Solutions To The Problems Of ADHD Treatment Medication
Solutions To The Problems Of ADHD Treatment Medication
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ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD and are believed to increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. They cannot treat the disorder, but rather manage symptoms if they are taken regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medications may include changes in blood pressure, heart rate, anxiety and tics. Some teens and children who take stimulant drugs notice a slight slowing in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous stimulant, is the most common drug used to treat ADHD. It is available in various forms, including tablets that chew liquid as well as an oral disintegrating tablet that performs long, and a pill with extended release. The drug increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This improves concentration. It may also reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Methylphenidate is a proven treatment for ADHD when combined with other treatments, like behavioural therapy.
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. People who suffer from diabetes should be on guard when taking this medication since it can cause rapid increases in blood sugar. Consult your physician in the event that you have any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate can also trigger Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness in the feet and fingers. This is a rare side effect but it is important to notify your doctor if you have these symptoms.
Some people are concerned that methylphenidate could slow the growth of children. However this hasn't been proved. If you have a child being treated with methylphenidate be sure to keep track of the child's weight and height carefully. If your child is taking tablets containing methylphenidate, the phenylalanine in it can be dangerous to children with phenylketonuria. If you suffer from PKU, ask your doctor about different formulations of methylphenidate.
Certain people have issues with stimulants which are the most popular choice of medication for treating ADHD. In these cases doctors might prescribe other medications that function in a similar way. Besides methylphenidate, there are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine and Lisdexamfetamine. These are stronger than methylphenidate and can last longer. The typical dosage is twice or three times daily, but some people might be able to take them more frequently. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD however they are not as effective as stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also called Strattera and is a nonstimulant ADHD drug that boosts concentration while reducing the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It's part of a class of medications known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. two chemical messengers that regulate the brain's activity. It is a popular option for adults and children who want a different type of medication than stimulants, such as Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is crucial to keep in mind that atomoxetine doesn't work instantly, and it can take up to six weeks for the effects of the drug to be evident. There is also the possibility of experiencing negative side effects, such as drowsiness and nausea. However, the benefits of atomoxetine outweigh the risks for most patients.
In a double-blind placebo controlled study that was conducted on 297 ADHD patients between the ages of 12 and 18 years old, the effectiveness of atomoxetine was confirmed. The participants were randomized to receive atomoxetine, which is a daily dose of 0.6 mg per kilogram or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for 9 weeks. In both the atomoxetine and placebo groups, symptoms of depression were less. The atomoxetine group saw greater improvements in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was not as dramatic (Michelson and co. 2001).
In a separate open study in another open trial, 10 patients with ADHD who were unable to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine over 8 weeks. The group receiving atomoxetine had improved ADHD symptoms compared to placebo group and scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version and Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale improving significantly. One patient withdrew due to a rash. In addition, three patients reported intermittent gastrointestinal problems and one patient reported fatigue that was more severe (Kratochvil and colleagues, 2005).
Talk to your doctor before you start treatment with atomoxetine about your medical history, which includes any supplements or medications you are taking. This includes herbal remedies and other over-the-counter medicines. Tell your doctor whether any of the following conditions occur: narrow-angle glaucoma; a thyroid or adrenal gland tumor or a high blood pressure heart disease or sudden death. It is also recommended to be wary of atomoxetine in the event that you have 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 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 dosage for you. Bupropion is available in tablets and capsules. It's important to take the medication as prescribed. If you stop taking it abruptly you could experience withdrawal symptoms.
The usual dosage is two or three doses daily separated by four to six hours. The dosage can range from 100mg twice or three times a day to 150mg four or three times daily. The drug is absorbed in the digestive tract and excreted into urine, which means it cannot be absorbed into breast milk. However, it can be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion raises blood pressure. It's important to monitor it frequently.
In addition to improving the symptoms of ADHD Bupropion can also reduce depression. It is also used to treat bipolar disorder. It is a method of blocking dopamine receptors in your brain. This stops the neurotransmitter, dopamine, from entering your brain. This helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other medications. Inform your doctor if you're taking any other medications. It's essential to let your doctor know if have any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants as they can make the side effects worse.
In several studies the more info bupropion drug was compared with placebos for adults with ADHD. These studies had mixed results and were poorly conducted. A majority of these studies excluded participants with psychiatric co-morbidity. The results suggest that bupropion does have a modest impact on ADHD. More research is needed to determine positive outcomes for patients, such as the improvement in their quality of life. Before effective treatments can be developed it is essential to gain a better understanding of the molecular causes of ADHD. This requires a deeper understanding of the interplay between molecular pathways. Moreover, it's critical to know how various anti-ADHD drugs work with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed to children suffering from ADHD aren't effective or cause undesirable side effects, doctors might turn to antidepressants as a treatment. These medications, including imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), help by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain to help people focus. These older medications can cause serious side consequences. They are typically employed when other drugs fail.
The first choice of antidepressant for depression is typically a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram or escitalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants are still being used in certain instances despite their long-standing history. These medications are effective in treating neuropathic and other pains, but their antidepressant effect is not the identical. They enhance noradrenephrine through inhibiting its reuptake and also act as antagonists of pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs are less toxic and have less adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. In addition, they're safer in the womb and don't appear to be teratogenic in humans or animals. However, they can cause significant withdrawal symptoms if they are stopped abruptly. To lessen the negative adverse effects, your physician may suggest reducing your dose gradually over several weeks.
While not officially approved by the FDA as a medication for adhd, bupropion is a commonly prescribed antidepressant off-label to treat ADHD. It is believed to be effective by increasing neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which enhances concentration. It's also known to relieve anxiety and can be used in conjunction with stimulants for more rapid and lasting results.
Although there aren't any other FDA-approved medications that are nonstimulant for ADHD, many people do get relief from the use of supplements to their diets and herbs. A diet low on fat and sugar may help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Some people might benefit from avoiding caffeine. It is essential to inform your doctor about all the medications that you or your child takes, including over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies. This will help prevent interactions and minimize unwanted adverse effects. ADHD medications can affect individuals differently. It could take a bit of trial and error before you find the right dosage and drug for your child or yourself.