20 Important Questions To Ask About ADHD Treatment Medication Prior To Purchasing ADHD Treatment Medication
ADHD Treatment MedicationStimulants, which are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD are believed to regulate brain chemicals and increase their levels. They cannot treat the disorder, but rather manage symptoms if used regularly.
Side effects of ADHD medications can include changes in blood pressure, heart rate, anxiety and tics. Certain teens and children who are taking stimulant medication experience a slight reduction in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant for the central nervous system and the most commonly prescribed drug to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety forms such as a liquid, chewable tablet and a long-acting disintegrating orally disintegrating tablet, and an extended release pill. The drug works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, helping to increase focus. It can also help to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Methylphenidate can be a successful treatment for ADHD in combination with other treatments, such as behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate is a drug that blocks transporters that normally remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug may cause a slight increase in blood pressure or heart rate. It may also trigger a rapid change in blood sugar levels, so those with diabetes must be cautious when taking this medication. Consult your physician when you have any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate is also known to cause a condition called Raynaud's phenomenon, which causes numbness and discomfort in the toes and fingers. This is an uncommon side effect, but it is important to tell your doctor if you have these symptoms.
There are some who believe that methylphenidate may slow children's growth. However this hasn't been proved. If you have a child being treated with methylphenidate be sure to keep track of his or her weight and height carefully. If your child takes a tablet containing methylphenidate that contains phenylalanine, it could be harmful for children suffering from phenylketonuria. Ask your doctor about a different formulation of methylphenidate when you suffer from PKU.
Certain people have issues with stimulants which are the most popular treatment for ADHD. In these instances, doctors might prescribe a different medication that functions in a similar way. There are also other stimulants like dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine, in addition to methylphenidate. These substances can last longer and are more potent than methylphenidate. They are usually taken at least three times a day However, some people might be able to take them more often. Psychological treatments are also available to treat ADHD however, they are less likely to be beneficial than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also called Strattera and is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that improves concentration while reducing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It's part of a class of medications known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It is a stimulant of dopamine and norepinephrine. two chemical messengers that control the brain's activity. It is popular with children and adults who want an alternative to stimulants such as Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is important to remember that atomoxetine does not work immediately, and it may take up to 6 weeks for the effects of the medication to be evident. Additionally, you could experience side-effects such as diminished appetite, drowsiness and stomach upset. For the majority of patients the benefits of taking atomoxetine are greater than the risks.
In a double-blind placebo-controlled study of 297 ADHD patients aged between 12 and 18, the effectiveness of atomoxetine is verified. Participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine in a daily dose of 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over a period of 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine and placebo groups, symptoms of depression were reduced. The atomoxetine group experienced greater improvements in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was only modest (Michelson and co. 2001).
In a separate open study, 10 patients with ADHD who were unable to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine for 8 weeks. The group treated with atomoxetine showed improvement in ADHD symptoms when compared to the 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 improving significantly. However, one patient experienced an rash and resigned from the study. Three patients also reported temporary stomach symptoms, and one patient complained of increased fatigue.
Consult your physician before you begin treatment with atomoxetine. Discuss your medical history, including any supplements or medications you are taking. This includes herbal remedies and prescription medications. It is crucial to tell your doctor if you suffer from narrow-angle glaucoma, thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor, high blood pressure, heart disease, or a history of sudden death. It is also recommended to avoid atomoxetine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, rasagiline or phenelzine, as well as tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a nonstimulant, can help to improve ADHD symptoms. It also helps reduce the amount of impulsivity and improve concentration. However it doesn't affect the brain in the similar way that stimulants do. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will determine the best dosage for you. Bupropion is available in capsules and tablets. It is important to take the medication exactly as instructed. If you stop taking it suddenly you could experience withdrawal symptoms.
The most common dosage is two or three doses per day divided by 4 to 6 hours. The dosage can range from 100mg two or three times per day up to 150mg three or four times every day. The drug is absorbed into the digestive tract and excreted into urine, meaning it can't enter breast milk. However, it is able to be absorbed into the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion can increase your blood pressure, so it's vital to monitor it regularly.
Bupropion, in addition to improving ADHD symptoms and reducing depression, also helps to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. It is also used to treat bipolar disorder. It is a method of blocking dopamine receptors within your brain. This stops the neurotransmitter, dopamine, from entering your brain. This helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other drugs. Inform your doctor if taking any other medication. It is important to inform your doctor know that you have any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants since they can cause side effects to become worse.
Numerous studies have compared bupropion to placebos in adults with ADHD. These studies yielded mixed results and were not conducted properly. Moreover, many of them excluded people with psychiatric comorbidity. However, the evidence suggests that bupropion may have a small impact on ADHD. More research is needed to determine positive outcomes for patients, such as an improvement in quality of life. Before effective treatments can be developed it is crucial to understand the underlying causes of the molecular types of ADHD. This is a greater understanding of the interplay between molecular pathways. Additionally, it's important to understand how different anti-ADHD agents work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
When the stimulants prescribed for children with ADHD don't work or cause undesirable side effects, doctors may consider antidepressants as a treatment. These medications, such as imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), help by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain to help people focus. These are old drugs that may have a number of adverse reactions, and are usually only used when other medications have failed.
The first option for depression treatment is typically a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as sertraline, fluoxetine or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants which have been around for decades, may still be used in certain situations. They also work in reducing neuropathic pain. They also provide a pain-relieving effect that is separate from their antidepressant properties. They enhance noradrenephrine through here inhibiting its reuptake, and also act as lower modulators of pain pathways in the spinal cord.
SSRIs have lower risks of toxicity, and less serious side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They're also safer during pregnancy and aren't teratogenic in animals or humans. If abruptly stopped, they could cause withdrawal symptoms that are severe. Your doctor may suggest slowly lowering the dose over several weeks to reduce the effects.
Although it isn't officially recognized by the FDA as an adhd medication, bupropion is a commonly prescribed antidepressant off-label for ADHD. It is believed to increase neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which improves concentration. It's also known to relieve anxiety, and it can be utilized in conjunction with stimulants for more rapid and lasting results.
Although there aren't any other FDA-approved nonstimulant medications for ADHD Many people get relief from the use of nutritional supplements and herbs. A diet that is low in fat and sugar may help reduce ADHD symptoms. Some people might also benefit by staying clear of caffeine. It's important to tell your doctor about all medications you or your child takes, including over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies. This can help reduce unwanted side effects and help prevent interactions. ADHD medication can affect each person differently, so it's sometimes a process of trial and error to discover the right drug and dosage for your child or yourself.