ADHD Medications - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD take medication for the condition. It can improve symptoms, but it can also cause negative effects. Talk to your doctor if you experience side effects.
The most common prescription medication prescribed by healthcare professionals for ADHD is stimulants. These medications increase the levels of brain chemicals, also known as neurotransmitters, which control the behavior and attention.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a first-choice stimulant used to treat ADHD in adults and children. It increases activity in parts of the brain that help manage attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate may also be used to treat other conditions like narcolepsy. It can assist people suffering from narcolepsy to stay awake and improve their ability focus and pay attention.
This medication can have the potential to be abused and is considered to be a Schedule II drug by the US Drug Enforcement Agency. Following the exact dosage recommended can decrease the chance for abuse as well as other adverse effects. Methylphenidate can trigger psychotic symptoms in a few people. It can also cause worse the behavior and tics of patients suffering from Tourette syndrome or bipolar disorder. People suffering from these conditions should inform their doctor prior to taking this medication.
It is important to inform your doctor if there are any other health problems or are allergic to any food or dyes (such as tartrazine, which is a yellow dye present in processed foods and in some medications or if you're taking Adhansia XR). Methylphenidate can interact with certain medications, including opioids such as antidepressants, antidepressants, and monoamine oxide inhibitors, like isocarboxazid (Marplan), linezolid (Zyvox), methylene blue, phenelzine (Nardil) or rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate).
Avoid alcohol or other stimulants when taking methylphenidate. These can have a dangerous effect on your blood pressure or heart rate. The methylphenidate tablets that are immediate-release (Ritalin) and chewable tablets with long-acting properties and long-acting orally disintegrating capsule (Quillichew ER and Cotempla XR-ODT) contain phenylalanine, which can be dangerous if you have a genetic disorder known as Phenylketonuria (PKU).
Bupropion
Bupropion, an antidepressant medication works on the brain and improves mood. It also eases the symptoms of ADHD. adhd medication list is also used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) which is a form of depression that occurs during the winter months of autumn and winter. It is also used to help people quit smoking by reducing cravings for nicotine and withdrawal symptoms.
A number of studies conducted on adults have revealed that bupropion improves ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo. The pooled fixed effect RR for week-6 improvements (using the criteria of a clinically significant improvement of 30% or more on the CGI) is 1.14 (95%CI 0.95-1.37). For overall response, this is 52% of the bupropion group and 37% of the placebo group.
Bupropion could cause serious and sometimes life-threatening interactions with several different medications, including sedatives, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications. It can also increase the risk of having seizures for those with a history of seizure or high blood pressure. It is not recommended in certain medical conditions and women who are nursing or pregnant are not advised to take it. Bupropion comes in the form of brand-name drugs Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL. It is also available as Zyban, Budeprion SR. Aplenzin and Forfivo XL. It is also available as generic drug.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants (abbreviated TCAs) are a group of medications that affect brain chemicals. They were among the first antidepressants that were created, and even though they are no longer the first-line treatment for depression they can still be effective in some people with other disorders. They inhibit the reuptake process of dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline, increasing their availability in neurons. They can be employed to treat a range of other diseases, such as enuresis, pain syndromes like fibromyalgia and phantom-limb syndrome.
TCAs are effective for ADHD symptoms, regardless of whether they are prescribed on their own or combined with stimulants. They can help improve the symptoms of ADHD and may reduce anxiety, depression and impulsiveness. In addition, they may help manage disorders like tics, which are repeated uncontrollable movements or sounds like throat clearing or blinking.
TCAs may cause side effects such as dry mouth and sedation and increase the risk of cardiovascular issues. These medications can interfere with other medications, such as anticholinergics and should never be taken by pregnant women. They can also cause teratogenic effects in animals, and they may cross the placenta. If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor, as there are newer antidepressants with a safer side-effect profile.
Selective serotonin inhibition of reuptake (SSRIs).
