How To Explain ADHD Treatment Medication To Your Grandparents
ADHD Treatment MedicationStimulants, the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD, appear to regulate brain chemicals and increase their levels. However, they do not cure the condition and can only aid in managing symptoms so long as they are taken regularly.
Side effects of ADHD medications may include changes in blood pressure as well as heart rate, anxiety and tics. Certain teenagers and children who are taking stimulant drugs have a slight decrease in their growth rate.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant and is the most widely prescribed medication for ADHD. It is available in various forms, such as a liquid chewable tablet, an orally disintegrating tablet that acts long, and a pill with extended release. The drug is effective by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which help to enhance focus. It may also reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. When combined with other treatments such as behavioral therapy, methylphenidate can be a successful treatment for ADHD.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that eliminate these neurotransmitters naturally from the brain. The drug can cause a slight increase in blood pressure or heart rate. It may also trigger a rapid change in blood sugar levels, which is why people with diabetes should be cautious when taking this medication. Consult your physician if you experience any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate can also trigger Raynaud's phenomenon, which causes numbness of the fingers and feet. It is a rare but serious side effect. It is essential to notify your doctor if these symptoms develop.
Some people are concerned that methylphenidate can slow down children's growth. However, this has not been proven. If you have a child who is being treated with methylphenidate be sure to monitor the child's height and weight closely. If your child is taking a methylphenidate chewable tablet, it contains phenylalanine, which can be dangerous for children who have the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). If you suffer from PKU, consult your doctor about the different methylphenidate formulations.
Stimulants are often considered to be the first choice medication for treating ADHD However, some people have trouble with them. In these cases doctors may prescribe another medication that works similarly. Apart from methylphenidate there are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine and Lisdexamfetamine. These drugs can last for longer and are stronger than methylphenidate. They are usually taken at least three times a day however some individuals might be able to take them more frequently. There are also psychological treatments for ADHD however they are not as effective as stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known by the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that increases concentration and reduces hyperactivity as well as impulsiveness. It is in a class of drugs known as selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitors. It increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers that control the brain's activity. It is a popular choice for children and adults who prefer a different type of medication than stimulants, like Adderall and Vyvanse.
It is important to realize that atomoxetine doesn't work instantly. It may take up to six weeks before the effects of this drug are evident. In addition, you may experience side-effects such as diminished appetite, drowsiness and stomach upset. For most patients the benefits of taking atomoxetine are greater than any risk.
The efficacy of atomoxetine was verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled study involving 297 ADHD patients between the ages of 12 and 18. Participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine at a daily dose of 0.6 mg per kilogram or 1.2 mg/kg, or a placebo for 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine as well as placebo groups depression symptoms were reduced. The atomoxetine-treated group had more improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. The improvement was modest.
In a separate open study in another open trial, 10 patients with ADHD who failed to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine over 8 weeks. The group receiving atomoxetine had improved ADHD symptoms compared to the placebo group, with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version and Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale gaining significant. One patient had to withdraw due to an outbreak of eruption. Three patients also reported transient digestive symptoms, and one patient noticed an increase in fatigue.
Before you begin treatment with atomoxetine with your physician about your medical history as well as any other supplements or medications that you're taking. This includes herbal remedies as well as over the counter medications. It is especially important to inform your doctor if you suffer from narrow-angle glaucoma or a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor and high blood pressure heart disease, or an unusually sudden death. You should avoid the use of atomoxetine if you've taken an MAO-inhibitor like isocarboxazid or linezolid within the last 14 days, or rasagiline, Methylene Blue Injection, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant that is a non-stimulant, can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. It also helps to reduce impulsivity and boost focus, although it does not affect the brain in the same way as stimulants do. It's available by prescription only. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate dosage for you. Bupropion is available as tablets and capsules. It is important to take the medication as directed. There are withdrawal symptoms that can occur if you stop suddenly.
It is usually taken two or three times per day with a 4-6 hour interval between each dose. The dosage can range between 100 mg two or three times daily to 150 mg three or four times daily. The drug is absorbed in the digestive tract and excreted into urine, which means that it cannot be absorbed into breast milk. However, it is able to be absorbed into the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion increases blood pressure. It is important to check it regularly.
In addition to reducing the symptoms of ADHD, bupropion can also reduce depression. It also helps treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking the dopamine receptors within your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter, dopamine, from entering your brain. This helps to stabilize your mood.
Bupropion may interact with other drugs, so it's important to tell your doctor about any other medications you're taking. It's also important to determine if you have any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants since they can cause side effects to become worse.
In several studies the bupropion drug was compared with placebos for adults with ADHD. These studies yielded mixed results and were not conducted properly. Many of these studies did not include participants with psychiatric co-morbidity. However, the evidence suggests that bupropion may have a small impact on ADHD. More research is required to determine positive outcomes for patients, such as an improvement in the quality of living. Before effective treatments can be created it is essential to gain a better understanding of the molecular causes of ADHD. This includes a better understanding of the connection between the different molecular pathways. It's also important to understand how anti-ADHD drugs work in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
If the stimulants prescribed to children suffering from ADHD don't work or cause adverse side effects, doctors may look to antidepressants for treatment. These drugs, which include imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), help by increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which help people focus. These are older medications that may have a number of side effects, so they're typically only considered after other medications have failed.
The first option for depression-related antidepressants is typically a serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as click here fluoxetine, sertraline or citalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants are still used in certain cases, despite their long history. They are effective in treating neuropathic and other pains, but their antidepressant effect is not the identical. They increase the potency of noradrenephrine by reducing its reuptake and also act as antagonists of pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs have less risk of toxicity, and less serious adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They are also less harmful during pregnancy and do not appear to be teratogenic to animals or humans. If abruptly stopped, they could cause significant withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor might suggest gradually decreasing the dosage over several weeks to reduce the effects.
Although it isn't officially recognized by the FDA as a treatment for adhd Bupropion is a widely prescribed antidepressant off-label to treat ADHD. It is believed to work by increasing neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which improves concentration. It is also believed to alleviate anxiety and stress. It can be used in conjunction with stimulants to achieve quicker and lasting results.
While there aren't any FDA-approved medications that are nonstimulant for ADHD however, many people get relief from the use of nutritional supplements and herbs. A diet that is low in fat and sugar may help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Similarly, eliminating caffeine can also be helpful for certain people. It is important to inform your doctor about all medications that you or your child takes, including over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies. This will help prevent interactions and minimize unwanted adverse effects. ADHD medications can affect individuals differently. It could take a bit of trial and error to determine the best dosage and drug for your child or yourself.