ADHD Medications - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD take medication for the condition. It can help improve symptoms, but it can also have side effects. If you experience adverse effects, speak to your GP about them.
Stimulants are among the most popular kind of prescription medication that healthcare doctors prescribe to treat ADHD. These drugs increase the levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters that control the attention span and behavior.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, a stimulant of first choice to treat ADHD in both children and adults, is the most commonly prescribed medication. It increases activity in certain parts of the brain that help to regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate may also be used to treat other ailments like narcolepsy. It can assist people suffering from narcolepsy to stay awake and improve their ability to focus and pay attention.
This medication has the potential to be abused and is considered a Schedule II drug by the US Drug Enforcement Agency. If you take this medication as prescribed will reduce the risk for abuse and other side effects. Methylphenidate can cause psychotic symptoms in certain people. It can also worsen behavior and tics in some patients suffering from Tourette syndrome or bipolar disorder. People with these conditions should tell their doctor prior to taking this medication.
Consult your physician if there are any other health concerns or if you have an allergy to dyes or foods. (For instance, tartrazine is a yellow color that can be found in some processed food as well as in some medications. If you're on Adhansia XR). Methylphenidate is a drug that can interact with other drugs, including opioid medicines, antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as isocarboxazid (Marplan) and linezolid (Zyvox), methylene blue, phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect) selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) or tranylcypromine (Parnate).
Avoid alcohol and other stimulants while taking methylphenidate. These drugs can have a harmful effect on your blood pressure and heart rate. The methylphenidate tablets that are immediate-release (Ritalin), the long-acting oral disintegrating capsule and chewable tablets (Quillichew-ER and Cotempla-XR-ODT), and the long acting chewable tablets (Quillichew-ER and Cotempla-XR-ODT) contain phenylalanine. It can be a risk if a genetic condition known as phenylketonuria exists.
Bupropion
Bupropion is an antidepressant medicine that works within the brain to improve mood and decrease symptoms of ADHD. It is also used for depression and seasonal depression (SAD) which is a condition that occurs during the winter and fall seasons. It is also used to help smokers quit by reducing cravings for nicotine and withdrawal symptoms.
A number of studies conducted on adults have revealed that bupropion helps improve ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo. The pooled fixed effect RR for improvements in week 6 (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 the overall response, this equates to 52 percent of the bupropion group and 37% of the placebo group.
Bupropion can have serious and sometimes life-threatening interactions various medications, including sedatives, antidepressants, and some blood pressure drugs. It can also increase the risk of seizures in people who have a history of high blood pressure or seizures. It is also not recommended for people suffering from certain medical conditions. It should not be taken by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Bupropion is available as the brand-name medications Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Zyban, Budeprion SR, Aplenzin, and Forfivo XL. It is also available as a generic drug.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Tricyclic Antidepressants, also known as TCAs are a type of medications that work by affecting brain chemicals. They were among the first antidepressants to be developed. Although they are not used as a first line treatment for depression anymore, they may still be effective for certain people. They work by blocking the reuptakes of dopamine as well as serotonin, thereby increasing their levels of availability in neurons. They are also useful in easing a variety of other conditions, including pain syndromes and enuresis like fibromyalgia or phantom leg syndrome.
TCAs can be prescribed as a single or in conjunction with stimulants, and may have a positive effect on the symptoms of ADHD. They can help improve the symptoms of ADHD and may reduce anxiety, depression and impulsiveness. In addition, they may assist in reducing tics, which are repetitive and uncontrollable sounds or movements like clearing the throat or blinking.
TCAs can trigger adverse effects, such as sedation and dry mouth, and increase the risk of heart problems. These medications can negatively interact with other medications such as anticholinergics and should not be used by women who are pregnant. They can also be teratogenic for animals and can cross the placenta. Consult your doctor if you're concerned. There are antidepressants that are more recent that have a lower risk of side effects.
Selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
The SSRIs are antidepressants. They consist of a class of drugs that hinder serotonin reuptake in neurons and aid in increasing the amount of serotonin available for signaling. They also decrease anxiety and decrease impulsive behavior. They are used as adhd medications because they reduce symptoms in some people and may be beneficial alongside other medications. Examples of SSRIs are fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine and citalopram. They have linear pharmacokinetics, and have a very low clearance from the human body. However, they are extensively metabolized by CYP450 enzymes in the liver. This leads to varying blood levels.
These medications are also prescribed to treat other disorders, such as major depressive disorder, bulimia-nervosa, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The SSRIs fluoxetine, escitalopram, and sertraline can help to reduce PTSD symptoms. They don't appear to be effective in treating other PTSD symptoms.
SSRIs can cause a rare side effect known as sexual dysfunction. If you're thinking of taking one of these medications, it is important to speak with your doctor. A lot of people must try various types of ADHD medication before finding the one that works for them. Medications are constantly being developed and tested. It is important to tell your healthcare provider about all medications you take.
Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
If stimulant medications do not work for adults suffering from ADHD doctors recommend a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibit (SNRI). These drugs increase levels of norepinephrine and serotonin, two brain chemical substances. They also improve mood and decrease depression and anxiety.
SNRIs have similar side effects to TCAs however, they are more secure. They are utilized for many ailments, including anxiety disorders, long-term pain like fibromyalgia, and nerve pain. Sometimes they are used to treat depression, too. Examples of SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor).
They work by preventing the reabsorption (reuptake) of norepinephrine which is a natural process in the brain after neurotransmission. This causes a greater than normal the phasic release of norepinephrine. The increase in norepinephrine levels can improve attention and mood.
Although SNRIs aren't endorsed by the FDA to treat ADHD However, some doctors are using as an alternative to stimulants. They are typically taken orally as pills, however, they can also be taken as liquids or patches. The FDA approved a SNRI for oral use, called viloxazine or Qelbree, to treat ADHD among children and adolescents in April 2021. It does not have a potential for abuse, so it is not classified as a controlled substance.
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
SNRIs are antidepressants that alter the levels of norepinephrine as well as serotonin in the brain. They are used for anxiety and depression disorders, but can also help control ADHD symptoms. medications for adhd in adults as duloxetine and venlafaxine have been demonstrated in several studies to significantly decrease scores on a variety of ADHD tests. SNRIs may increase blood pressure or interact with certain medications. Therefore, it is essential to consult a physician before taking these medications. Additionally, improperly handled medication can cause harm to both humans and animals. Therefore, it is essential to follow the proper disposal instructions.
SSRIs or SNRIs are not been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but doctors may prescribe them off-label. They are safe, effective, and have fewer side effects than stimulants. Speak to your doctor and discuss your child's health concerns.
SNRIs aren't appropriate for everyone. For example, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take SNRIs as they may be absorbed into breast milk. They should not be taken by those with high blood pressure, liver issues, or other cardiovascular conditions.
Selective dopamine Reuptake inhibitors (DARPIs)
Many people suffering from ADHD discover that medication can help improve their focus and attention. They may also experience less impulse-driven behaviors. Medication is usually combined with behavioral therapy and training, which helps people get control of their symptoms. It takes time to identify the appropriate dosage and medication for each individual. During this process, doctors monitor physical reactions to determine the ideal balance between benefits and side effects.
Stimulant drugs, such as methylphenidate boost the activity of a specific brain chemicals that control memory and concentration. Although they are generally effective and safe for the majority of people, they can also cause serious side effects such as decreased appetite and difficulty sleeping. These side effects typically go away within several weeks as your body adjusts to the medication.
Non-stimulant medicines are also available for children as well as adults. They can take longer to effect their effects however they can help improve impulse control and concentration. These include alpha-2-adrenergic agonists (atomoxetine and viloxazine) and the guanfacine.
Antidepressants also treat ADHD. They can boost norepinephrine levels, a neurotransmitter in the brain that aids in impulsive behaviors and depression. Bupropion is a prime example of an antidepressant used to treat ADHD. It was prescribed "off-label" however, drug companies created extended-release versions, and the FDA approved its use as a treatment.