ADHD Medications - What Are the Side Effects?<br /><br />Many people with ADHD are treated with medication. It can improve symptoms, but it could also have negative effects. Consult your physician in the event of any adverse reactions.<br /><br />Stimulants are the most common type of prescription medication that healthcare doctors prescribe to treat ADHD. These medications increase levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters that regulate the attention span and behavior.<br /><br />Methylphenidate<br /><br />Methylphenidate is a first-choice stimulant used to treat ADHD in children and adults. It works by increasing the activity of brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is also used to treat other conditions like narcolepsy. It can help those suffering from Narcolepsy remain awake throughout the day and improve their ability to concentrate and pay attention.<br /><br />This medication has a high potential for abuse and is classified as a Schedule II drug by the US Drug Enforcement Agency. This medication can be taken exactly as prescribed to reduce the chance of abuse and the adverse effects. Methylphenidate can trigger psychotic symptoms for some people. It may also worsen the behavior and tics of some people with bipolar disorder or Tourette's syndrome. Before starting this medication, those suffering from these conditions must inform their doctor.<br /><br />It's important to tell your doctor if you suffer from any other health issues or are allergic to any foods or dyes (such as tartrazine, a yellow dye present in processed foods and some medications and Adhansia XR). Methylphenidate can interact with certain medications, including opioids antidepressants and monoamine oxide inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), linezolid (Zyvox), methylene blue, Phenelzine (Nardil) and rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) or tranylcypromine (Parnate).<br /><br />Avoid drinking alcohol and other stimulant substances while taking methylphenidate. These drugs may have a negative impact on your heart rate or blood pressure. The immediate-release methylphenidate tablets (Ritalin) and the long-acting chewable tablet and the long-acting oral disintegrating capsule (Quillichew ER and Cotempla XR-ODT) contain Phenylalanine, which is dangerous if you suffer from a genetic condition called phenylketonuria (PKU).<br /><br />Bupropion<br /><br />Bupropion is an antidepressant drug that works within the brain to improve mood and decrease symptoms of ADHD. It can also be used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs in autumn-winter. It is also used to help smokers quit by reducing cravings for nicotine and withdrawal effects.<br /><br />Bupropion has been found to reduce ADHD symptoms in adults in numerous studies. The fixed-effect RR pooled for improvement over the course of a week (using a clinically meaningful change of 30 percent or more on the CGI scale) is 1.14 (95 percent CI 0.95 to 1.37) and overall response the corresponding percentage of improved subjects was 52% in the bupropion group, compared with 37 percent in the placebo group.<br /><br />Bupropion can cause serious and life-threatening interactions when taken with other medications. These include sedatives and antidepressants along with blood pressure medications. It can also increase the risk of having seizures for those with seizures or high blood pressure. It is also not recommended for people suffering from certain medical conditions. It should not be used by women who are nursing or pregnant. Bupropion is available under the brand name medications Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Zyban, Budeprion SR, Aplenzin, and Forfivo XL. It is also available as a generic drug.<br /><br />Tricyclic antidepressants<br /><br />Tricyclic antidepressants (abbreviated TCAs) are a group of drugs that affect the brain's chemical. They were among the first antidepressants developed. Although they are not used as a first line treatment for depression anymore however, they could still be effective for some individuals. They inhibit the reuptake of dopamine serotonin, and noradrenaline, thereby increasing their availability in neurons. They also aid in reducing the symptoms of other conditions, including pain syndromes and enuresis, like fibromyalgia or the phantom leg syndrome.<br /><br />TCAs can be prescribed alone or in conjunction with stimulants, and they can have a positive effect on symptoms of ADHD. They can reduce the severity of ADHD symptoms and reduce depression, anxiety and the tendency to be impulsive. Additionally, they can help manage disorders like tics, which are repeated uncontrollable movements or sounds, such as throat clearing or blinking.<br /><br />TCAs can trigger adverse reactions, including sedation and dry mouth, and can increase the risk of cardiovascular issues. These medications can interact negatively with other medications, such as anticholinergics and should not be taken by pregnant women. They are also known to be teratogenic in animals and can cross the placenta. If you have any concerns discuss it with your doctor because there are newer antidepressants with a safer side-effects profile.<br /><br />Selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)<br /><br />SSRIs are a class of antidepressants that block serotonin reuptake by neurons and increase the amount of serotonin for signaling. They also help reduce anxiety and the tendency to be impulsive. They are used to treat adhd as they can help some people suffering from their symptoms and are effective in conjunction with other medications. SSRIs include fluoxetine, sertraline-paroxetine and citalopram. They exhibit linear pharmacokinetics and have a low clearance from the human body. However, they are extensively processed by CYP450 enzymes inside the liver. This results in varying blood concentrations.