How To Explain ADHD Treatment Medication To A Five-Year-Old
ADHD Treatment Medication
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD, and appear to increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals. They cannot treat the disorder, but rather manage symptoms if used regularly.
The side effects of ADHD medication may include an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, upset stomach, anxiety and tics. Some children and teens who take stimulant drugs notice a slight slowing in their growth.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous stimulant is the most commonly used drug used to treat ADHD. It comes in a variety forms such as a chewable tablet that is liquid, a long-acting orally disintegrating tablet, and an extended-release pill. The drug works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which help to enhance concentration. It can also help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Methylphenidate is a proven treatment for ADHD in combination with other treatments, including behavioural therapy.
Methylphenidate blocks the transporters that remove these neurotransmitters from the brain. The drug can cause a small increase in blood pressure and heart rate. It can also cause a rapid change in blood sugar levels, so those with diabetes must be careful when taking this medication. If you have any of these side effects, speak to your doctor. Methylphenidate may also cause Raynaud’s phenomenon, which causes numbness of the feet and fingers. This is a rare side effect, but it is important to inform your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
There are some who believe that methylphenidate could slow children's growth. However this hasn't been proved. If your child is taking methylphenidate, ensure that you be attentive to their weight and height. If your child is taking chewable tablets containing methylphenidate that contains phenylalanine which is a risk for children with the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). Ask your doctor about a different formulation of methylphenidate if you have PKU.
Some people are unable to take stimulants which are the most popular option for treating ADHD. In these cases, doctors could prescribe a different medication that functions in a similar manner. Besides methylphenidate, there are other stimulants such as dexamfetamine and the lisdexamfetamine. These are stronger than methylphenidate and can last longer. They are typically taken twice to three times a day however some people may take them more often. Psychological treatments are also available to treat ADHD, but they are less likely to prove effective than stimulants.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is also known as the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that increases concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It is part of a class called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. It is a drug that increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers which regulate brain's activity. It is popular among children and adults who want a different medication than stimulants such as Adderall or Vyvanse.
It is crucial to understand that atomoxetine isn't a drug that works instantly. It may take up to 6 weeks before the effects of this medication are evident. In addition, you may suffer from side effects like reduced appetite, drowsiness and stomach upset. For most patients, the benefits of taking atomoxetine outweigh the risks.
The efficacy of atomoxetine has been verified in a double-blind, multisite placebo-controlled trial with 297 ADHD patients aged 12 to 18. The participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine, which is a daily dose of 0.6 mg per kilogram or 1.2 mg/kg, or a placebo for 9 weeks. Both the atomoxetine and the placebo group experienced decrease in the symptoms of depression. The atomoxetine-treated group had more improvement in ADHD symptoms than the placebo group. The improvement was modest.
In a second open study that included 10 ADHD patients who did not respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine treatment for 8 weeks. The atomoxetine group demonstrated improved ADHD symptoms when 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 however, experienced a rash and withdrew from the study. Three patients also reported transient stomach symptoms, and one reported increased fatigue.
Before beginning 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 other over-the-counter medicines. It is especially important to tell 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. It is also recommended to avoid atomoxetine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid or methylene blue injection rasagiline or phenelzine, as well as tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant can help improve ADHD symptoms. It can also reduce impulsivity and improve focus, although it does not 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 capsules. It is essential to take the medication as prescribed. You may experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop abruptly.
It's typically taken two or three times a day with a 4-6 hour interval between each dose. The dosage can range between 100 mg two or three times daily up to 150 mg daily, three or four times. The drug is taken up by the digestive system, and excreted through urine. It is not able to enter breast milk. It can, however, be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause harm to other organs. Bupropion can increase your blood pressure, making it vital to monitor it regularly.
Bupropion, in addition to improving ADHD symptoms, can also reduce depression. It also helps treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors in your brain. This stops the neurotransmitter, dopamine, from reaching your brain. This helps to stabilize your mood.
Bupropion can interact with other drugs It's therefore important to tell your doctor about any other medications you're taking. It's also important to find out if you have any allergies. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants because they can cause side effects to become worse.
A number of studies have compared bupropion with placebos in adults suffering from ADHD. These studies yielded mixed results, and many were not conducted properly. A majority of these studies excluded participants with psychiatric co-morbidity. However, the evidence suggests that bupropion may have a small impact on ADHD. More research is needed to determine the positive effects for patients, such as the improvement in their quality of life. Furthermore, a better understanding of the molecular subtypes of ADHD is needed before effective treatment can be developed. This includes a better understanding of the connection between the various molecular pathways. Additionally, it's important to know how various anti-ADHD medications work with psychotherapy.
Tricyclic antidepressants
If the stimulants prescribed to children suffering from ADHD aren't effective or cause undesirable side effects, doctors might consider antidepressants as a treatment. These drugs, which include imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), work by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain to help people concentrate. These are old drugs which can cause serious side effects, so they're usually tried only when other drugs have failed.
The first choice of depression treatment is typically a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as fluoxetine, sertraline or citalopram. Tricyclic antidepressants continue to be used in certain instances despite their long-standing history. These drugs are effective in treating neuropathic and other pains but their antidepressant action is not the identical. They potentiate the noradrenephrine receptor through blocking its reuptake, and they also act as descending modulators for pain pathways within the spinal cord.
SSRIs have lower risks of toxicity and have less severe side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They're also safer in pregnancy and do not appear to cause teratogenicity in humans or animals. If suddenly stopped, they could cause severe withdrawal symptoms. To reduce the risk of these side effects, your doctor might suggest reducing the dosage gradually over a period of time.
Although adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication recognized by the FDA as an adhd medication 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 enhances concentration. It also helps reduce anxiety and stress. It can be paired with stimulants to produce more rapid and lasting results.
While there are no other FDA-approved medications that are nonstimulant for ADHD, many people do feel relief through the use of dietary supplements and herbs. A diet that is low in fat and sugar can also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Some people may benefit from abstaining from caffeine. It's important to tell your doctor about all the medications that you or your child takes, including over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies. This will minimize unwanted side effects and prevent interactions. ADHD medication can affect each person differently, which is why it's often an exercise of trial and error to determine the right drug and dosage for you or your child.