ADHD Treatment Medication<br /><br />Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD, and appear to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals. However, they cannot solve the problem and will only help with symptoms as long as they are taken regularly.<br /><br />The side effects of ADHD medication may include a change in heart rate and blood pressure and stomach upset as well as anxiety and tics. Certain teenagers and children who take stimulant medications experience a minor reduction in their growth rate.<br /><br />Methylphenidate<br /><br />Methylphenidate is a stimulant for the central nervous system and the most commonly used drug for treating ADHD. It is available in a variety of forms, such as a liquid chewable tablet and an oral disintegrating tablet, which acts long and has an extended release. The drug increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This helps to improve concentration. It may also reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. When coupled with other treatments, such as behavioral therapy, methylphenidate could be a successful treatment for ADHD.<br /><br />Methylphenidate works by blocking the transporters that remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug could cause a slight increase in heart rate or blood pressure. It can also cause rapid changes in blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes should be aware when taking this medication. Talk to your doctor when you notice any of these signs. Methylphenidate may also trigger a condition called Raynaud's phenomenon, which causes numbness and discomfort in the toes and fingers. It is a rare but serious side result. It is crucial to notify your doctor if any of these symptoms develop.<br /><br />There is a concerns that methylphenidate may slow children's growth, but it hasn't been proven to be the situation. If you have a child being treated with methylphenidate be sure to monitor his or her height and weight closely. If your child is taking tablets containing methylphenidate and phenylalanine is present, it could pose a risk for children suffering from Phenylketonuria. Consult your physician about a different methylphenidate formula in case you suffer from PKU.<br /><br />Some people are unable to take stimulants, which are the first choice of medication for treating ADHD. In these instances, doctors might prescribe a different medication that functions in a similar manner. Apart from methylphenidate there are other stimulants like dexamfetamine and Lisdexamfetamine. These drugs can last for longer and are more potent than methylphenidate. They are usually taken at least three times a day however some individuals may be able to take them more often. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD however, they are not as effective as stimulants.<br /><br />Atomoxetine<br /><br />Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera and is a nonstimulant ADHD drug that increases concentration while decreasing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It's part of a group of medications called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It is a stimulant of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers that control the brain's activity. It is a favorite choice for both adults and children who want a different type of medication from stimulants such as Adderall and Vyvanse.<br /><br />It is crucial to keep in mind that atomoxetine is not effective instantly, and it can take up to 6 weeks for the effects of the drug to be apparent. There are also adverse effects like nausea and drowsiness. For the majority of patients, the benefits of taking atomoxetine are greater than the risks.<br /><br />In a double-blind, placebo controlled study that was conducted on 297 ADHD patients aged between 12 and 18 years old, the effectiveness of atomoxetine has been confirmed. Participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine at a daily dose 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for a period of 9 weeks. In both the atomoxetine and placebo groups depression symptoms were reduced. 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 another open trial, 10 patients suffering from ADHD who failed to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine over 8 weeks. The atomoxetine group demonstrated 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. One patient had to withdraw due to a skin rash. In addition, three patients reported transient gastrointestinal disturbances and one patient reported fatigue that was more severe (Kratochvil et al 2005).<br /><br />Talk to your doctor prior to you start treatment with atomoxetine regarding your medical history, which includes any medications or supplements you are taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as other over-the-counter medicines. Inform your doctor if any of the following conditions are present such as narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid or adrenal gland tumour or a high blood pressure heart disease or sudden death. You should stay clear of the use of atomoxetine if you've taken an MAO-inhibitor such as isocarboxazid and linezolid in the past 14 days or rasagiline, Methylene Blue Injection, phenelzine or tranylcypromine.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adult-adhd-medication/">add medication adults I Am Psychiatry</a> is a non-stimulant drug that can improve the symptoms of ADHD. It also helps reduce impulsivity and boost focus, though it does not affect the brain in the same way that stimulants do. It's only available with a prescription. Your doctor will determine the most effective dosage for you. Bupropion is available in tablets and capsules. It is crucial to follow the directions. If you stop taking it abruptly you could experience 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 range from 100 mg twice or three times daily up to 150 mg daily, three or four times. The drug is taken up by the digestive system and excreted in urine. It cannot enter breast milk. However, it could be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause harm to other organs. Bupropion increases blood pressure. It is essential to check it regularly.<br /><br />In addition to improving the symptoms of ADHD In addition, bupropion may reduce depression. It can also treat bipolar disorder. It is a method of blocking dopamine receptors inside your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter, dopamine, from entering your brain. This helps to stabilize your mood.<br /><br />Bupropion can interact with other drugs. Inform your doctor if you're taking any other medication. It's also important to know if you have any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants because they can make the side effects worse.<br /><br />In several studies, bupropion was compared to placebos for adults with ADHD. These studies had mixed results, and a lot were poorly designed. A majority of these studies excluded people with psychiatric disorders co-morbidity. The results suggest that bupropion has a modest impact on ADHD. More research is needed to determine positive outcomes for patients, including an improvement in the quality of living. Furthermore, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is needed before effective treatment can be developed. This requires a deeper understanding of the relation between the various molecular pathways. It is also crucial to know how anti-ADHD drugs work in combination with psychotherapy.<br /><br />Tricyclic antidepressants<br /><br />Antidepressants may be prescribed by doctors if stimulants prescribed for children with ADHD do not work or cause adverse side negative effects. These drugs, like imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor) boost the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which helps people to focus. These are older medications which can cause serious adverse reactions, and are usually only used after other medications have failed.<br /><br />The first option of antidepressants for depression is typically a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram and escitalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants are still used in certain cases, despite their long history. These drugs are effective in treating pain caused by neuropathic or other, but their antidepressant effect is not the same. They increase the potency of noradrenephrine by reducing its reuptake. They also function as antagonists of pain pathways in the spinal cord.<br /><br />SSRIs have less risk of toxicity and less serious side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also less harmful during pregnancy and do not appear to be teratogenic for humans or animals. If suddenly stopped, they may cause withdrawal symptoms that are severe. Your doctor may recommend slowly lowering the dose over several weeks to reduce the effects.<br /><br />Although it isn't officially recognized by the FDA as a treatment for adhd Bupropion is a widely prescribed antidepressant off-label for ADHD. It's thought to work by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine and acetylcholine within the brain to improve concentration. It is also believed to reduce anxiety and stress. It can be used in conjunction with stimulants for faster and longer-lasting results.<br /><br />Although there aren't any other FDA-approved medications that are nonstimulant for ADHD however, many people get relief from the use of supplements to their diets and herbs. A diet low in fat and sugar can also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Similarly, eliminating caffeine may be beneficial to some people. It is important to inform your doctor about all the medications you or your child takes, including over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies. This will help prevent interactions and reduce the risk of unwanted side effects. ADHD medications can affect people differently. It may take some trial and error before you discover the ideal dosage and drug for your child or yourself.<br /><br />