ADHD Medications - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD take medication to treat the condition. It can help alleviate symptoms, but it can also trigger side effects. If you have adverse reactions, consult your GP about them.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed type of prescription medication healthcare providers prescribe for ADHD. These drugs increase the amount of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters that regulate attention and behavior.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant of first choice used to treat ADHD in children and adults. It is effective by increasing the activity of brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is also sometimes used to treat other ailments like narcolepsy. It can help people with the condition to stay alert and improve their ability focus and pay attention.
This medication has a high risk of abuse and is classified as a Schedule II drug in the US Drug Enforcement Agency. The medication is taken exactly as prescribed to lower the chance of abuse and adverse effects. Methylphenidate may cause psychotic symptoms in certain people. It can also exacerbate the behavior and tics of certain people suffering from Tourette's syndrome or bipolar disorder. Before beginning this medication, people with these conditions must tell their doctor.
Inform your doctor if you are any other health problems or if you have an allergy to food or dyes. (For example tartrazine is a yellow color that can be present in processed foods and some medications. If you're taking Adhansia, XR). Methylphenidate can interact with certain medications, such as opioid medicines antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid (Marplan) and linezolid (Zyvox) and methylene blue, the phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) or tranylcypromine (Parnate).
It's also important to stay clear of drinking alcohol or other stimulant drugs when taking methylphenidate. They can have a negative impact on your blood pressure and heart rate. The immediate-release methylphenidate tablet (Ritalin) as well as the oral disintegrating capsule that acts long-term and chewable tablets (Quillichew-ER and Cotempla-XR -ODT), and the chewable tablets that have a long-acting action (Quillichew-ER and Cotempla XR-ODT), contain Phenylalanine. It can be a risk in the case of a genetic disorder known as phenylketonuria occurs.
Bupropion
Bupropion is an antidepressant drug that works with the brain to improve mood and reduce symptoms of ADHD. It is also used to treat depression and seasonal depression (SAD), which occurs during the fall-winter months. It can also aid smokers in quitting by reducing cravings for nicotine and withdrawal effects.
Several studies of adults have demonstrated that bupropion improves ADHD symptoms in comparison to placebo. The fixed effect RR pooled for week-6 improvement (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 equals 52 percent of the bupropion group and 37% in the placebo group.
Bupropion can have serious and sometimes life-threatening interactions several different medications, including sedatives, antidepressants and some blood pressure drugs. It may also increase the risk of seizures in those who have a history of seizure or high blood pressure. It is also contraindicated for use by people with certain medical conditions. It is not recommended for women who are nursing or pregnant. Bupropion is available as the brand-name medication Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Zyban, Budeprion SR, Aplenzin, and Forfivo XL. It is also available as a generic drug.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants (abbreviated TCAs) are a class of drugs that alter brain chemicals. They were among the first antidepressants developed. While they aren't utilized as a primary treatment for depression however, they could still be effective for certain people. They block the reuptake of dopamine and serotonin, which increases the amount of serotonin that is available to neurons. They can be employed to treat a range of other disorders such as enuresis, pain syndromes like fibromyalgia, as well as phantom-limb syndrome.
TCAs are effective in treating ADHD symptoms, whether they are prescribed alone or combined with stimulants. They can help improve the symptoms of ADHD, and can reduce anxiety, depression and impulsiveness. They may also help manage tics. They are uncontrollable repeated actions or sounds like the sound of a throat clearing or blinking.
TCAs can trigger side effects, like sedation, dry mouth and constipation, and can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular problems. They can also negatively interact with other medications such as anticholinergics, and should not be taken by pregnant women. They can also be teratogenic for animals and may cross the placenta. Consult your doctor if you're concerned. There are newer antidepressants that are less likely of side negative effects.
Selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
The SSRIs are an antidepressant class of medications that inhibit serotonin reuptake in neurons and aid in increasing the amount of serotonin available to signal. They also help reduce anxiety and the tendency to be impulsive. They are commonly used to treat adhd since they can assist some people suffering from their symptoms and can work in conjunction with other drugs. Examples of SSRIs include paroxetine, sertraline, fluoxetine and citalopram. They have linear pharmacokinetics, and have a very low clearance from the human body. However they are extensively processed by CYP450 enzymes inside the liver. This leads to varying blood levels.
