10 Facts About ADHD Treatment Medication That Insists On Putting You In A Positive Mood
10 Facts About ADHD Treatment Medication That Insists On Putting You In A Positive Mood
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ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD, and appear to increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. They are not able to treat the disorder, but rather treat symptoms if taken regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication may include changes in blood pressure and heart rate as well as upset stomach anxiety and tics. Some children and teens who are taking stimulant medication experience a slight reduction in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant for the central nervous system and is the most widely used drug for treating ADHD. It is available in a variety of forms, including tablets that chew liquid as well as an oral disintegrating tablet that acts long, and a pill with extended release. The drug works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps to enhance focus. It may also reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. When combined with other treatments like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate could be a successful treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate is a drug that blocks transporters that are normally responsible for removing these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug may cause an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. It may also trigger rapid changes in blood sugar levels, and people with diabetes should be aware when taking this medication. If you experience any of these side effects, speak with your doctor. Methylphenidate can also cause a condition known as Raynaud's phenomena, which causes numbness and pain in the toes and fingers. This is a rare side effect however, it is crucial to inform your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms.
There is some concern that methylphenidate slows children's growth, but this has not been proved to be the situation. If you have a child receiving treatment with methylphenidate be sure to keep track of his or her height and weight closely. If your child is on a methylphenidate chewable tablet that contains phenylalanine which is potentially dangerous for children with the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). Ask your doctor about an alternative methylphenidate formulation when you suffer from PKU.
Stimulants are considered the first-choice treatment for ADHD, but certain people are not able to use them. In these instances, doctors might prescribe another medication that performs in a similar manner. There are other stimulants like dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine, in addition to methylphenidate. These substances are stronger than methylphenidate and can last longer. The typical dosage is twice or three times daily However, some people may be able to take them more frequently. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD, but these are not as effective as stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera and is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that improves concentration while decreasing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It belongs to a category called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It is a drug that increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers which regulate brain's activity. It is popular with adults and children who seek a different medication than stimulants such as Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is important to remember that atomoxetine does not work instantly, and it can take up to 6 weeks for the effects of the drug to be evident. There is also the possibility of experiencing side effects such as nausea and drowsiness. For most patients, the benefits of taking atomoxetine outweigh any risk.
In a double-blind placebo-controlled study of 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18 years old, the effectiveness of atomoxetine has been verified. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either atomoxetine at a daily dose 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine group as well as the placebo group experienced reduction in depression symptoms. The atomoxetine group saw more improvements in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was not as dramatic (Michelson and colleagues 2001).
In another open trial, 10 patients suffering from ADHD who were unable to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine for 8 weeks. The group treated with atomoxetine showed improved ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo, with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Rated screening version and Clinical Global Impression of Severity scales gaining significant. One patient withdrew due to an skin rash. Three patients also reported transient digestive symptoms, and one patient complained of increased fatigue.
Before beginning treatment with atomoxetine, talk to your doctor about your medical history and any other medications or supplements that you're taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as prescription medications. It is particularly important to tell your doctor if there is narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor or high blood pressure, heart disease or a history of sudden death. It is also recommended to avoid atomoxetine if taken an MAO inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid or methylene blue injection rasagiline or phenelzine, as well as tranylcypromine within the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant can help improve ADHD symptoms. It can also reduce impulsivity, and increase concentration. However it doesn't affect the brain the similar way that stimulants do. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate dosage for you. Bupropion comes in tablets and capsules. It's important to take the medication as directed. There are withdrawal symptoms that can occur if you stop suddenly.
It's typically taken two or three times daily with 4-6 hours between each dose. The dose can range from 100 mg two or three times daily up to 150 mg three or four times a day. The drug is taken up by the digestive system and excreted into urine. It isn't able to penetrate breast milk. However, it can be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion raises blood pressure. It's important to check it regularly.
Bupropion can, in addition to helping to reduce ADHD symptoms and reducing depression, also helps to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. It is also a treatment for bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors that are located in your brain. This stops the neurotransmitter, dopamine, from reaching your brain. This helps to stabilize your mood.
Bupropion can interact with other medications, so it's important to inform your doctor about any other medications you're taking. It's also important to find out if you have any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants since they can make side effects worse.
In several studies, bupropion was compared to placebos for adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and most studies were poorly conducted. Many of these studies excluded patients with psychiatric co-morbidity. The research suggests that bupropion can have a small effect on ADHD. However it is necessary to conduct more research to identify positive outcomes for patients such as improvements in quality of life. Before effective treatments can be developed it is essential to gain a better understanding of the molecular types of ADHD. This is a greater understanding of the relationship between the molecular pathways. It is also crucial to know how anti-ADHD drugs function in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants may be prescribed by doctors when stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD don't work or cause adverse side effects. These drugs, which include imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), work by increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which aid in concentration. These are old drugs that may have a number of adverse effects, so they're typically only considered after other medications have failed.
The first choice of antidepressants for depression is typically a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram, or escitalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants, that have been around for decades, may still be utilized in certain instances. They also work in treating neuropathic pain. They provide a pain-relieving effect which is distinct from their antidepressant effect. They enhance the noradrenephrine receptor through blocking its reuptake, and they also act as descending modulators for 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 don't appear to be teratogenic for humans or animals. However, they may cause severe withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. To lessen the negative adverse effects, your physician may suggest reducing your dose gradually over several weeks.
While not officially approved by the FDA as a treatment for adhd bupropion is commonly prescribed antidepressant off-label for ADHD. It is believed to be effective by increasing neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which increases concentration. It is also known to alleviate anxiety and stress. It can be used in conjunction with stimulants for more rapid and lasting results.
There are no FDA-approved nonstimulant ADHD medications, but many people find relief from more info herbal remedies and dietary supplements. A diet low in fat and sugar can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Certain people can also benefit from abstaining from caffeine. Tell your doctor all medications that you or your child is taking such as herbal remedies and prescription drugs. This can help reduce unwanted side effects and prevent interactions. ADHD medication can affect each person differently, which is why it's often a process of trial and error to determine the right dosage and drug for your child or yourself.