's usually taken twice or three times daily with 4-6 hours between each dose. The dosage can range between 100 mg two or three times a day up to 150 mg daily, three or four times. The drug is taken up by the digestive system, and excreted through urine. It cannot enter breast milk. However, it is able to enter the bloodstream and impact other organs. Bupropion can raise blood pressure, so it's important to check it often.
In addition to reducing the symptoms of ADHD Bupropion can also reduce depression. It can also treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors in your brain. This prevents the neurotransmitter dopamine from entering your brain, which helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion can interact with other medications. Tell your doctor if you're taking any other medications. It's essential to let your doctor know if you suffer from any allergies. It is also important to stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants, which could make the adverse effects worse.
In a number of studies, bupropion was compared to placebos for adults suffering from ADHD. These studies produced mixed results and were poorly conducted. Moreover, many of them excluded participants with psychiatric comorbidity. However, the evidence suggests that bupropion can have a slight impact on ADHD. However there is a need for more research to identify 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 created. This is a greater understanding of the interplay between molecular pathways. It is also crucial to know how anti-ADHD drugs work in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD do not work or cause undesirable side effects, the doctor may consider antidepressants as a treatment. These medications, such as imipramine and Nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor) are able to increase the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which aids in helping people to focus. These older drugs can have severe negative side effects. They are generally only used when other medications are not working.
The first choice for antidepressants in depression is usually an inhibitor of serotonin reuptake (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, sertraline or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants that have been in use for decades, may still be used in some cases. They are also effective in reducing neuropathic pain. They also provide a pain-relieving effect which is distinct from their antidepressant effect. They enhance the noradrenephrine receptor by blocking its reuptake. They also act as descending modulators for pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less harmful and have less side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. Additionally, they're safe in the womb and aren't teratogenic in animals or humans. However, they may cause severe withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. Your doctor may suggest slowly lowering the dose over several weeks to lessen the negative effects.
Bupropion, a common antidepressant that is used off-label to treat ADHD however, it is not FDA approved as an adhd drug. It is believed to increase neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which improves concentration. It also helps reduce anxiety and stress. It can be used in conjunction with stimulants for more rapid and lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved non-stimulant ADHD medication, however many people have found relief through herbal remedies and supplements to their diets. A diet low on fat and sugar can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people might benefit from avoiding caffeine. Discuss with your doctor any medicines you or your child is taking, including herbal remedies and prescription medications. This will avoid interactions and minimize unwanted adverse effects. ADHD medications can affect individuals differently. It could take a bit of trial and error to discover the ideal dosage and dose for your child or yourself.