ADHD Medications - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD are prescribed medication for the condition. It can help improve symptoms, but it can also have side effects. Consult your physician when you experience any side effects.
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 called neurotransmitters that control attention and behavior.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant of first choice used to treat ADHD in adults and children. It is effective by increasing the activity in brain areas that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate can also be used to treat other ailments like narcolepsy. It can aid people suffering from Narcolepsy to remain awake and improve their ability focus and pay attention.
This medication can have a high potential for abuse and is classified as a Schedule II drug by the US Drug Enforcement Agency. If you take this medication as recommended can decrease the chance for abuse as well as other adverse effects. Methylphenidate may cause psychotic symptoms in some people. It may also worsen behavior problems and tics in some people with bipolar disorder or Tourette's syndrome. Patients with these conditions should tell their doctor prior to taking this medication.
It is essential to inform your doctor if you suffer from any other health concerns or are sensitive to any food or dyes (such as tartrazine, which is a yellow dye that is found in processed foods and in some medications and Adhansia XR). Methylphenidate can interact with certain medications, including opioids, antidepressants and monoamine oxide inhibitors. This includes isocarboxazid linezolid, methylene blue, rasagiline, Emsam, Zelapar, or tranylcypromine.
Avoid alcohol and other stimulants while taking methylphenidate. These drugs can have a harmful effect on your blood pressure and heart rate. The immediate-release methylphenidate tablet (Ritalin) and the oral disintegrating capsule with a long-acting mechanism and chewable tablets (Quillichew-ER and Cotempla-XR -ODT) and chewable tablets with a long-acting mechanism (Quillichew-ER and Cotempla-XR-ODT), contain the chemical phenylalanine. This could be dangerous if a genetic condition known as phenylketonuria occurs.
Bupropion
Bupropion, an antidepressant drug works on the brain and improves mood. It also reduces symptoms of ADHD. It is also used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) which is a form of depression that is common in the fall and winter months. It is also used to aid smokers in quitting by reducing the craving for nicotine and withdrawal symptoms.
Bupropion has been shown to reduce ADHD symptoms in adults in numerous studies. The pooled fixed-effect RR for week-6 improvement (using an improvement that is clinically significant of 30 percent or more on the CGI scale) is 1.14 (95 percent 95% confidence interval 0.95 to 1.37) and, for overall response, the corresponding percentage of improved subjects was 52 percent in the bupropion treatment group, compared to 37 percent in the placebo group.
Bupropion could cause serious and life-threatening interactions when taken together with other drugs. These include antidepressants and sedatives as well as some blood pressure medications. It can also increase the risk of seizures for those with a history of seizure or high blood pressure. It is not recommended in certain medical conditions, and women who are pregnant or nursing should not take it. Bupropion can be found in the brand name medications Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Zyban, Budeprion SR, Aplenzin, and Forfivo XL. It is also available in generic form.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants (abbreviated TCAs) are a class of drugs that alter the brain's chemical. They were among the first antidepressants to be developed. Although they are not used as a first line treatment for depression, they may still be effective for some individuals. They work by inhibiting the reuptake process of dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline, thereby increasing their presence in neurons. They are also useful in reducing the symptoms of other conditions, including pain syndromes and enuresis, like fibromyalgia or the phantom leg syndrome.
TCAs can be prescribed as a single or in combination with stimulants, and can have a beneficial impact on symptoms of ADHD. They can reduce the severity of ADHD symptoms and decrease depression, anxiety, and impulsivity. In addition, they may assist in reducing tics, which are repetitive, uncontrollable movements or sounds, such as throat clearing or blinking.
TCAs may cause side effects such as sedation and dry mouth, and increase the risk of cardiovascular issues. These drugs can interact with other medications, like anticholinergics and should be avoided by pregnant women. These drugs can also cause teratogenic effects in animals and they can cross the placenta. If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor, as there are newer antidepressants that have a lower side-effects profile.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibition (SSRIs).
