ADHD Treatment Medication<br /><br />Stimulants, which are the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD seem to balance brain chemicals and boost their levels. However, they cannot solve the problem and will only help manage symptoms as long as they are used regularly.<br /><br />The adverse effects of ADHD medications can include changes in blood pressure, heart rate, anxiety, and tics. Some children and teens who are taking stimulant medication experience a slight reduction in their growth.<br /><br />Methylphenidate<br /><br />Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant and is the most frequently prescribed drug to treat ADHD. It is available in many forms such as a liquid, chewable tablet and a long-acting disintegrating orally disintegrating tablet, and an extended release pill. The drug boosts the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This can help improve concentration. It may also reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. When used in conjunction with other treatments like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate could be an effective treatment for ADHD.<br /><br />Methylphenidate works by blocking the transporters that normally remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug can cause an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. It may also trigger an abrupt change in blood sugar levels, which is why people with diabetes should be cautious when taking this medication. Speak to your doctor when you notice any of these signs. Methylphenidate may also trigger the condition known as Raynaud's phenomenon, which causes numbness and discomfort in the toes and fingers. This is a rare but serious side effect. It is essential to inform your doctor if these symptoms are observed.<br /><br /><br /><br />There are some who believe that methylphenidate could slow the growth of children. However this hasn't been proven. If you have a child being treated with methylphenidate be sure to monitor the child's weight and height closely. If your child is on chewable tablets containing methylphenidate, it contains phenylalanine, which is potentially dangerous for children with the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). If <a href="https://squareblogs.net/violetwave2/ten-things-everyone-misunderstands-about-the-word-does-adhd-medication-work">medication for adhd in adults</a> have PKU, ask your doctor about different methylphenidate formulations.<br /><br />Stimulants are considered the first-choice medication for treating ADHD, but some individuals have issues with these medications. In these instances, doctors may prescribe other medications that function in a similar way. There are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine, besides methylphenidate. These are stronger than methylphenidate and can last longer. They are typically taken two to three times daily However, some people take them more frequently. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD however they are less effective than stimulants.<br /><br />Atomoxetine<br /><br />Atomoxetine, also known by the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that improves concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It belongs to a class called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It is a drug that increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers which control brain activity. It is popular with children and adults who want an alternative to stimulants such as Adderall or Vyvanse.<br /><br />It is important to remember that atomoxetine is not effective instantly and it could take up to six weeks for the effects of the drug to be apparent. In addition, you may experience side-effects such as diminished appetite, drowsiness and upset stomach. For the majority of patients the advantages of taking atomoxetine far outweigh any risk.<br /><br />The efficacy of atomoxetine was verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled study involving 297 ADHD patients ages 12 to 18. Participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine in a daily dose of 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine and placebo groups, symptoms of depression were less. The atomoxetine-treated group had more improvements in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. However, the improvement was modest (Michelson and co. 2001).<br /><br />In a follow-up open trial, 10 ADHD patients who did not respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine treatment 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 Screening version rated and the Clinical Global Impression of Severity scales improving significantly. One patient had to withdraw due to an skin rash. Three patients also reported transient gastrointestinal symptoms, and one patient complained of increased fatigue.<br /><br />Before beginning treatment with atomoxetine with your physician about your medical history as well as any other medications or supplements that you're taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as prescription medications. Inform your doctor when any of the following conditions occur for narrow-angle glaucoma thyroid or adrenal gland tumour; high blood pressure; heart disease or a history sudden death. You should also be wary of atomoxetine in the event that you have taken an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid linezolid, methylene blue injection, rasagiline or phenelzine, as well as tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.<br /><br />Bupropion<br /><br />Bupropion is a non-stimulant medication that can help improve symptoms of ADHD. It also helps to reduce impulsivity and increase concentration, but it does not affect the brain in the same way that stimulants do. Only prescriptions are approved. Your doctor will determine the right dosage for you. Bupropion is available as tablets and capsules. It is important to follow the directions. If you stop taking it abruptly, you may have withdrawal symptoms.<br /><br />It's usually taken twice or three times daily with a gap of 4-6 hours between each dose. The dosage can vary from 100 mg two or three times a day up to 150 mg three or four times a day. The drug is taken up by the digestive system, and excreted through urine. It cannot enter breast milk. However, it could be absorbed into the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion can increase your blood pressure, so it's important to monitor it frequently.<br /><br />Bupropion, in addition to improving 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 the dopamine receptors in your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine from reaching your brain, which helps stabilize mood.<br /><br />Bupropion may interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications. It's also important to know whether you are allergic to. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants since they can make the side effects worse.<br /><br />In several studies in a variety of studies, bupropion was compared with placebos for adults suffering from ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed, and the majority of studies were not well-designed. Many of these studies did not include participants with psychiatric co-morbidity. However, the research suggests that bupropion has a modest effect on ADHD. However it is necessary to conduct more research to establish positive outcomes for patients such as improvement in quality of life. Additionally, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is required before effective treatment can be created. This is a greater understanding of the relation between the different molecular pathways. Moreover, it's critical to know how various anti-ADHD drugs work with psychotherapy.<br /><br />Tricyclic antidepressants<br /><br />Antidepressants are often prescribed by doctors when stimulants prescribed for children suffering from ADHD do not work or cause adverse side negative effects. These medications, such as imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), are effective in boosting the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which help people concentrate. These are older drugs that may have a number of adverse reactions, and are usually tried only when other medications have failed.<br /><br />The first choice for antidepressants in depression is usually a serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as sertraline, fluoxetine or citalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants that have been in use for a long time, can be used in certain situations. They are also effective in treating neuropathic pain. They have a second pain-relieving action that is distinct from their antidepressant properties. They enhance noradrenephrine through inhibiting its reuptake. They also function as antagonists of pain pathways within the spinal cord.<br /><br />SSRIs have lower risks of toxicity and have less severe adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also less harmful during pregnancy and do not appear to be teratogenic for humans or animals. However, they can cause significant withdrawal symptoms if they are stopped abruptly. To reduce the risk of these adverse effects, your physician may suggest reducing the dose gradually over several weeks.<br /><br />Bupropion, a common antidepressant that is prescribed off-label for treating ADHD, is not FDA approved as an adhd drug. It's thought to work by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine and acetylcholine that are found in the brain, which improves concentration. It is also believed to relieve stress and anxiety. It can be used in conjunction with stimulants to produce quicker and lasting results.<br /><br />While there are no other FDA-approved medications that are nonstimulant for ADHD however, many people find relief with the use of supplements to their diets and herbs. A diet low in fat and sugar may also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Also, avoiding caffeine can also be helpful to some people. It's important to tell your doctor about all medications that you or your child uses, including prescription drugs and herbal remedies. This can help reduce unwanted side effects and help prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect every person differently, so it's sometimes an exercise of trial and error to determine the right drug and dosage for you or your child.<br /><br />