20 Questions You Should Always Be Asking About ADHD Treatment Medication Before You Purchase ADHD Treatment Medication
20 Questions You Should Always Be Asking About ADHD Treatment Medication Before You Purchase ADHD Treatment Medication
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ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants, which are the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD are believed to regulate brain chemicals and boost their levels. They are not able to treat the disorder, but rather help manage symptoms if they are taken regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication can include changes in blood pressure and heart rate, anxiety, and tics. Some teens and children who are taking stimulant medication notice a slight slowing in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant and is the most frequently used drug for treating ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms such as a chewable tablet, a liquid, a long-acting orally disintegrating tablet, and an extended-release pill. The drug is effective by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, helping to improve focus. It can also help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. When coupled with other treatments, like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate could be a successful treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate works by blocking the transporters that normally remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug can cause a small increase in blood pressure and heart rate. It may also trigger a rapid change in blood sugar levels, which is why people with diabetes should be cautious when taking this medication. Speak to your doctor in the event that you have any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate is also known to cause the condition known as Raynaud's phenomenon, which causes numbness and discomfort in the fingers and toes. This is a rare side effect, but it is important to notify your doctor if you have these symptoms.
There is a concerns that methylphenidate can slow the growth of children, but this has not been proved to be the case. If you have a child being treated with methylphenidate, be sure to keep track of his or her height and weight closely. If your child is on chewable tablets containing methylphenidate that contains phenylalanine which is potentially dangerous for children with the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). Ask your doctor about an alternative methylphenidate formulation when you suffer from PKU.
Stimulants are the most popular medication for treating ADHD However, certain people are not able to use these medications. In these cases, doctors could prescribe another medication that works in a similar manner. Apart from methylphenidate there are other stimulants such as dexamfetamine and the lisdexamfetamine. These drugs are a little more powerful than methylphenidate and may last longer. These drugs are typically taken twice or three times daily However, some people might be able take them more frequently. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD, but these are less effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known by the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that boosts concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It belongs to a category called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It works by boosting levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers which regulate brain activity. It is a favorite choice for both adults and children who prefer a different type of medication than stimulants, such as Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is crucial to understand that atomoxetine does not work immediately. It could take up to 6 weeks before the effects of this drug are evident. There is also the possibility of experiencing adverse effects like drowsiness and nausea. For most patients the advantages of taking atomoxetine far outweigh the risks.
The efficacy of atomoxetine was verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled study with 297 ADHD patients between the ages of 12 and 18. The participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine at a daily dose of 0.6 mg per kilogram or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine and placebo groups depression symptoms were less. The atomoxetine group experienced more improvements in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was not as dramatic (Michelson and colleagues 2001).
In a separate open study in another open trial, 10 patients with ADHD who failed to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine over 8 weeks. The atomoxetine treatment group showed improvements in ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo with scores on Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Rated screening version and Clinical Global Impression of Severity scales improving significantly. One patient however, experienced an rash and resigned from the study. Three patients experienced gastrointestinal issues that were transient and one experienced increased fatigue (Kratochvil et al 2005).
Before beginning treatment with atomoxetine to your doctor about your health background and any other supplements or medications that you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over-the-counter medicines. It is especially important to tell your doctor if you suffer from narrow-angle glaucoma, thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor and 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, in the past 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant medication that can aid in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It can also reduce the impulsivity of children and improve focus. However, it does not affect the brain the same way that stimulants do. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will decide on the best dosage for you. Bupropion comes in capsules and tablets. It is crucial to follow the instructions. If you stop taking it suddenly, you may have withdrawal symptoms.
The most common dosage is two or three doses per day separated by 4-6 hours. The dose can vary from 100mg twice or three times per day to 150mg three or four time each day. The drug is absorbed by the digestive system and excreted into urine. It cannot enter breast milk. However, it can be absorbed into the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion may increase blood pressure, making it important to check it often.
Bupropion, in addition to improving ADHD symptoms it can also help reduce depression. It can also treat bipolar disorder. It is accomplished by blocking dopamine receptors within your brain. This prevents the neurotransmitter dopamine from reaching your brain, which helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other medications. Tell your doctor if taking any other medications. It's also important to find out whether you suffer from any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants because they can make side effects worse.
Several studies have compared bupropion to placebos in adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and most studies were not conducted properly. A majority of these studies excluded patients with psychiatric co-morbidity. The data indicate that bupropion has an impact on ADHD. Further research is needed to determine the positive effects for patients, such as the improvement in their quality of life. Additionally, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is essential before a successful treatment can be developed. This includes a better understanding of the relation between the different molecular pathways. Additionally, it's important to know how various anti-ADHD agents work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants are often prescribed by doctors if stimulants prescribed for children with ADHD don't work or cause adverse side negative effects. These drugs, which include imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), help by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain to help people focus. These older drugs can have serious adverse negative effects. They are generally only employed when other drugs do not work.
The first choice of antidepressant for depression is typically a selective serotonin receptor inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram and escitalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants are still being used in certain cases despite their long-standing history. They are also effective in treating neuropathic pain and have a second pain-relieving action which is distinct from their antidepressant properties. They enhance the noradrenephrine receptor, by preventing its reuptake, and they also function as descending modulators for pain pathways within the 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 for humans or animals. If abruptly stopped, they can cause withdrawal symptoms that are severe. Your doctor might suggest gradually reducing the dose over a few weeks to minimize these effects.
Although it isn't officially recognized by the FDA as a treatment for adhd Bupropion is a widely prescribed antidepressant off-label for ADHD. It's thought to be effective by increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and acetylcholine in the brain to improve concentration. It's also known to relieve anxiety and can be combined with stimulants to get faster and lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved nonstimulant ADHD medications, however many people have found relief through herbal remedies and dietary supplements. A diet that is low in fat and sugar can help reduce ADHD symptoms. Similarly, eliminating caffeine may be beneficial to some people. It is essential to inform your doctor about all the medications you or your read more child takes, including over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies. This will help prevent interactions and reduce unwanted side effects. ADHD medications can affect everyone differently, so it's sometimes an exercise of trial and error to determine the right dosage and drug for you or your child.