The Biggest Problem With ADHD Treatment Medication And What You Can Do To Fix It

ADHD Treatment Medication Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD, and appear to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals. They cannot solve the problem and can only treat symptoms if they are taken regularly. The side effects of ADHD medications may include changes in blood pressure as well as heart rate, anxiety and tics. Some children and teens who take stimulant medications experience a slight reduction in their growth. Methylphenidate Methylphenidate is a central nerve stimulant is the most well-known medication used to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety of forms, including chewable tablets with liquid, an orally disintegrating tablet, which acts long, and a pill with extended release. The drug is effective by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, helping to improve focus. It can also help reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. When coupled with other treatments, like behavioral therapy, methylphenidate may be a successful treatment for ADHD. Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug may cause a slight increase in blood pressure or heart rate. People with diabetes should also be cautious when taking this medication as it could cause an abrupt rise in blood sugar. If you encounter any of these side effects, speak to your physician. Methylphenidate may also cause Raynaud’s phenomenon that causes numbness in the fingers and feet. This is a rare side effect however, it is crucial to tell your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms. There is some concerns that methylphenidate may slow children's growth, but this has not been proved to be the situation. If your child is taking methylphenidate, be sure to be attentive to their weight and height. If your child is taking a methylphenidate tablet that contains phenylalanine, it could be harmful to children with phenylketonuria. If you suffer from PKU, consult your physician about other formulations of methylphenidate. Stimulants are considered the first-choice treatment for ADHD however, certain people are not able to use these medications. In these cases, doctors may prescribe other medications that work in a similar manner. There are other stimulants, such as dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine, besides methylphenidate. These drugs are a little more potent than methylphenidate, and they can last longer. They are usually taken twice to three times per day however some people may take them more frequently. Psychological treatments are also available for treating ADHD however, they are less likely to be helpful than a stimulant. Atomoxetine Atomoxetine, also known under the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that boosts concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It belongs to a category called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It is a drug that increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine two chemical messengers that control brain activity. It is a popular choice for both adults and children who prefer a different type of medication than stimulants, such as Adderall and Vyvanse. It is crucial to keep in mind that atomoxetine does not work instantly and it could take up to 6 weeks for the effects of the drug to become apparent. There are also negative side effects, such as drowsiness and nausea. However, the benefits of atomoxetine far outweigh the risks for a majority of patients. In a double-blind, placebo controlled study that was conducted on 297 ADHD patients aged between 12 and 18 years old, the efficacy of atomoxetine was confirmed. Participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine at a daily dose 0.6 mg/kg or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo over a period of 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine and the placebo group experienced reduction in depression symptoms. The atomoxetine-treated group had more improvements in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. The improvement was sporadic. In a different open trial, 10 patients suffering from ADHD who were unable to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine for 8 weeks. The atomoxetine group demonstrated improved ADHD symptoms when compared to the placebo group, with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale Investigator Rated Screening version as well as the Clinical Global Impressions of Severity scale gaining significant. One patient however, experienced an rash and resigned from the study. Additionally, three patients reported transient gastrointestinal disturbances and one experienced increased fatigue (Kratochvil and colleagues, 2005). 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. Discuss with your doctor when any of the following conditions exist: narrow-angle glaucoma; a thyroid or adrenal gland tumor or a high blood pressure heart disease or a history sudden death. You should avoid the use of atomoxetine if you've taken an MAO-inhibitor, such isocarboxazid or linezolid in the past 14 days, or rasagiline, Methylene Blue Injection, phenelzine or tranylcypromine. Bupropion Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug can help improve ADHD symptoms. It can also decrease the impulsivity of children and improve concentration. However, it does not affect the brain the way stimulants do. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will determine the best dosage for you. Bupropion is available in tablets and extended-release capsules. It is important to take the medication exactly as prescribed. You might experience withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop abruptly. It's usually taken twice or three times per day with 4-6 hours between each dose. The dosage can range between 100mg and three times per day up to 150mg four or three times daily. The drug is absorbed into the digestive tract and eliminated into urine, meaning it can't enter breast milk. However, it could enter the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion can raise blood pressure, which is why it's important to monitor it frequently. In addition to helping improve the symptoms of ADHD Bupropion can also reduce depression. It can also be used to treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking the dopamine receptors in your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter, dopamine, from entering your brain. This helps stabilize your mood. Bupropion can interact with other drugs. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medication. It's also important to find out if you have any allergies. You should also stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants, as they could make the adverse effects more severe. A number of studies have examined the effects of bupropion versus placebos in adults suffering from ADHD. The results of these studies were mixed, and the majority of studies were poorly conducted. A majority of these studies excluded participants with psychiatric co-morbidity. However, the research suggests that bupropion has a modest effect on ADHD. More research is required to determine positive outcomes for patients, including an improvement in the quality of life. Additionally, 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 connection between the molecular pathways. It's also important to understand the way that anti-ADHD medications work in conjunction with psychotherapy. Tricyclic antidepressants Antidepressants can be prescribed by doctors when stimulants prescribed for children suffering from ADHD do not work or cause adverse side effects. These medications, such as imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), work by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain, which help people focus. These older drugs may cause serious negative side effects. They are typically used when other medications fail. The first option of antidepressants for depression is typically a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram, or escitalopram. medication for adhd continue to be used in certain instances despite their long-standing history. These drugs are effective in treating neuropathic and other pains however their antidepressant effect is not the same. They increase the activity of the noradrenephrine receptor, by preventing its reuptake. They also function as descending modulators for pain pathways in spinal cord. SSRIs are less toxic and have less adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They're also safer in pregnancy and do not appear to cause teratogenicity in animals or humans. However, they can cause significant withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped. Your doctor may recommend slowly 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 commonly prescribed antidepressant off-label to treat ADHD. It's believed to be effective by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine and acetylcholine that are found in the brain to improve concentration. It is also believed to ease anxiety and can be combined with stimulants to achieve more rapid and lasting results. While there aren't any FDA-approved nonstimulant medications 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 aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. In the same way, removing caffeine can also be helpful for certain people. Discuss with your doctor any medications you or your child take as well as herbal remedies and prescription medications. This can help reduce unwanted side effects and prevent interactions. ADHD medication can affect each person differently, so it's sometimes a trial and error to find the right drug and dosage for your child or you.