10 Quick Tips About ADHD Treatment Medication

ADHD Treatment Medication Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD and are believed to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals. They cannot treat the disorder, but rather treat symptoms if they are taken regularly. The adverse effects of ADHD medication may include an increase in heart rate and blood pressure as well as upset stomach, anxiety and tics. Some children and teenagers who take stimulant medications have a slight decrease in their growth rate. 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 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, which help to increase focus. It can also lessen the symptoms of anxiety and depression. When combined with other treatments such as behavioral therapy, methylphenidate may be a very effective treatment for ADHD. Methylphenidate works by blocking the transporters that are normally responsible for removing these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug can cause a slight increase in blood pressure or heart rate. Patients with diabetes should be aware of this medication as it could cause a rapid rise in blood sugar. If you experience any of these side effects, talk with your doctor. Methylphenidate can also cause a condition called Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness as well as pain in the fingers and toes. This is a rare side effect, however, it is crucial to tell your doctor if you experience these symptoms. There are some who believe that methylphenidate may slow the growth of children. However, this has not been proven. If you have a child being treated with methylphenidate be sure to monitor the height and weight closely. If your child is taking chewable tablets of methylphenidate that contains phenylalanine which is a risk for children who have the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). Consult your physician about a different formulation of methylphenidate when you suffer from PKU. Stimulants are considered the first-choice medication for treating ADHD however, certain people are not able to use them. In these cases doctors might prescribe other drugs that function similarly. There are other stimulants like dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine in addition to methylphenidate. These drugs can last for longer and are more potent than methylphenidate. They are usually taken two to three times a day, but some people can take them more frequently. Psychological treatments are also available to treat ADHD, but they are less likely to be beneficial than stimulants. Atomoxetine Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera and is a non-stimulant ADHD drug that increases concentration while decreasing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It is in a class of medications called selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitors. It works by boosting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers that regulate the brain's activity. It is a favorite among adults and children who seek an alternative to stimulants such as Adderall or Vyvanse. It is important to remember that atomoxetine doesn't work immediately, and it may take up to 6 weeks for the effects of the medication to become apparent. In addition, you may experience side-effects such as drowsiness, decreased appetite, and stomach upset. However the benefits of atomoxetine outweigh the risks for a majority of patients. The effectiveness of atomoxetine was verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled study 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 a period of 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine and placebo groups depression symptoms were reduced. The atomoxetine group saw greater improvements in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However the improvement was not as dramatic (Michelson and colleagues 2001). In a separate open study in another open trial, 10 patients with ADHD who failed to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine for 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 and Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale improving significantly. One patient had to withdraw due to a rash. Three patients also reported temporary digestive symptoms, and one complained of increased fatigue. Consult adhd medications for adults before you begin treatment with atomoxetine about your medical history, including any supplements or medications you take. This includes herbal remedies and prescription medications. It is particularly important to tell your doctor if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor and high blood pressure heart disease or a history of sudden death. It is also recommended to be wary of atomoxetine in the event that you have taken an MAO inhibitor like isocarboxazid, linezolid or methylene blue injection rasagiline or phenelzine, as well as tranylcypromine, in the past 14 days. Bupropion Bupropion is a non-stimulant medication that can aid in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It also helps reduce impulsivity and boost focus, though it does not affect the brain in the same way as stimulants. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will determine the right dosage for you. Bupropion is available in tablets and capsules. It is essential to take the medication exactly as directed. You might experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop suddenly. The typical dosage is two or three doses daily divided by 4-6 hours. The dosage can range from 100 mg twice or three times a day to 150 mg three or four times daily. The drug is absorbed by the digestive tract, and then is excreted in urine, meaning it isn't able to enter breast milk. However, it can be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause harm to other organs. Bupropion can increase blood pressure. It is essential to check it regularly. Bupropion is a great drug that, in addition to reducing ADHD symptoms and reducing depression, also helps to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. 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 can help stabilize mood. Bupropion may interact with other drugs. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications. It's also important to find out if you have any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants since they can make the side effects worse. Several studies have examined the effects of bupropion versus placebos in adults suffering from ADHD. These studies yielded mixed results and were not conducted properly. A majority of these studies excluded people with psychiatric disorders co-morbidity. However, the evidence suggests that bupropion may have a small effect on ADHD. More research is required to determine the positive effects for patients, such as the improvement in their quality of living. Before effective treatments can be developed it is crucial to gain a better understanding of the molecular types of ADHD. This is a greater understanding of the connection between molecular pathways. Additionally, it's important to know how various anti-ADHD agents work 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 negative effects. These medications, like imipramine and Nortriptyline, (Aventyl and Pamelor) are able to increase the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which help people to focus. These older drugs may cause severe side effects. They are usually only employed when other drugs are not working. The first choice of antidepressants for depression is typically a selective serotonin receptor inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine sertraline, citalopram, or escitalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants, that have been in use for decades, may still be used in some cases. They are effective in treating neuropathic and other pains, but their antidepressant effect is not the identical. They increase the activity of the noradrenephrine receptor through blocking its reuptake. They also function as descending modulators for pain pathways in the spinal cord. SSRIs have less risk of toxicity and have less severe side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. In addition, they're safer in pregnancy and aren't teratogenic in humans or animals. However, they may cause severe withdrawal symptoms if they are stopped abruptly. To minimize these side effects, your doctor may suggest reducing the dose gradually over a period of several weeks. While not officially approved by the FDA as an adhd medication bupropion is commonly prescribed antidepressant that is off-label for ADHD. It is believed to be effective by increasing neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain, which increases concentration. It is also believed to relieve stress and anxiety. It can be combined with stimulants to produce quicker and lasting results. There are no FDA-approved non-stimulant ADHD medication, however many people experience relief from herbal remedies and supplements to their diets. A diet that is low in sugar and fat can also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Certain people can also benefit by avoiding caffeine. Tell your doctor all medications you or your child is taking, including herbal remedies and over-the-counter medicines. This can help reduce unwanted side effects as well as prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect everyone differently, which is why it's often a process of trial and error to discover the appropriate dosage and medication for your child or yourself.