<br /><br />These medications can also be prescribed to treat other disorders like posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder and bulimia nervosa. The SSRIs fluoxetine escitalopram and sertraline could help in reducing PTSD symptoms. They don't appear to be effective in treating other PTSD symptoms.<br /><br />SSRIs can cause a rare side effect called sexual dysfunction. It is crucial to discuss this with your doctor if you are thinking about taking one of these medicines. A lot of people must try a few different types of ADHD medications before settling on the one that works for them. Research and development of new medications is ongoing. It is crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all medications you use.<br /><br />Selective norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)<br /><br />If stimulant medications do not work for adults suffering from ADHD doctors recommend an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine reuptake (SNRI). <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adult-adhd-medication/">iampsychiatry</a> increase levels of norepinephrine, and serotonin, two brain chemicals. They also aid in improving mood and decrease depression and anxiety.<br /><br />SNRIs are similar to TCAs however, they are safer and have fewer adverse effects. They are used to treat a variety of ailments, including anxiety disorders and long-term pain, such as fibromyalgia or nerve pain. They are also sometimes used as an add-on treatment for depression. The SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine, (Effexor).<br /><br />These medications inhibit the reabsorption of norepinephrine in the brain which is a normal procedure following neurotransmission. This causes a greater than normal release of phasic. The rise in levels of norepinephrine enhances mood and focus.<br /><br />Although SNRIs aren't endorsed by the FDA to treat ADHD, some doctors use as an alternative to stimulants. They are typically taken orally as pills, however, they can also be taken as patches or liquids. In April 2021 the FDA approved an oral SNRI called viloxazine (Qelbree) to treat ADHD in kids and adolescents. It is not the potential to be abused and therefore is not classified as a controlled substance.<br /><br /><br /><br />Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)<br /><br />SNRIs are antidepressants which affect the levels of norepinephrine as well as serotonin in the brain. They are used for depression and anxiety disorders but also aid in the management of ADHD symptoms. Numerous studies have demonstrated that SNRI medications, including duloxetine and venlafaxine, can dramatically reduce the score of different ADHD tests. SNRIs may increase blood pressure or interact with certain medications. It is essential to speak with a doctor prior to taking these medications. Additionally, improperly discarded medications can cause harm to animals and humans, so it is important to follow proper disposal instructions.<br /><br />SSRIs or SNRIs have not been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but doctors may prescribe them off-label. They are safe, effective, and have fewer side effects than stimulants. Consult your doctor and discuss the symptoms of your child.<br /><br />SNRIs may increase the levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine however, they are not appropriate for everyone. Women who are nursing or pregnant should not take SNRIs as they may pass through breast milk. People who suffer from high blood pressure or liver issues should not take these medications, either, since they could increase the risk of cardiovascular complications.<br /><br />Selective dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (DARPIs).<br /><br />Many people who suffer from ADHD discover that medication can help increase their focus and concentration. Some individuals may also notice a decrease in impulsive behavior. The medication is often combined with behavioral therapy and training to help individuals learn how to control their symptoms. It takes time to identify the appropriate dosage and medication for each individual. In this period doctors will be monitoring the physical reactions of patients to find a balance between benefits and side effects.<br /><br />Stimulant drugs, such as methylphenidate, increase the activity of certain brain chemicals that regulate memory and attention. They are generally safe and effective for most people, but they can have serious side consequences, such as decreased appetite and trouble sleeping. These side effects usually subside after a couple of days as your body adapts to the medication.<br /><br />Non-stimulant drugs are also available for children as well as adults. They take longer to start working, but they can increase concentration and control of impulses. They could include alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists (atomoxetine viloxazine, atomoxetine) and guanfacine hydrochloride.<br /><br />Antidepressants are also effective in treating ADHD. They can increase the neurotransmitter norepinephrine in the brain and assist with the impulsive behavior and depression. Bupropion, an antidepressant has been prescribed to treat ADHD. It was originally prescribed "off-label" for ADHD but the drug companies eventually came up with extended-release versions and the FDA approved the drug as a treatment for this condition.<br /><br />