3 Common Reasons Why Your ADHD Treatment Medication Isn't Performing (And The Best Ways To Fix It)
ADHD Treatment Medication Stimulants, which are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD, appear to regulate brain chemicals and boost their levels. However, they do not solve the problem and will only aid in managing symptoms so long as they are used regularly. The side effects of ADHD medication could include an increase in heart rate and blood pressure and stomach upset anxiety and tics. Some teens and children who take stimulant medications have a slight decrease in their growth. Methylphenidate Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant and is the most frequently prescribed drug to treat ADHD. It is available in a variety of forms, including tablets that chew liquid, an orally disintegrating tablet that acts long and has an extended release. The drug increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This can help improve concentration. It may also reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Methylphenidate is an effective treatment for ADHD when combined with other treatments, including behavioural therapy. Methylphenidate blocks transporters that eliminate these neurotransmitters naturally from the brain. The drug can cause a small increase in blood pressure and heart rate. It can also cause an abrupt change in blood sugar levels, so those with diabetes must be cautious when taking this medication. If you encounter any of these side effects, talk to your doctor. Methylphenidate is also known to cause Raynaud's phenomenon, which causes numbness of the fingers and feet. This is a rare side effect however, it is crucial to inform your doctor if you experience these symptoms. There is some concerns that methylphenidate can slow the growth of children, but this has not been proved to be the case. If you have a child who is being treated with methylphenidate be sure to keep track of the weight and height closely. If your child is taking a methylphenidate chewable tablet, it contains phenylalanine, which is potentially dangerous for children who have the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU). Consult your physician about a different methylphenidate formula when you suffer from PKU. Stimulants are considered the first-choice treatment for ADHD However, some individuals have issues with them. In these instances doctors might prescribe other medications that work in a similar manner. There are also adhd in adults medication like dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine in addition to the methylphenidate. These drugs are a little more powerful than methylphenidate and may last longer. These drugs are typically taken every day, either twice or three times However, some people may be able to take them more often. Psychological treatments are also available to treat ADHD however they are less likely to prove effective than stimulants. Atomoxetine Atomoxetine, also known by the brand name Strattera, is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that increases concentration and decreases hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It's part of a class of drugs 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 choice for both adults and children who prefer a different type of medication than stimulants, such as Adderall and Vyvanse. It is important to remember that atomoxetine doesn't work instantly and it could take up to 6 weeks for the effects of the medication to become apparent. There are also adverse effects like drowsiness and nausea. For the majority of patients, the advantages of taking atomoxetine far outweigh any risks. In a double-blind placebo-controlled study of 297 ADHD patients aged between 12 and 18 years old, the efficacy of atomoxetine was verified. The participants were randomly assigned to receive atomoxetine, a daily dose of 0.6 mg per kilogram or 1.2 mg/kg or a placebo for 9 weeks. In both atomoxetine and placebo groups, symptoms of depression were less. The atomoxetine-treated group had greater improvements 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 failed to respond to stimulants were treated with atomoxetine for 8 weeks. The group treated with atomoxetine showed improvements in ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo with scores on the Conners Adult ADHD Scale Investigator Screening version rated and the Clinical Global Impression of Severity scales increasing significantly. One patient withdrew due to a eruption. Additionally, three patients reported intermittent gastrointestinal problems and one patient reported fatigue that was more severe (Kratochvil and co., 2005). Talk to your doctor prior to you start treatment with atomoxetine. Discuss your health history, including any supplements or medications you take. This includes herbal remedies and over-the-counter medications. It is crucial to inform your doctor if there is narrow-angle glaucoma or a thyroid tumor or adrenal gland tumor or high blood pressure, heart disease, or an unusually sudden death. It is also recommended to avoid atomoxetine if taken an MAO inhibitor like isocarboxazid, linezolid or methylene blue injection rasagiline, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine, in the past 14 days. Bupropion Bupropion is a nonstimulant that can improve the symptoms of ADHD. It can also decrease the impulsivity of children and improve concentration. However it doesn't affect the brain the same way that stimulants do. Only prescriptions are accepted. Your doctor will determine the right dosage for you. Bupropion is available as capsules and tablets. It is essential to take the medication as directed. There are withdrawal symptoms that can occur when you stop abruptly. The most common dosage is two or three doses daily separated by 4-6 hours. The dosage can range from 100 mg twice or three times a day up to 150 mg three or four times a day. The drug is absorbed by the digestive tract and is excreted in urine, which means it can't enter breast milk. However, it can be absorbed into the bloodstream and affect other organs. Bupropion can increase your blood pressure, making it important to monitor it frequently. Bupropion is a great drug that, in addition to reducing ADHD symptoms it can also help reduce depression. It is also used to treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking dopamine receptors that are located in your brain. This blocks the neurotransmitter dopamine from entering your brain, which helps stabilize mood. Bupropion can interact with other drugs It's therefore important to inform your doctor of any other medications you're taking. It's also important to know whether you suffer from any allergies. You should also avoid caffeine and other stimulants that could make the adverse effects more severe. Several studies have compared bupropion with placebos in adults suffering from ADHD. These studies produced mixed results, and many were poorly designed. Many of these studies did not include patients with psychiatric co-morbidity. Nevertheless, the data suggest that bupropion may have a small effect on ADHD. However there is a need for more research to establish positive outcomes for patients such as improvements in quality of life. Before effective treatments can be developed it is essential to gain a better understanding of the molecular types of ADHD. This includes a better knowledge of the relationship between the molecular pathways. It is also crucial to know how anti-ADHD drugs function in combination with psychotherapy. Tricyclic antidepressants Antidepressants can be prescribed by doctors if stimulants prescribed for children with ADHD don't work or cause adverse side adverse effects. These medications, including imipramine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), are effective in boosting the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to help people concentrate. These older drugs can have serious adverse effects. They are typically used when other medications do not work. The first choice of antidepressant for depression is usually a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like fluoxetine sertraline, citalopram, or escitalopram. However, tricyclic antidepressants that have been in use for decades, may still be used in some cases. They also work in treating neuropathic pain. They have a second pain-relieving action that 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 spinal cord. SSRIs have lower risks of toxicity and have less severe side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. They're also safer in the womb and aren't teratogenic in humans or animals. If abruptly stopped, they may cause significant withdrawal symptoms. To minimize these side effects, your doctor may suggest reducing your dose gradually over several weeks. While not officially approved by the FDA as an adhd medication bupropion is commonly prescribed antidepressant that is off-label for ADHD. It is believed to be effective by increasing neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which improves concentration. It is also known to reduce anxiety and stress. It can be paired with stimulants to achieve more rapid and lasting results. There are no FDA-approved nonstimulant ADHD medication, however many people find relief from herbal remedies and dietary supplements. A diet low in sugar and fat can also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Some people may benefit from staying clear of caffeine. Tell your doctor all medicines you or your child take such as herbal remedies and over-the-counter medicines. This can help reduce unwanted side effects and help prevent interactions. ADHD medications can affect people differently. It could take a bit of trial and error before you discover the ideal dosage and dose for your child or yourself.