Blog entry by Dee Smythe
Stimulants, the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD are believed to regulate brain chemicals and boost their levels. However, they do not cure the condition and can only help manage symptoms as long as they are used regularly.
The side effects of ADHD
medication may include changes in blood pressure and heart rate
and stomach upset as well as anxiety and tics. Some children and
teenagers who take stimulant medications have a slight decrease
in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, a central nervous stimulant is the most well-known drug used to treat ADHD. It is available in a variety of forms, such as tablets that chew liquid, an orally disintegrating tablet that acts long and has an extended release. The drug boosts the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This can help improve concentration. It can also help reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Methylphenidate is a proven treatment for ADHD in conjunction with other treatments, such as behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate blocks transporters that remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug could cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure. It can also cause a rapid change in blood sugar levels, and people with diabetes should be careful when taking this medication. Talk to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate is also known to cause Raynaud's phenomenon which causes numbness in the fingers and feet. This is a rare side effect, but it is important to tell your doctor if you have these symptoms.
There is a concerns that methylphenidate can slow children's growth, however 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 child's weight and height carefully. If your child is taking a methylphenidate chewable tablet, it contains phenylalanine, which is a risk for children with the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). If you suffer from PKU, ask your doctor about different methylphenidate formulations.
Some people have difficulty with stimulants, which are the first treatment for ADHD. In these instances doctors might prescribe other medications that work similarly. In addition to methylphenidate, there are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine and Lisdexamfetamine. These drugs can last for longer and are stronger than methylphenidate. These drugs are typically taken twice or three times daily, but some people may be able to take them more frequently. Psychological treatments are also available for treating ADHD however they are less likely to prove beneficial than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera and is a non-stimulant adhd medication titration drug that increases concentration while reducing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It's part of a class of medications called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers that regulate the brain's activity. It is a popular choice for children and adults who prefer a different kind of medication than stimulants like Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is important to know that atomoxetine does not work immediately. It can take up 6 weeks before the effects of this drug become apparent. There are also negative side effects, such as nausea and drowsiness. However, the benefits of atomoxetine far outweigh the risks for most patients.
In a double-blind placebo-controlled study conducted on 297 ADHD patients between the ages of 12 and 18 years old, the effectiveness of atomoxetine has been verified. Participants were randomly assigned to receive the daily dose of atomoxetine 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over a period of 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine and the placebo group experienced a reduction in depression symptoms. The atomoxetine group saw more improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. The improvement was sporadic.
In a separate open study in another open trial, 10 patients with adhd medication prices uk who were unable to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine for 8 weeks. The group treated with atomoxetine showed improvement in ADHD symptoms in comparison to placebo, with scores on the Conners Adult adhd medication list uk Scale Investigator Version of the screening and the Clinical Global Impression Severity scales improving significantly. However, one patient experienced a rash and withdrew from the study. Three patients also reported transient stomach symptoms, and one patient reported increased fatigue.
Talk to your doctor prior to you start treatment with atomoxetine regarding your medical history, which includes any supplements or medications you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over-the-counter medicines. Tell your doctor if any of the following conditions are present such as narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid or adrenal gland tumor; high blood pressure; heart disease or sudden death. Also, be wary of atomoxetine in the event that you have taken an MAO inhibitor like isocarboxazid, linezolid or methylene blue injection rasagiline, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine within the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug, can help to improve intuitive adhd medication symptoms. It also helps reduce impulsivity and boost concentration, but it doesn't affect the brain in the same way as stimulants do. It's only available with a prescription. Your doctor will decide the best dosage for you. Bupropion is available in tablets and capsules. It is crucial to follow the directions. You may experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop abruptly.
The most common dosage is two or three doses daily divided by four to six hours. The dosage can range from 100mg twice or three times per day up to 150mg four or three times daily. The drug is absorbed in the digestive tract, and then eliminated into urine, meaning it cannot be absorbed into breast milk. However, it could be absorbed into the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion increases blood pressure. It's important to check it frequently.
Bupropion, in addition to improving ADHD symptoms it can also help reduce depression. It can also be used to treat bipolar disorder. It is accomplished by blocking dopamine receptors inside your brain. This stops the neurotransmitter, dopamine, from entering your brain. This 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 important to let your doctor know if you have any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants because they can make side 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 not well-designed. Furthermore, many of them excluded people with psychiatric comorbidity. The results suggest that bupropion can have a small effect on ADHD. However there is a need for 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 created. This includes a better understanding of the connection between the different molecular pathways. Additionally, it's important to know how various anti-ADHD agents work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
If the stimulants prescribed to children suffering from ADHD aren't effective or cause adverse side effects, doctors may turn to antidepressants as a treatment. These drugs, which include imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), work by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain to aid in concentration. These are older medications which can cause serious side effects, so they're usually tried only 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, that have been in use for a long time, can be used in certain situations. They also work in treating neuropathic pain and have a second pain-relieving action which is distinct from their antidepressant properties. They potentiate the noradrenephrine receptor through blocking its reuptake, and they also act as descending moderators for pain pathways in spinal cord.
SSRIs have lower risks of toxicity and less serious side effects than the tricyclic antidepressants. In addition, they're safer in pregnancy and don't appear to be teratogenic in animals or humans. But they can have significant withdrawal symptoms if they are stopped abruptly. To minimize these side effects, your doctor may suggest reducing your dose gradually over a period of several weeks.
Bupropion, a popular antidepressant that is prescribed off-label for treating ADHD however, it is not FDA approved as an adhd drug. It's believed to work by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine and acetylcholine in the brain to improve concentration. It is also known to relieve stress and anxiety. It can be used in conjunction with stimulants to produce quicker and lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved non-stimulant ADHD medications, however many people have found relief through dietary supplements and herbal remedies. A diet that is low in fat and sugar can also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Some people may benefit by avoiding caffeine. It is essential to inform your doctor about all the medications your child or you is taking, including prescription medications and herbal remedies. This will help prevent interactions and reduce unwanted side effects. ADHD medication can affect people differently. It may take some trial and error before you determine the best dosage and drug for your child or yourself.