The Main Issue With ADHD Treatment Medication, And How To Fix It
The Main Issue With ADHD Treatment Medication, And How To Fix It
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ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD and can increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. However, they do not cure the condition and can only help with symptoms as long as they are taken regularly.
The adverse effects of ADHD medication could include changes in blood pressure and heart rate, upset stomach, anxiety and tics. Certain teens and children who take stimulant drugs 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 forms including chewable tablet, a liquid as well as a long-acting oral disintegrating tablet, and an extended-release pill. The drug increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which help to improve concentration. It may also reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. When coupled with other treatments, such as behavioral therapy, methylphenidate could be a very effective treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that are normally responsible for removing these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug can cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure. It may also trigger an abrupt change in blood sugar levels, which is why diabetics should be cautious when taking this medication. Talk to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate is also known to cause a condition known as Raynaud's phenomena, which causes numbness and discomfort in the toes and fingers. This is an uncommon side effect, however, it is crucial to tell your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
Some people are concerned that methylphenidate could slow the growth of children. However, this has not been proved. If you have a child who is receiving treatment with methylphenidate be sure to monitor the child's weight and height carefully. If your child takes a tablet containing methylphenidate and phenylalanine is present, it can be dangerous to children with Phenylketonuria. If you suffer from PKU consult your physician about other methylphenidate formulations.
Stimulants are the most popular treatment for ADHD, but some people have trouble with them. In these instances, doctors might prescribe another medication that works in a similar manner. Besides methylphenidate, there are other stimulants such as dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine. These drugs are a little more powerful than methylphenidate and may last longer. They are usually taken twice to three times a day however some people may take them more often. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD, but these are not as effective as stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also called Strattera and is a non-stimulant ADHD drug that boosts concentration while reducing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It's part of a group of drugs known as selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitors. It is a stimulant of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers that regulate the brain's activity. It is popular with people of all ages who need an alternative to stimulants such as Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is important to know that atomoxetine isn't a drug that works instantly. It can take up 6 weeks before the effects of this medication begin to show. You may also experience adverse effects like nausea and drowsiness. However, the benefits of atomoxetine far outweigh the risks for a majority of patients.
The efficacy of atomoxetine was verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled trial with 297 ADHD patients between the ages of 12 and 18. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either the daily dose of atomoxetine 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine group and the placebo group experienced reduction in symptoms of depression. The treatment group with atomoxetine showed greater improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was not as dramatic (Michelson and co. 2001).
In a second open study in a second open trial, 10 ADHD patients who did not respond to stimulants received the treatment of atomoxetine for eight 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 as well as the Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale increasing significantly. One patient had to withdraw due to a rash. In addition, three patients reported transient gastrointestinal disturbances and one experienced increased fatigue (Kratochvil et al 2005).
Before beginning treatment with atomoxetine, talk with your physician about your health history and any other medications or supplements that you're taking. This includes herbal remedies and over-the-counter medications. Tell your doctor when any of the following conditions occur for narrow-angle glaucoma thyroid or adrenal gland tumor or a high blood pressure heart disease or a history sudden death. Also, avoid atomoxetine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor like isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, rasagiline, phenelzine or tranylcypromine, in the past 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug can help improve ADHD symptoms. It can also reduce the impulsivity of children and improve focus. However it doesn't affect the brain the same way that stimulants do. It's only available with a prescription. Your doctor will decide the best dose for you. Bupropion comes in tablets as well as extended-release capsules. It's important 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 gap of 4-6 hours between each dose. The dosage can vary from 100 mg twice or three times a day to 150 mg three or four times a day. The drug is absorbed into the digestive tract, and then is excreted in urine, which means that it isn't able to enter breast milk. However, it can be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion increases blood pressure. It is important to monitor it frequently.
Bupropion can, in addition to helping to reduce ADHD symptoms it can also help reduce depression. It can also be used to treat bipolar disorder. It is accomplished by blocking dopamine receptors in your brain. This prevents the neurotransmitter dopamine from entering your brain, which helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other medications, so it's important to inform your doctor about any other medications you're taking. It's important to let your doctor know if have any allergies. You should also avoid caffeine and other stimulants, which could make the adverse effects worse.
In several studies the bupropion drug was compared with placebos for adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and most studies were poorly conducted. A majority of these studies excluded patients with psychiatric co-morbidity. The results suggest that bupropion does have an impact on ADHD. However there is a need for more research to identify positive outcomes for patients such as improvements in quality of life. Before effective treatments can be developed, it is necessary to gain a better understanding of the molecular forms of ADHD. This is a greater understanding of the connection between the different molecular pathways. Moreover, it's critical to know how various anti-ADHD agents work in combination with add adhd medications psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed to children suffering from ADHD do not work or cause adverse side effects, the doctor may consider antidepressants as a treatment. These drugs, which include imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), help by increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which aid in concentration. These older drugs may cause serious side effects. They are typically employed when other drugs are not working.
The first choice of depression treatment is typically a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as sertraline, fluoxetine or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants, that have been around for decades, may still be utilized in certain instances. These medications are effective in treating neuropathic pain and other conditions however their antidepressant effect is not the same. They potentiate the noradrenephrine receptor by blocking its reuptake, and they also function as descending modulators for pain pathways in spinal cord.
SSRIs are less toxic and have fewer side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also less harmful during pregnancy and do not appear to be teratogenic for humans or animals. If suddenly stopped, they could cause severe withdrawal symptoms. To reduce the risk of these side effects, your doctor may suggest reducing your dose gradually over a period of time.
Bupropion, a common antidepressant prescribed off-label to treat ADHD however, it is not FDA approved as a drug for adhd. It is believed to work by increasing neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which improves concentration. It is also believed to ease anxiety and can be combined with stimulants for more rapid and long-lasting results.
While there are no other FDA-approved nonstimulant drugs for ADHD Many people get relief from the use of supplements to their diets and herbs. A diet low in fat and sugar can also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Some people might also benefit by abstaining from caffeine. It is important to inform your doctor about all the medications you or your child is taking, including prescription medications and herbal remedies. This will prevent interactions and minimize unwanted adverse effects. ADHD medications can affect everyone differently, which is why it's often a process of trial and error to find the right dosage and drug for your child or you.