SSRIs are antidepressants that block serotonin reuptake by neurons and increase the amount of available serotonin to signal. They also reduce anxiety and impulse-driven behavior. They are utilized to treat adhd because they can help some people with their symptoms and can work in conjunction with other drugs. Examples of SSRIs include fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, and citalopram. They exhibit linear pharmacokinetics and have a lower clearance from the human body. However, they are extensively processed by CYP450 enzymes within the liver. This results in variable blood concentrations.
These drugs are also prescribed to treat other disorders, including major depressive disorder, bulimia nervosa generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The SSRIs fluoxetine and escitalopram and sertraline may help to reduce PTSD core symptoms. However, they do not appear to be effective for other PTSD symptoms.
SSRIs could cause a uncommon side effect, referred to as sexual dysfunction. It is crucial to discuss this with your physician if you are thinking about taking one of these drugs. Many people need to test several different kinds of ADHD medications before settling on the one that suits them. The development and research of new medication is ongoing. It is essential to inform your doctor about all medications you take.
Selective norepinephrine Reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
If stimulant drugs don't work for adults with ADHD doctors prescribe an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine reuptake (SNRI). These drugs increase the levels of two brain chemicals called serotonin and norepinephrine. They also improve mood and reduce anxiety and depression.
SNRIs are similar to TCAs however they are safer and have less side effects. They are prescribed for a variety of ailments like anxiety disorders, chronic pain such as fibromyalgia and nerve pain. Sometimes they are used to treat depression in addition. Examples of SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
These medications act by inhibiting the reabsorption (reuptake) of norepinephrine which is a natural process that occurs in the brain following neurotransmission. This results in a higher than normal release of phasic. The increased levels of norepinephrine can improve attention and mood.
SNRIs aren't approved by the FDA for treating ADHD however, certain doctors prescribe them as an alternative stimulant. Most commonly, they are taken as pills. However, they can also be taken in liquid form or as patches. The FDA approved a SNRI for oral use known as viloxazine or Qelbree to treat ADHD among adolescents and children in April 2021. It does not have a potential for abuse and therefore is not classified as a controlled substance.
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 they can aid in the treatment of symptoms of ADHD. SNRI drugs such as duloxetine or venlafaxine have been shown in several studies to significantly lower scores on a variety of ADHD questionnaires. However, SNRIs can increase a person's blood pressure, and can interact with certain drugs. Therefore, it is important to consult a physician before taking these medications. Additionally, improperly handled medication can cause harm to both humans and animals. It is therefore important to follow the proper disposal guidelines.
SSRIs and SNRIs aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but doctors can prescribe these medications off-label. They are safe, effective, and have fewer side effects than stimulants. Talk to your doctor and discuss your child's symptoms.
SNRIs aren't appropriate for everyone. For example pregnant women or breastfeeding should not take SNRIs as they may be absorbed into breast milk. They should not be used by people who suffer from high blood pressure, liver problems or other cardiovascular issues.
Selective dopamine Reuptake inhibitors (DARPIs)
Many people suffering from ADHD discover that medication can help them increase their concentration and focus. Some people may also notice a reduction in impulsive behavior. The medication is typically combined with behavior therapy and skills training, which helps people get control of their symptoms. It takes time to determine the right dosage and dosage for each person. During this time doctors will observe the physical reactions of patients to determine an equilibrium between the effects of side effects and the benefits.
The stimulant drugs, like methylphenidate, increase the activity of certain brain chemicals that regulate memory and attention. They are generally safe and effective for the majority of people, but they can cause serious side effects, such as a decrease in appetite and difficulty sleeping. These side effects usually subside after a couple of days as your body gets used to the medication.
Non-stimulant drugs are also available for children as well as adults. They might take longer to effect their effects but they can enhance the ability to control impulses and concentration. add adult medications include alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists (atomoxetine and viloxazine) and the guanfacine.
Antidepressants are also effective for treating ADHD. They can increase norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter in the brain that helps with the impulsive behavior and depression. Bupropion, a depressant, has been prescribed to treat ADHD. It was initially prescribed "off-label" for ADHD however, drug makers eventually came up with extended-release versions, and the FDA approved the drug as a treatment for this disorder.