Some Wisdom On ADHD Treatment Medication From The Age Of Five
ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD, and appear to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals. However, they cannot cure the condition and can only help with symptoms as long as they're taken regularly.
Side effects of all adhd medications medications may include changes in blood pressure as well as heart rate, anxiety and tics. Some teens and children who take stimulant drugs have a slight decrease in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant for the central nervous system and is the most widely used drug for treating ADHD. It comes in a variety forms including liquid, chewable tablet, a long-acting orally disintegrating tablet, and an extended-release pill. The drug works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which helps to enhance concentration. It may also reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. When combined with other treatments such as behavioral therapy, methylphenidate could be an effective treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that are normally responsible for removing these neurotransmitters from the brain. The medication can cause a slight increase in heart rate and blood pressure. It may also trigger rapid changes in blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes should be careful when taking this medication. Speak to your doctor in the event that you notice any of these signs. Methylphenidate may also trigger a condition called Raynaud's phenomenon that causes numbness and discomfort in the fingers and toes. This is a rare but serious side result. It is important to notify your doctor in the event that these symptoms occur.
There is some concern that methylphenidate slows children's growth, but this has not been proven to be the situation. If you have a child receiving treatment with methylphenidate be sure to monitor the child's height and weight closely. If your child is taking a tablet containing methylphenidate and phenylalanine is present, it could be harmful to children with phenylketonuria. Ask your doctor about an alternative methylphenidate formulation when you suffer from PKU.
Stimulants are often considered to be the first choice treatment for ADHD however, some people have trouble with them. In these cases doctors may prescribe another medication that performs in a similar manner. There are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine, in addition to methylphenidate. These are more powerful than methylphenidate and may last longer. They are typically taken two to three times a day however some people may take them more frequently. Psychological treatments are also available to treat ADHD however, they are less likely to prove effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also called Strattera and is a nonstimulant ADHD drug that boosts concentration while reducing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It belongs to a category called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It works by boosting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers which regulate brain's activity. It is a favorite among adults and children who seek a different medication than stimulants such as Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is crucial to understand that atomoxetine doesn't work instantly. It can take up 6 weeks before the effects of this drug are evident. Additionally, you could be afflicted by side effects such as drowsiness, decreased appetite, and stomach upset. However the benefits of atomoxetine far outweigh the risks for most patients.
In a double-blind, placebo controlled study that was conducted on 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18 years old, the efficacy of atomoxetine has been confirmed. Participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine, a daily dose of 0.6 mg per kilogram or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine and placebo groups depression symptoms were reduced. The atomoxetine treatment group showed better improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group. However the improvement was not as dramatic (Michelson and co. 2001).
In a separate open study, 10 patients with ADHD who failed to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine for 8 weeks. The atomoxetine treatment group demonstrated improved ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo, with scores on Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Screening version rated and Clinical Global Impression of Severity scales improving significantly. However, one patient experienced an allergic reaction and was removed from the study. Additionally, three patients reported intermittent gastrointestinal problems and one experienced increased fatigue (Kratochvil et al 2005).
Consult your physician before you start treatment with atomoxetine. Discuss your medical history, including any supplements or medications you're taking. This includes herbal remedies and over-the-counter medications. It is especially important to inform your doctor if there is narrow-angle glaucoma or a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor or high blood pressure, heart disease, or an unusually sudden death. Also, avoid atomoxetine if taken an MAO inhibitor like isocarboxazid, linezolid or methylene blue injection rasagiline or phenelzine, as well as tranylcypromine within the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a non prescription adhd medication-stimulant medication that can help improve symptoms of ADHD. It also helps to reduce impulsivity and boost concentration, but it does not affect the brain in the same way as stimulants do. Only prescriptions are approved. Your doctor will determine the best dosage for you. Bupropion comes in capsules and tablets. It is important to follow the directions. If you stop taking it suddenly, you may have withdrawal symptoms.
It's usually taken twice or three times per day with a gap of 4-6 hours between each dose. The dose can range between 100 mg two or three times daily up to 150 mg three or four times daily. The drug is in the digestive system and excreted into urine. It isn't able to penetrate breast milk. However, it could get into the bloodstream and cause damage to other organs. Bupropion increases blood pressure. It is important to monitor it frequently.
Bupropion, in addition to improving ADHD symptoms it can also help reduce depression. It is also used to treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors that are located in your brain. This stops the neurotransmitter, dopamine, from entering your brain. This helps stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other medications. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications. It's also important to determine if you have any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants since they can make the side effects worse.
In several studies in a variety of studies, bupropion was compared with placebos for adults with ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed, and the majority of them were not well-designed. Many of these studies excluded patients with psychiatric co-morbidity. The results suggest that bupropion has an impact on mild adhd medication. However there is a need for more research to identify positive outcomes for patients such as improvements in quality of life. Furthermore, a better understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is needed before effective treatment can be created. This includes a better understanding of the connection between different molecular pathways. Moreover, it's critical to understand how different anti-ADHD agents work in combination with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antidepressants can be prescribed by doctors when stimulants prescribed for 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 norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain, which aid in concentration. These older medications can cause severe side effects. They are usually only used when other medications fail.
The first choice of antidepressant for depression is usually a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram or escitalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants are still used in certain instances despite their long-standing history. These medications are also effective in reducing neuropathic pain. They also have a second pain-relieving action that is distinct from their antidepressant activity. They potentiate the noradrenephrine receptor by blocking its reuptake, and they also function as descending modulators for pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs have less risk of toxicity, and less serious side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They're also safer in the womb and aren't teratogenic in humans or animals. However, they may cause severe withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped. Your doctor may recommend slowly lowering the dose over several weeks to minimize these effects.
Bupropion, a popular antidepressant that is used off-label to treat ADHD however, it is not FDA approved as an adhd drug. It's thought to increase the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine and acetylcholine within the brain, which improves concentration. It also has been proven to reduce anxiety, and it can be utilized in conjunction coping with adhd without medication for odd and adhd (http://q.044300.net/) stimulants to achieve more rapid and sustained results.
While there aren't any FDA-approved nonstimulant drugs for ADHD however, many people get relief from the use of supplements to their diets and herbs. A diet that is low in sugar and fat may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Similarly, eliminating caffeine can be beneficial to some people. Discuss with your doctor any medicines you or your child are taking such as herbal remedies and over-the-counter medicines. This will help minimize unwanted side effects as well as prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect everyone differently, which is why it's often a trial and error to discover the appropriate dosage and medication for your child or you.