The SSRIs are a type of antidepressants that hinder serotonin reuptake by neurons and increase the amount of serotonin to signal. They also reduce anxiety and impulsive behavior. They are used as adhd medication because they improve symptoms in some people and can be helpful in conjunction with other medication. Examples of SSRIs include paroxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline and citalopram. They have linear pharmacokinetics and have a low clearance from your body, however they are extensively metabolized the liver by CYP450 isoenzymes. This causes variable blood concentrations.
These medications can also be prescribed to treat other disorders like posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and generalized anxiety disorder, and the bulimia nervosa. The SSRIs fluoxetine escitalopram and sertraline can help to reduce PTSD symptoms. However, they do not appear to be effective for other PTSD symptoms.
SSRIs can cause a rare side effect called sexual dysfunction. It is important to discuss this with your doctor if you are thinking of taking one of these drugs. Many people have to try a few different types of ADHD medications before settling on the one that is suitable for them. Research and development of new medications is ongoing. It is also important to disclose all the medications you are taking to your doctor.
Selective norepinephrine Reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
If stimulant drugs don't work for adults with ADHD doctors prescribe a selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). These drugs increase levels of norepinephrine, and serotonin, two brain chemicals. They also improve mood, reduce anxiety and depression.
SNRIs are similar to TCAs however they are more secure and have fewer side effects. They are utilized for many conditions including anxiety disorders, long-term pain such as fibromyalgia and nerve pain. Sometimes, they are used to treat depression, too. SNRIs are duloxetine, (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine (Effexor).
These drugs block the reabsorption of norepinephrine in the brain which is a normal procedure following neurotransmission. This causes a greater than normal phasic release. The increased levels of norepinephrine helps improve mood and attention.
SNRIs aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD However, some doctors prescribe them as an alternative stimulant. They are typically taken as pills. However, they can also be taken in liquid form or as patches. In April 2021, the FDA approved an oral SNRI known as viloxazine (Qelbree) to treat ADHD in kids and adolescents. It is not a controlled drug since it doesn't have the potential of being misused.
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
SNRIs are antidepressants that affect the levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in the brain. They are used to treat depression and anxiety disorders, but can aid in the treatment of symptoms of ADHD. SNRI drugs such as duloxetine and venlafaxine have been shown in several studies to significantly reduce scores on a variety of ADHD tests. However, SNRIs can increase a person's blood pressure and may interact with certain drugs. It is important to consult with a physician prior taking these drugs. In addition, improperly disposed medication could cause harm to people and animals. Therefore, it is essential to follow the correct disposal guidelines.
SSRIs and SNRIs are not approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however, doctors are able to prescribe these medications off-label. They are safe and effective, and have fewer adverse effects than stimulants. Speak to your doctor and discuss your child's symptoms.
SNRIs can increase the body's levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, but are not suitable for all. Women who are nursing or pregnant should stay clear of taking SNRIs because they can be absorbed through breast milk. Also, they should not be taken by those who suffer from high blood pressure, liver problems, or other cardiovascular conditions.
Selective dopamine Reuptake inhibitors (DARPIs)
Many people suffering from ADHD discover that medication can help increase their focus and concentration. Some individuals may also notice a reduction in their impulsive behavior. The medication is usually used with behavioral therapy and skills training to help people understand how to manage their symptoms. Finding the appropriate medication for each person takes time. During this process, doctors monitor physical reactions to find the optimal balance of benefits and adverse effects.
Stimulant drugs, such as methylphenidate, boost the activity of certain brain chemicals that control memory and concentration. They are generally safe and effective for the majority of people, but they can cause serious side effects, including decreased appetite and difficulty sleeping. These effects usually go away within a few weeks as your body adjusts to the medication.
Non-stimulant drugs are also available for children and adults. They take longer to begin working, but they can increase concentration and control of impulses. These include alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists (atomoxetine and viloxazine) and Guanfacine.
Antidepressants can also be effective in treating ADHD. They can increase the neurotransmitter norepinephrine in the brain and assist with the impulsive behavior and depression. Bupropion, an antidepressant, has been prescribed to treat ADHD. It was prescribed "off-label", but drugmakers created extended-release versions, and the FDA approved the use of it as treatment.