These medications are also prescribed to treat various conditions, such as major depression disorder, bulimia nervosa generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The SSRIs fluoxetine escitalopram and sertraline could help in reducing PTSD symptoms. They aren't effective in treating other PTSD symptoms.
The SSRIs can cause an uncommon side effect that can cause sexual dysfunction. It is essential to discuss this with your physician if you are thinking of taking one of these drugs. It is common for people to have to test several different kinds of ADHD medications before they discover the one that is most effective for them. The development and research of new medications is ongoing. It is essential to inform your doctor about all medications you use.
Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
If stimulant drugs aren't effective for adults with ADHD, doctors often prescribe an antidepressant, also known as a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). These drugs increase levels of norepinephrine and serotonin, two brain chemical substances. They also help improve mood and reduce anxiety and depression.
SNRIs have similar side effects to TCAs however they are less harmful. They are used for many ailments like anxiety disorders, chronic pain such as fibromyalgia, as well as nerve pain. They can also be used as an add-on treatment for depression. Examples of SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor).
These medications act by inhibiting the absorption (reuptake) of norepinephrine, which is a natural reaction in the brain following neurotransmission. This results in a larger-than-normal the phasic release of norepinephrine. The increased levels of norepinephrine helps improve mood and attention.
Although SNRIs aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD Some doctors do use them as an alternative to stimulants. They are typically taken orally in the form of pills, but they can be taken in the form of patches or liquids. In April 2021 the FDA approved an oral SNRI called viloxazine (Qelbree) to treat ADHD in children and adolescents. It is not a controlled medication because it does not have the potential to be abused.
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
SNRIs are antidepressants that affect the levels of norepinephrine as well as serotonin in the brain. They are prescribed to treat depression and anxiety disorders but they can also help manage ADHD symptoms. SNRI drugs like venlafaxine or duloxetine have been proven in numerous studies to significantly decrease scores on a variety of ADHD tests. SNRIs can increase blood pressure or interact with certain medications. It is essential to speak with a doctor prior to taking these medications. Additionally, improperly disposed medication can harm both people and animals. It is therefore essential to follow the correct disposal guidelines.
SSRIs and SNRIs aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however, doctors are able to prescribe them without a prescription. They are safe and effective, and have fewer adverse effects than stimulants. Speak to medication for adhd in adults and discuss your child's symptoms.
SNRIs may not be suitable for everyone. Women who are nursing or pregnant should stay clear of taking SNRIs as they may be passed through breast milk. Those who suffer from high blood pressure or liver problems should not take these drugs, either, because they may increase their risks of cardiovascular complications.
Selective dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (DARPIs).
Many people who suffer from ADHD find that medication helps improve their focus and attention. Some might also notice a decrease in their impulsive behavior. The treatment is usually paired with behavior therapy and training, which help people manage their symptoms. Finding the right medication for each patient takes time. During this process, doctors check physical reactions to find the optimal balance of benefits and side effects.
Drugs that stimulate the brain, like methylphenidate can increase the activity of a specific brain chemicals that control memory and concentration. Although they are generally safe and effective for most people, they can also cause serious side effects like diminished appetite and sleep problems. These effects usually disappear within some weeks as your body adjusts to the medication.
Adults and children alike can use non-stimulant drugs. They take longer to begin working, but they can increase concentration and control of impulses. They can include alpha-2 adrenergic receptors (atomoxetine viloxazine, atomoxetine) and guanfacine hydrochloride.
Antidepressants are also effective for treating ADHD. They can boost the neurotransmitter norepinephrine in the brain, and aid in the impulsive behavior and depression. Bupropion is an example of an antidepressant that has been used to treat ADHD. It was initially prescribed "off-label" for ADHD but the drug companies eventually developed extended-release versions and the FDA approved it as a treatment for this disorder.