A Delightful Rant About ADHD Treatment Medication
ADHD Treatment Medication Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD and can increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. However, they don't cure the condition and will only help with symptoms as long as they are taken regularly. The side effects of ADHD medication can include an increase in heart rate and blood pressure as well as upset stomach anxiety and tics. Some children and teens who are taking stimulant medication have a slight decrease in their growth. Methylphenidate Methylphenidate, 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 that performs long and has an extended release. The drug is effective by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which helps to improve concentration. resources may also reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Methylphenidate is a proven treatment for ADHD in combination with other treatments, including behavioural therapy. Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that eliminate these neurotransmitters naturally from the brain. The drug may cause a slight increase in blood pressure and heart rate. It may also trigger a rapid change in blood sugar levels, which is why those with diabetes must be cautious when taking this medication. Speak to your doctor in the event that you notice any of these signs. Methylphenidate can also trigger Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness in the fingers and feet. This is a rare but serious side result. It is important to notify your doctor if any of these symptoms are observed. Some people are concerned that methylphenidate may slow children's growth. However this hasn't been proven. If you have a child who is receiving treatment with methylphenidate be sure to monitor the child's weight and height closely. If your child is taking a methylphenidate tablet, the phenylalanine in it could pose a risk to children with Phenylketonuria. Ask your doctor about a different methylphenidate formula when you suffer from PKU. Stimulants are often considered to be the first choice treatment for ADHD However, some individuals have issues with these medications. In these instances doctors might prescribe other medications that function in a similar way. Besides methylphenidate, there are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine and the lisdexamfetamine. These substances can last longer and are more potent than methylphenidate. They are usually taken between two and three times per day, but some people can take them more often. Psychological treatments are also available to treat ADHD however they are less likely to be beneficial than stimulants. Atomoxetine Atomoxetine, also known by the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that increases concentration and reduces hyperactivity as well as 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 brain activity. It is a preferred option for adults and children who want a different type of medication from stimulants like Adderall and Vyvanse. It is important to know that atomoxetine does not work immediately. It could take up to six weeks before the effects of this medication begin to show. In addition, you may experience side-effects such as reduced appetite, drowsiness and stomach upset. For the majority of patients the benefits of taking atomoxetine are greater than any risks. The effectiveness of atomoxetine was 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 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, symptoms of depression were reduced. The atomoxetine treatment group showed greater improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group. However the improvement was only modest (Michelson et al 2001). In a second open study that included 10 ADHD patients who were not responding to stimulants were treated with an atomoxetine treatment over 8 weeks. The group treated with atomoxetine showed improvements in ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo, with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Version of the screening and Clinical Global Impression of Severity scales increasing significantly. One patient was unable to continue treatment due to a rash. Three patients experienced gastrointestinal issues that were transient and one reported increased fatigue (Kratochvil et al 2005). Before beginning treatment with atomoxetine, talk to your doctor about your health background and any other medications or supplements that you're taking. This includes herbal remedies and other over-the-counter medicines. Inform your doctor whether any of the following conditions are present: narrow-angle glaucoma; a 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 like isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, rasagiline, phenelzine or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days. Bupropion Bupropion is a non-stimulant drug that can improve the symptoms of ADHD. It can also decrease the impulsivity of children and improve focus. However, it does not affect the brain in the similar way that stimulants do. It's only available with a prescription. Your doctor will determine the most effective dosage for you. Bupropion is available as capsules and tablets. It is essential to take the medication exactly as prescribed. If you stop taking it suddenly you may experience withdrawal symptoms. It's usually taken twice or three times daily with a 4-6 hour interval between each dose. The dosage can vary between 100 mg two or three times per day up to 150 mg three or four times a day. The drug is taken up by the digestive system and excreted in urine. It is not able to enter breast milk. It can, however, get into the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion can increase blood pressure. It's important to monitor it frequently. Bupropion is a great drug that, in addition to reducing 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 reaching your brain, which helps stabilize your mood. Bupropion may interact with other drugs So it's crucial to inform your doctor of any other medications you're taking. It's also important to know if you have any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants since they can make side effects worse. A number of studies have compared bupropion with placebos in adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and the majority of studies were not conducted properly. Many of these studies did not include participants with psychiatric co-morbidity. The results suggest that bupropion can have an impact on ADHD. However, more research is needed to establish positive outcomes for patients such as improvements in quality of life. Before effective treatments can be developed it is essential to understand the underlying causes of the molecular causes of ADHD. This requires a deeper understanding of the relationship between molecular pathways. Furthermore, it's essential to understand how different anti-ADHD agents work in combination with psychotherapy. Tricyclic antidepressants Antidepressants can be prescribed by doctors when stimulants prescribed for children suffering from ADHD are not effective or cause adverse side effects. These medications, like imipramine and Nortriptyline, (Aventyl and Pamelor), increase the neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine in the brain, which helps people focus. These older medications can cause serious negative side effects. They are typically used when other medications are not working. The first choice of antidepressants in depression is usually a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as fluoxetine, sertraline, or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants, that have been around for a long time, can be used in some cases. These drugs are effective in treating neuropathic pain and other conditions however their antidepressant effect is not the identical. They potentiate the noradrenephrine receptor, by preventing its reuptake. They also act as descending moderators for pain pathways in spinal cord. SSRIs are less harmful and have fewer side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They're also safer in pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic in animals or humans. If they are abruptly stopped, they could cause severe withdrawal symptoms. To reduce the risk of these side effects, your doctor may suggest reducing your dose gradually over several weeks. Bupropion, a popular antidepressant that is prescribed off-label for treating ADHD, is not FDA approved as a treatment for adhd. It is believed 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 for more rapid and sustained results. There are no FDA-approved nonstimulant ADHD medication, however many people experience relief from dietary supplements and herbal remedies. A diet low in fat and sugar can also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Also, avoiding caffeine can also be helpful to some people. It is important to inform your doctor about all medications that you or your child uses, including prescription drugs and herbal remedies. This will minimize unwanted side effects and prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect everyone differently, and it's often an exercise of trial and error to discover the appropriate dosage and medication for you or your child.