9 . What Your Parents Taught You About ADHD Treatment Medication
9 . What Your Parents Taught You About ADHD Treatment Medication
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ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD, and appear to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals. However, they do not cure the condition and will only help with symptoms as long as they are taken regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medications can include changes in blood pressure, heart rate, anxiety and tics. Some teens and children who are taking stimulant medication have a slight decrease in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous stimulant is the most well-known drug used to treat ADHD. It is available in various forms, including chewable tablets with liquid as well as an oral disintegrating tablet, which acts long and has an extended release. The drug increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps to increase focus. It can also help reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Methylphenidate is an effective treatment for ADHD when combined with other treatments, such as behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate is a drug that blocks transporters that normally remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug could cause a slight increase in heart rate or blood pressure. People with diabetes should also be aware of this medication since it can cause rapid increases in blood sugar. Talk to your doctor if you notice any of these signs. Methylphenidate is also known to cause Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness in the feet and fingers. This is a rare side effect, however it is essential to notify your doctor if you have these symptoms.
There are some who believe that methylphenidate may slow the growth of children. However, this has not been proven. If you have a child who is being treated with methylphenidate, ensure that you monitor his or her weight and height closely. If your child is on a methylphenidate chewable tablet that contains phenylalanine which is potentially dangerous for children suffering from the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). Consult your physician about an alternative methylphenidate formulation in case you suffer from PKU.
Some people are unable to take stimulants which are the most popular treatment for ADHD. In these cases doctors may prescribe a different medication that functions in a similar manner. In addition to methylphenidate, there are other stimulants such as dexamfetamine and the lisdexamfetamine. These drugs can last for longer and are more potent than methylphenidate. They are usually taken two to three times per day However, some people take them more frequently. Psychological treatments are also available to treat ADHD however, they are less likely to prove beneficial than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also known as the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that increases concentration and reduces hyperactivity as well as impulsiveness. It belongs to a category called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It works by boosting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers which regulate brain's activity. It is popular among people of all ages who need a different medication than stimulants like Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is crucial to keep in mind that atomoxetine is not effective instantly and it could take up to six weeks for the effects of the medication to be evident. Additionally, you may be afflicted by side effects such as reduced appetite, drowsiness and stomach upset. However the benefits of atomoxetine surpass the risks for many patients.
The effectiveness of atomoxetine was verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled study involving 297 ADHD patients ages 12 to 18. Participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine at a daily dose 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for a period of 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine group and the placebo group experienced reduction in depression symptoms. 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, 10 patients suffering from ADHD who were unable to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine for 8 weeks. The atomoxetine treatment group showed improved ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo, with scores on Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Version of the screening and Clinical Global Impression of Severity scales gaining significant. One patient withdrew due to an outbreak of rash. Three patients also reported temporary stomach symptoms, and one patient reported increased fatigue.
Talk to your doctor prior to you begin treatment with atomoxetine about your medical history, which includes any medications or supplements you take. This includes herbal remedies as well as over-the-counter medications. Inform your doctor whether any of the following conditions are present for narrow-angle glaucoma thyroid or adrenal gland tumour or a high blood pressure heart disease or sudden death. Also, avoid atomoxetine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid or methylene blue injection rasagiline, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine, in the past 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug, can help to improve ADHD symptoms. It can also reduce the impulsivity of children and improve focus. However it doesn't affect the brain the way stimulants do. Only prescriptions are approved. Your doctor will decide on the best dosage for you. Bupropion comes in capsules and tablets. It is important to take the medication as directed. If you stop taking it suddenly you could experience withdrawal symptoms.
The most common dosage is two or three doses daily separated by 4 to 6 hours. The dosage can vary from 100 mg twice or three times daily to 150 mg three or four times a day. The drug is taken up by the digestive system and excreted into urine. It is not able to enter breast milk. It can, however, be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion can increase blood pressure. It's important to check it frequently.
In addition to helping improve the symptoms of ADHD, bupropion can also reduce depression. It can also treat bipolar disorder. It is a method of blocking dopamine receptors inside your brain. This prevents the neurotransmitter dopamine from reaching your brain, which can help stabilize mood.
Bupropion may interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications. It is important to inform your doctor know that you are suffering from any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants since they can cause side effects to become worse.
Several studies have compared bupropion to placebos in adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed, and the majority of studies were not well-designed. A majority of these studies excluded patients with psychiatric co-morbidity. However, the evidence suggests that bupropion may have a small effect on get more info ADHD. However it is necessary to conduct more research to establish positive outcomes for patients such as improvements in quality of life. Before effective treatments can be created it is essential to have a better understanding of the molecular causes of ADHD. This is a greater understanding of the connection between the molecular pathways. It's also important to understand how anti-ADHD drugs function in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
If the stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD don't work or cause undesirable side effects, doctors might consider antidepressants as a treatment. These medications, such as imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor) boost the neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine in the brain, which help people to focus. These older drugs may cause severe side negative effects. They are typically used when other medications are not working.
The first option for depression-related antidepressants is typically a serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, sertraline or citalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants are still being used in certain instances despite their long-standing history. They are also effective in treating neuropathic pain and provide a pain-relieving effect that is separate from their antidepressant effect. They potentiate noradrenephrine by inhibiting its reuptake, and also act as antagonists of pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs have lower risks of toxicity and have less severe adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also safer during pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic to humans or animals. If suddenly stopped, they may cause withdrawal symptoms that are severe. Your doctor may recommend slowly reducing the dose over a few weeks to minimize these effects.
Bupropion, an antidepressant commonly prescribed off-label to treat ADHD but isn't FDA approved as an adhd drug. It's believed to increase the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and acetylcholine in the brain to increase concentration. It is also believed to reduce anxiety and stress. It can be used in conjunction with stimulants for faster and longer-lasting results.
While there aren't any FDA-approved nonstimulant medications for ADHD Many people feel relief through the use of nutritional supplements and herbs. A diet low on fat and sugar may help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Some people may benefit from avoiding caffeine. Tell your doctor all medications that you or your child are taking as well as herbal remedies and prescription medications. This will help prevent interactions and reduce the risk of unwanted adverse effects. ADHD medications can affect every person differently, so it's sometimes a process of trial and error to determine the right drug and dosage for you or your child.