The Biggest Issue With ADHD Treatment Medication, And How You Can Resolve It

ADHD Treatment Medication Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD and are believed to increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. However, they don't solve the problem and will only help manage symptoms as long as they are used regularly. The adverse effects of ADHD medication can include a change in blood pressure and heart rate and stomach upset anxiety and tics. Certain teens and children who are taking stimulant medication have a slight decrease in their growth. Methylphenidate Methylphenidate is a stimulant for the central nervous system and is the most frequently used drug for treating ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms such as a chewable tablet, a liquid 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 improves concentration. It may also reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. When used in conjunction with other treatments like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate may be a very effective treatment for ADHD. Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug can cause a slight increase in blood pressure or heart rate. People who suffer from diabetes should be aware of this medication as it could cause an abrupt rise in blood sugar. Talk to your doctor when you experience any of these symptoms. Methylphenidate may also cause Raynaud’s phenomenon which causes numbness in the fingers and feet. It is a rare but serious side effect. It is important to inform your doctor if any of these symptoms develop. There are some who believe that methylphenidate may slow the growth of children. However this hasn't been proven. If you have a child receiving treatment with methylphenidate be sure to monitor his or her height and weight closely. If your child is on chewable tablets of methylphenidate, it contains phenylalanine, which can be dangerous for children who have the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). Consult your physician about a different methylphenidate formula in case you suffer from PKU. Some people are unable to take stimulants which are the most popular treatment for ADHD. In these cases, doctors may prescribe other drugs that function in a similar manner. There are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine, in addition to methylphenidate. These substances are stronger than methylphenidate and can last longer. They are usually taken at least three times a day However, some people may be able to take them more frequently. Psychological treatments are also available for treating ADHD however, they are less likely to prove helpful than a stimulant. Atomoxetine Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera and is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that improves concentration, while decreasing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It's part of a class of medications known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemical messengers that control the brain's activity. It is a favorite among people of all ages who need an alternative to stimulants like Adderall or Vyvanse. It is important to realize that atomoxetine does not work immediately. It may take up to 6 weeks before the effects of this medication begin to show. In addition, you may suffer from side effects like diminished appetite, drowsiness and upset stomach. However the benefits of atomoxetine surpass the risks for many patients. The efficacy of atomoxetine was confirmed in a multisite double-blind placebo-controlled study involving 297 ADHD patients ages 12 to 18. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either atomoxetine in a daily dose of 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine and placebo groups depression symptoms were less. The atomoxetine-treated group had more improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. The improvement was not significant. In a separate open study in another open trial, 10 patients with ADHD who were unable to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine for 8 weeks. The group treated with atomoxetine showed improvement in 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 improving significantly. One patient withdrew due to an outbreak of rash. In addition, three patients reported intermittent gastrointestinal problems and one reported increased fatigue (Kratochvil and co., 2005). Before you begin treatment with atomoxetine to your doctor about your health background and any other medications or supplements that you are taking. This includes herbal remedies and prescription medications. It is especially important to inform your doctor if there is narrow-angle glaucoma, a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor or high blood pressure, heart disease or a history of 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, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine, in the past 14 days. Bupropion Bupropion is a non-stimulant drug that can improve the symptoms of ADHD. It can also reduce impulsivity and improve concentration, but it doesn't affect the brain in the same way as stimulants. It's only available on prescription. Your doctor will determine the right dosage for you. Bupropion comes in tablets and extended-release capsules. It is crucial to follow the instructions. If you stop taking it abruptly you could experience withdrawal symptoms. It's typically taken two or three times daily with 4-6 hours between each dose. The dosage can range between 100mg and three times per day to 150mg four or three times each day. The drug is taken up by the digestive system and excreted into urine. It isn't able to penetrate breast milk. However, it is able to be absorbed into the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion raises blood pressure. It is essential to monitor it regularly. Bupropion is a great drug that, in addition to reducing ADHD symptoms, can also reduce depression. It is also a treatment for bipolar disorder. It is accomplished by blocking dopamine receptors in your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine from entering your brain, which can help stabilize your mood. Bupropion can interact with other drugs. Inform your doctor if taking any other medications. It's also important to determine whether you suffer from any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants because they can cause side effects to become worse. In a number of studies the bupropion drug was compared with placebos for adults suffering from ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed and the majority of them were poorly conducted. Moreover, many of them did not include participants with psychiatric disorders. Nevertheless, adult add medications suggest that bupropion can have a slight impact on ADHD. More research is needed to determine positive outcomes for patients, such as an improvement in quality of living. Additionally, a more precise understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is required before effective treatment can be developed. This is a greater understanding of the interplay between molecular pathways. Additionally, it's important to understand how different anti-ADHD agents work in combination with psychotherapy. Tricyclic antidepressants If the stimulants prescribed to children with ADHD don't work or cause undesirable side effects, the doctor may look to antidepressants for treatment. These medications, such as imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor) boost the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which help people to focus. These are older drugs that may have a number of side effects, so they're typically only considered after other medications have failed. The first choice of antidepressant for depression is typically a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine sertraline, citalopram, or escitalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants continue to be used in certain cases, despite their long history. These medications are also effective in treating neuropathic pain and have an additional pain-relieving effect which is distinct from their antidepressant activity. They increase the activity of the noradrenephrine receptor, by preventing its reuptake. They also act as descending moderators for pain pathways in the spinal cord. SSRIs have lower risks of toxicity and less serious side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. Additionally, they're safe in the womb and don't appear to be teratogenic in humans or animals. But they can have significant withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. To lessen the negative adverse effects, your physician might suggest reducing the dosage gradually over several weeks. Bupropion, a common antidepressant prescribed off-label to treat ADHD however, it is not FDA approved as a treatment for adhd. It is believed to increase the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and acetylcholine that are found in the brain, which improves concentration. It is also believed to ease anxiety, and it can be used in conjunction with stimulants to get faster and sustained results. There are no FDA-approved nonstimulant ADHD medications, however many people find relief from herbal remedies and supplements to their diets. A diet that is low in fat and sugar may help reduce ADHD symptoms. Certain people can benefit by abstaining from caffeine. It's important to tell your doctor about all the medications your child or you takes, including over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies. This will minimize unwanted side effects and help prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect everyone differently, and it's often a trial and error to determine the right drug and dosage for your child or you.