14 Cartoons About ADHD Treatment Medication That Will Brighten Your Day
ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD and can increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. However, they don't cure the condition and can only help manage symptoms as long as they are used regularly.
Side effects of ADHD medication can include changes in blood pressure as well as heart rate, anxiety and tics. Certain teenagers and children who take stimulant drugs experience a minor reduction in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous stimulant is the most well-known drug used to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms, including 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 norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which help to increase focus. It can also help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Methylphenidate can be a successful treatment for ADHD in conjunction with other treatments, including behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate is a drug that blocks transporters that remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug could cause a slight increase in blood pressure or heart rate. It can also cause an abrupt change in blood sugar levels, which is why diabetics should be cautious when taking this medication. If you experience any of these side effects, speak to your physician. Methylphenidate is also known to cause a condition called Raynaud's phenomenon, which causes numbness and pain in the fingers and toes. It is a rare but serious side effect. It is crucial to notify your doctor if these symptoms are observed.
There are some who believe that methylphenidate could slow children's growth. However, this has not been proved. If your child is taking methylphenidate, ensure that you keep an eye on their weight and height. If your child is on chewable tablets containing methylphenidate, it contains phenylalanine, which can be dangerous for children suffering from the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). If you have PKU, ask your doctor about different forms of methylphenidate.
Certain people have issues with stimulants which are the primary treatment for ADHD. In these cases doctors may prescribe a different medication that functions in a similar manner. There are also other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine, besides methylphenidate. These substances are more powerful than methylphenidate and may last longer. They are typically taken twice to three times a day However, some people take them more often. Psychological treatments are also available to treat ADHD however they are less likely to prove helpful than a stimulant.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also called Strattera and is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that improves concentration, while decreasing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It belongs to a category known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It is a drug that increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers which control the brain's activity. It is a favorite among children and adults who want an alternative to stimulants such as Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is important to know that atomoxetine isn't a drug that works instantly. It may take up to six weeks before the effects of this drug begin to show. There are also side effects such as drowsiness and nausea. For the majority of patients the benefits of taking atomoxetine are greater than any risks.
The effectiveness 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 atomoxetine at a daily dose 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for a period of 9 weeks. In adhd depression medication and placebo groups depression symptoms were less. 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 that included 10 ADHD patients who did not respond to stimulants were treated with an atomoxetine treatment over 8 weeks. The group receiving atomoxetine had improved ADHD symptoms 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 increasing significantly. However, one patient developed an rash and resigned from the study. Three patients experienced gastrointestinal issues that were transient and one reported increased fatigue (Kratochvil and co., 2005).
Consult your physician before you begin treatment with atomoxetine. Discuss your medical history, which includes any supplements or medications you're taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over the counter medicines. Tell your doctor whether any of the following conditions are present: narrow-angle glaucoma; a thyroid or adrenal gland tumour and high blood pressure heart disease or sudden death. You should avoid Atomoxetine in addition to if you've taken an MAO-inhibitor like isocarboxazid or linezolid within the last 14 days or rasagiline Methylene Blue Injection phenelzine, or tranylcypromine.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a nonstimulant that can improve the symptoms of ADHD. It can also decrease the amount of impulsivity and improve focus. However it doesn't affect the brain the similar way that stimulants do. It's only available on prescription. Your doctor will determine the right dosage for you. Bupropion comes in capsules and tablets. It is important to follow the directions. If you stop taking it suddenly you could experience withdrawal symptoms.
The most common dosage is two or three doses per day, separated by 4-6 hours. The dose can vary from 100mg two or three times a day to 150mg three or four times daily. The drug is taken up by the digestive system and excreted in urine. It cannot enter breast milk. However, it can get into the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion can increase blood pressure. It is important to check it frequently.
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 the dopamine receptors within your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine from entering your brain, which helps to regulate your mood.
Bupropion can interact with other medications. Inform your doctor if taking any other medication. It's also important to determine whether you suffer from any allergies. It is also important to stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants that could make the adverse effects worse.
Numerous studies have examined the effects of bupropion versus placebos in adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and the majority of them were not conducted properly. Furthermore, many of them did not include participants with psychiatric disorders. Nevertheless, the data suggest that bupropion has a modest effect on ADHD. However, more research is needed to establish positive outcomes for patients like improvements in quality of life. Before effective treatments can be developed, it is necessary to understand the underlying causes of the molecular forms of ADHD. This includes a better knowledge of the connection between the molecular pathways. It is also crucial to know how anti-ADHD drugs function in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
If the stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD do not work or cause troublesome side effects, doctors may look to antidepressants for treatment. These drugs, like imipramine and Nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor) are able to increase the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which help people to focus. These are older drugs which can cause serious adverse reactions, and are typically only considered when other drugs have failed.
The first choice of antidepressant for depression is usually a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine sertraline, citalopram and escitalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants are still used in some cases, despite their long history. These medications are effective in treating neuropathic pain and other conditions however their antidepressant effect is not the same. They increase the activity of the noradrenephrine receptor by blocking its reuptake, and they also function as descending modulators for pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs have lower risks of toxicity and have less severe adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. Additionally, they're safe in pregnancy and do not appear to cause teratogenicity in animals or humans. But they can have significant withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped. Your doctor may suggest slowly decreasing the dosage over several weeks to lessen the negative effects.
Although it isn't officially recognized by the FDA as a treatment for adhd Bupropion is a widely prescribed antidepressant that is off-label for ADHD. It is believed to be effective by increasing neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which improves concentration. It is also believed to ease anxiety and can be combined with stimulants to achieve more rapid and sustained results.
There are no FDA-approved nonstimulant ADHD medication, however many people have found relief through herbal remedies and supplements to their diets. A diet low in fat and sugar may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Also, avoiding caffeine can be beneficial for certain people. It is important to inform your doctor about all medications your child or you takes, including over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies. This will minimize unwanted side effects as well as prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect everyone differently, so it's sometimes a trial and error to discover the right drug and dosage for you or your child.