10 Facts About ADHD Treatment Medication That Can Instantly Put You In A Good Mood
10 Facts About ADHD Treatment Medication That Can Instantly Put You In A Good Mood
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ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD, and appear to increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. They cannot treat the disorder, but rather treat symptoms if used regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication can include an increase in blood pressure and heart rate as well as upset stomach, anxiety and tics. Some children and teens who take stimulant medications have a slight decrease in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, a central nervous stimulant, is the most common medication used to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety forms such as a chewable tablet that is liquid, a long-acting orally disintegrating tablet, and an extended-release pill. The drug increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This helps to improve concentration. It can also help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. When used in conjunction with other treatments like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate can be a successful treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that are normally responsible for removing these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug may cause a slight increase in heart rate or blood pressure. It can also cause a rapid change in blood sugar levels, so diabetics should be aware when taking this medication. If you encounter any of these side effects, speak to your doctor. Methylphenidate can also cause a condition known as Raynaud's phenomena that causes numbness and discomfort in the toes and fingers. This is an uncommon side effect, but it is important to inform your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
There is a concern that methylphenidate slows the growth of children, but it hasn't been proven to be the case. If you have a child who is being treated with methylphenidate be sure to keep track of the weight and height closely. If your child is taking chewable tablets containing methylphenidate is a phenylalanine-based tablet, which can be dangerous for children suffering from the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). Consult your physician about a different methylphenidate formula if you have PKU.
Some people are unable to take stimulants which are the primary treatment for ADHD. In these instances, doctors may prescribe other medications that work in a similar way. There are also other stimulants like dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine, besides methylphenidate. These drugs can last longer and are more potent than methylphenidate. They are usually taken at least three times a day however some individuals might be able take them more often. Psychological treatments are also available to treat ADHD however they are less likely to prove beneficial than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera and is a nonstimulant ADHD drug that increases concentration while reducing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It's part of a group of medications known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It works by boosting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers that control the brain's activity. It is a preferred choice for both adults and children who prefer a different type of medication than stimulants like 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 medication become apparent. There are also adverse effects like drowsiness and nausea. For the majority of patients the benefits of taking atomoxetine are greater than the risks.
The efficacy of atomoxetine was verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled study involving 297 ADHD patients ages 12 to 18. 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 over 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine and the placebo group experienced a reduction in depression symptoms. The atomoxetine-treated group had more improvements in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was only modest (Michelson et al 2001).
In a second open study, 10 ADHD patients who were not responding to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine treatment for 8 weeks. The group receiving atomoxetine had improved ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group, with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version as well as the Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale improving significantly. However, one patient developed a rash and withdrew from the study. Three patients also reported transient gastrointestinal symptoms, and one patient noticed an increase in fatigue.
Before beginning treatment with atomoxetine to your doctor about your medical history as well as any other medications or supplements that you are taking. This includes herbal remedies and other over-the-counter medicines. It is crucial to tell your doctor if you have narrow-angle glaucoma or a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor, high blood pressure, heart disease or an unusually sudden death. You should also avoid atomoxetine if taken an MAO inhibitor like isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection rasagiline, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug, can help to improve ADHD symptoms. It also helps to reduce impulsivity and boost concentration, but it does not affect the brain in the same way as stimulants. It's only available with a prescription. Your doctor will decide on the most effective dosage for you. Bupropion is available in tablets and extended-release capsules. It is important to take the medication exactly as prescribed. If you stop taking it suddenly you could experience withdrawal symptoms.
The usual dosage is two or three doses daily, separated by 4 to 6 hours. The dosage can range from 100mg two or three times per day to 150mg four or three times every day. The drug is absorbed by the digestive system and excreted into urine. It isn't able to penetrate breast milk. It can, however, get into the bloodstream and cause harm to other organs. Bupropion raises blood pressure. It is important to check it regularly.
In addition to helping improve the symptoms of ADHD, bupropion can also reduce depression. It can also be used to treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors within your brain. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, is blocked from entering your brain, which can help to regulate your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor if taking any other medications. It's also important to determine whether you suffer from any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants since they can make side effects worse.
Numerous 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 people with psychiatric disorders co-morbidity. However, the evidence suggests that bupropion has a modest impact on ADHD. However it is necessary to conduct more research to establish positive outcomes for patients like improvements in quality of life. Furthermore, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is essential before a successful treatment can be developed. This is a greater understanding of the relationship between the molecular pathways. It is also crucial to know the way that anti-ADHD medications work in conjunction more info with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed for children suffering from ADHD do not work or cause adverse side effects, the doctor may turn to antidepressants as a treatment. These medications, such as imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), work by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain to aid in concentration. These are older drugs that may have a number of adverse reactions, and are typically only considered after other medications have failed.
The first choice of antidepressants for depression is typically a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram or escitalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants which have been around for decades, may still be used in some cases. They also work in reducing neuropathic pain. They also have an additional pain-relieving effect which is distinct from their antidepressant properties. They enhance noradrenephrine through inhibiting its reuptake and also act as descending modulators of pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs have lower risks of toxicity and less serious side effects than the tricyclic antidepressants. They are also less harmful during pregnancy and do not appear to be teratogenic to animals or humans. If suddenly stopped, they could cause significant withdrawal symptoms. To minimize these adverse effects, your physician may suggest reducing your dose gradually over a period of several weeks.
Bupropion, a popular antidepressant that is used off-label to treat ADHD, is not FDA approved as an adhd drug. It is believed to work by increasing neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which increases concentration. It is also known to reduce anxiety and stress. It can be used in conjunction with stimulants for more rapid and lasting results.
While there are no other FDA-approved medications that are nonstimulant for ADHD, many people do find relief with the use of supplements to their diets and herbs. A diet low on fat and sugar may aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Some people may benefit from staying clear of caffeine. Inform your doctor about all medications that you or your child are taking such as herbal remedies and prescription drugs. This will avoid interactions and reduce the risk of unwanted adverse effects. ADHD medication can affect people differently. It may take some trial and error before you determine the best dosage and dose for your child or yourself.