ADHD Medications - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD take medication for the condition. It can ease symptoms but it also can cause side effects. Consult your physician when you experience any side effects.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed type of prescription medication that healthcare doctors prescribe to treat ADHD. These drugs increase the amount of brain chemicals, also known as neurotransmitters, that regulate the behavior and attention.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant of first choice used to treat ADHD in adults and children. It is a stimulant that increases activity in parts of the brain that help to regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate can also be used to treat other ailments like narcolepsy. It can aid people suffering from the condition to stay alert and improve their ability to focus and pay attention.
This medication could have a high potential for abuse and is considered a Schedule II drug by the US Drug Enforcement Agency. It is recommended to take this medication exactly as prescribed to reduce the chance of abuse and side negative effects. Methylphenidate can trigger psychotic symptoms in certain people. It can also cause worse behavioral problems and tics in certain people suffering from Tourette's syndrome or bipolar disorder. Before starting this medication, those suffering from these conditions must inform their doctor.
It is important to inform your doctor if you suffer from any other health concerns or are allergic to any food or dyes (such as tartrazine, which is a yellow dye found in some processed foods and some medications; if you're taking Adhansia XR). Methylphenidate can interact with certain medications, including opioids, antidepressants, and monoamine oxide inhibitors. These include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue rasagiline, Emsam, Zelapar, or the tranylcypromine.
It's also important to stay clear of alcohol and other stimulant drugs while taking methylphenidate. These medications can affect your heart rate and blood pressure. The immediate-release methylphenidate tablets (Ritalin) and the chewable tablet with long-acting function and the long-acting oral disintegrating capsule (Quillichew ER and Cotempla XR-ODT) contain Phenylalanine, which is risky if you have an inherited condition known as Phenylketonuria (PKU).
Bupropion
Bupropion, a medication that treats depression is a brain stimulant and improves mood. It also helps reduce symptoms of ADHD. It is also used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs in the fall and winter months. It can also help people quit smoking by reducing the craving for nicotine and withdrawal symptoms.
A number of studies conducted on adults have shown that bupropion can improve ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo. The fixed-effect RR of the pooled study for improvement over the course of a week (using a clinically significant change of 30 percent or more on the CGI scale) is 1.14 (95 percent 95% confidence interval 0.95 to 1.37) and overall response the proportion of improved subjects was 52 percent in the bupropion treatment group, compared with 37% in the placebo group.
Bupropion could cause serious and sometimes life-threatening interactions with several different drugs, including sedatives antidepressants and some blood pressure drugs. It can also increase the risk of seizure for those with a history of seizures or high blood pressure. add adhd medication is also contraindicated for use by people with certain medical conditions and should not be taken by women who are nursing or pregnant. Bupropion is a form of brand-name drugs Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL. It is also available in the form of Zyban, Budeprion SR. Aplenzin and Forfivo XL. It is also available as a generic drug.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Tricyclic Antidepressants (or TCAs are a type of medications that work by affecting brain chemical. They were among the first antidepressants to be developed. Although they aren't used as a first line treatment for depression, they may still be effective for some people. They inhibit the reuptake of dopamine serotonin and noradrenaline, increasing their availability in neurons. They can be employed to treat a range of other disorders such as enuresis, pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia, and the phantom-limb syndrome.
TCAs are a prescription drug that can be used alone or in combination with stimulants, and can have a beneficial impact on symptoms of ADHD. They can improve core ADHD symptoms and decrease anxiety, depression and the tendency to be impulsive. In addition, they may aid in managing disorders like tics, which are repeated uncontrollable movements or sounds like throat clearing or blinking.
TCAs can cause side effects, like sedation, dry mouth and constipation. They also increase the risk of developing cardiovascular problems. These drugs may interact with other medications, like anticholinergics and should be avoided by pregnant women. These medications can also cause teratogenic reactions in animals, and they may cross the placenta. Talk to your doctor if concerned. There are newer antidepressants with a lower risk of adverse effects.
Selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
The SSRIs are a class of drugs that hinder serotonin reuptake in neurons and increase the amount of serotonin that is available for signaling. They also help reduce anxiety and impulse-driven behavior. They are used to treat adhd as they can help some people suffering from their symptoms and are effective in conjunction with other medications. Examples of SSRIs include paroxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline, and citalopram. They exhibit linear pharmacokinetics and have a low clearance from the human body. However they are extensively processed by CYP450 enzymes within the liver. This results in varying blood concentrations.
These medications can also be prescribed to treat other disorders, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and generalized anxiety disorder, and the bulimia nervosa. The SSRIs fluoxetine, escitalopram and sertraline can help reduce PTSD core symptoms. They aren't effective in treating other PTSD symptoms.
SSRIs can cause a uncommon side effect, referred to as sexual dysfunction. It is essential to discuss this with your doctor if you are considering taking one of these medications. Many people need to test various types of ADHD medication before finding the one that is suitable for them. The development and research of new medications is ongoing. It is important to disclose all the medications you take to your doctor.
Selective norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
When stimulant drugs do not help adults suffering from ADHD doctors recommend a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibit (SNRI). These medications increase levels of norepinephrine, and serotonin, two brain chemicals. They also help improve mood and reduce depression and anxiety.
SNRIs are similar to TCAs, but they are safer and have fewer side effects. They are prescribed for a variety of conditions including anxiety disorders, chronic pain such as fibromyalgia and nerve pain. Sometimes they are used to treat depression as well. Examples of SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
These drugs block the reabsorption of norepinephrine into the brain that is a normal procedure following neurotransmission. This causes a greater than normal phasic release. The increased norepinephrine levels help increase concentration and mood.
Although SNRIs aren't endorsed by the FDA to treat ADHD Some doctors do use them as an alternative to stimulants. They are usually taken orally as pills but they can also be used in the form of patches or liquids. The FDA approved an oral SNRI called viloxazine, or Qelbree, to treat ADHD among adolescents and children in April 2021. It is not a controlled medication because it does not have the potential to be abused.
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
SNRIs are antidepressants which affect the levels of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. They are prescribed to treat anxiety and depression, but they can also help manage ADHD symptoms. SNRI medications such as venlafaxine or duloxetine have been demonstrated in several studies to significantly reduce scores on different ADHD tests. However, SNRIs can increase a person's blood pressure, and can interact with certain drugs. Therefore, it is essential to consult a physician before taking these medications. In addition, improperly disposed medication could cause harm to people and animals. Therefore, it is essential to follow the correct disposal guidelines.
SSRIs or SNRIs haven't been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however, doctors can prescribe them off-label. They are safe and effective, and have fewer adverse effects than stimulants. Talk with your doctor about your child's health issues and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these drugs.
SNRIs may increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, but are not suitable for all. For instance women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use SNRIs as they could pass into breast milk. Patients with liver or blood pressure issues should not be taking these medications, either, since they can increase the risk of cardiovascular issues.
Selective dopamine reuptake inhibitors (DARPIs)
Many people who suffer from ADHD take medication to improve their focus and concentration. Some individuals may also notice a decrease in impulsive behavior. The medication is typically combined with behavioral therapy and training, which aid people to learn to control their symptoms. Finding the appropriate medication for each person takes time. During this time, doctors will monitor the physical reactions of patients to determine a balance between side effects and benefits.
Drugs that stimulate the brain, like methylphenidate boost the activity of a certain brain chemicals that control memory and concentration. They are generally safe and beneficial for the majority of people, but they can cause serious side effects, such as a decrease in appetite and trouble sleeping. These side effects usually subside after a couple of days as your body adapts to the medication.
Adults and children can also take non-stimulant medicines. They take longer to begin working, but they do improve concentration and impulse control. These include alpha-2-adrenergic agonists (atomoxetine and viloxazine) and the guanfacine.
Antidepressants are also effective in treating ADHD. They can boost the neurotransmitter norepinephrine level in the brain, and aid in depression and impulsive behavior. Bupropion is an example of an antidepressant used to treat ADHD. It was prescribed "off-label", but drugmakers developed extended-release versions, and the FDA approved the use of it as treatment.