ADHD Medications - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD take medication to treat the condition. It can help alleviate symptoms, but can also cause adverse effects. If you experience any adverse effects, speak to your GP about them.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed type of prescription medication healthcare doctors prescribe to treat ADHD. These drugs increase the levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters that regulate attention and behavior.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a first-choice stimulant used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. It works by enhancing the activity of brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate can also be used to treat other ailments, such as narcolepsy. It can help patients with Narcolepsy to stay awake throughout the day and improve their ability to concentrate and pay attention.
This medication has a high potential for abuse and is classified as to be a Schedule II drug by the US Drug Enforcement Agency. It is recommended to take this medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of abuse and side effects. Methylphenidate may cause psychotic symptoms in some people. It can also cause worse behavior and tics in some patients suffering from Tourette syndrome or bipolar disorder. Before starting this medication, people with these conditions must tell their doctor.
It is important to inform your doctor if you suffer from any other health issues or are allergic to any food or dyes (such as tartrazine, which is a yellow dye that is found in processed foods and some medications; if you're taking Adhansia XR). Methylphenidate may interact with certain medications, including opioids antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid (Marplan) and linezolid (Zyvox) and methylene blue, the phenelzine (Nardil) and rasagiline (Azilect) selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) or tranylcypromine (Parnate).
Avoid drinking alcohol or other stimulants when taking methylphenidate. These drugs may cause a negative effect on your heart rate or blood pressure. The methylphenidate tablets that are immediate-release (Ritalin) and the chewable tablet with long-acting function and the long-acting orally disintegrating capsule (Quillichew ER and Cotempla XR-ODT) contain phenylalanine. It can be dangerous if you have an inherited condition known as Phenylketonuria (PKU).
Bupropion
Bupropion, an antidepressant drug works on the brain and improves mood. It also reduces symptoms of ADHD. It is also used for depression and seasonal depression (SAD) which can occur during the winter and fall seasons. adhd and medication can also be used to help people stop smoking by reducing the craving for nicotine and withdrawal symptoms.
Bupropion has been shown to reduce ADHD symptoms in adults in several studies. The fixed-effect RR of the pooled study for week-6 improvement (using an improvement that is clinically significant of 30 percent or more on the CGI scale) is 1.14 (95% CI 0.95 to 1.37) and overall response the proportion of better subjects was 52 percent in the bupropion treatment group, compared to 37 percent in the placebo group.
Bupropion can cause serious and life-threatening interactions when taken together with other drugs. These include sedatives and antidepressants along with blood pressure medications. add adhd medication can also increase the risk of seizure for those with a history of seizures or high blood pressure. It is not recommended for certain medical conditions, and women who are nursing or pregnant are not advised to take it. Bupropion is available as the brand-name medications Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Zyban, Budeprion SR, Aplenzin, and Forfivo XL. It is also available as generic drug.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants (abbreviated TCAs) are a group of drugs that affect brain chemicals. They were one of the earliest antidepressants developed, and although they are no longer a first-line treatment for depression they are still effective in some people with other ailments. They work by inhibiting the reuptake process of dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline, increasing their availability in neurons. They can be used to treat a variety of other diseases, such as enuresis, pain syndromes like fibromyalgia and phantom-limb syndrome.
TCAs can be prescribed alone or together with stimulants and they can have a positive impact on symptoms of ADHD. They can improve core ADHD symptoms and decrease depression, anxiety and the tendency to be impulsive. In addition, they may help manage the tics, which are repetitive and uncontrollable sounds or movements like clearing the throat or blinking.
TCAs may cause side effects such as dry mouth and sedation and can increase the risk of cardiovascular issues. These drugs can interact with other medications, including anticholinergics, and should be avoided by pregnant women. They are also known to be teratogenic for animals and can cross the placenta. Talk to your doctor if concerned. There are antidepressants that are more recent that have a lower risk of adverse effects.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs are a class of antidepressants that inhibit serotonin reuptake by neuronal cells and increase the amount of available serotonin for signaling. They also decrease anxiety and reduce impulsive behaviors. They are utilized as an adhd medication since they can improve symptoms in certain people and may be beneficial alongside other medication. Examples of SSRIs are paroxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline, and citalopram. They have linear pharmacokinetics and have a lower clearance from the human body. However, they are extensively metabolized by CYP450 enzymes in the liver. This results in variable blood concentrations.
They are also prescribed to treat various disorders, including major depressive disorder, bulimia nervosa, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The SSRIs fluoxetine escitalopram and sertraline may help reduce PTSD symptoms. They don't appear to be effective in treating other PTSD symptoms.
The SSRIs can trigger an uncommon side effect that can cause sexual dysfunction. It is important to discuss this with your doctor if you are considering taking one of these medications. It is common for people to to try several different types of ADHD medications before they find the one that is most effective for them. The medications are constantly being developed and studied. It is also crucial to inform all medications you are taking to your healthcare provider.
Selective norepinephrine Reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
If stimulant drugs aren't effective for adults suffering from ADHD Doctors often prescribe an antidepressant known as a selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). These medications increase levels of norepinephrine and serotonin two brain chemicals. They also improve mood and reduce anxiety and depression.
SNRIs are similar to TCAs however, they are more secure and have less side effects. They are used to treat numerous ailments, such as anxiety disorders and long-term pain such as fibromyalgia and nerve pain. They are also sometimes employed as an adjunct treatment for depression. Examples of SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
They work by preventing the absorption (reuptake) of norepinephrine, which is a natural process that occurs in the brain after neurotransmission. This causes a greater than normal phasic release. The increased norepinephrine levels help improve concentration and mood.
SNRIs have not been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD However, some doctors prescribe them as an alternative stimulant. They are usually taken as pills. However, they are also available in liquid form or in patches. In April 2021, the FDA approved an oral SNRI known as viloxazine (Qelbree) to treat ADHD in children and adolescents. It does not have the potential to be abused so it isn't 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 to treat depression and anxiety disorders, but also aid in controlling symptoms of ADHD. SNRI drugs like duloxetine and venlafaxine have been demonstrated in several studies to significantly reduce scores on various ADHD tests. SNRIs may increase blood pressure or interact with certain medications. It is crucial to consult with a physician prior taking these medications. In addition, improperly disposed medication can harm both people and animals. It is therefore important to follow the correct disposal instructions.
SSRIs or SNRIs are not been approved by the FDA for treating ADHD However, doctors may prescribe them off-label. They are effective, safe and have fewer adverse effects than stimulants. Talk to your doctor and discuss the symptoms of your child.
SNRIs may not be appropriate for everyone. For example, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use SNRIs as they may be passed into breast milk. People with liver or blood pressure problems should not take these drugs, either, because they can increase the risk of cardiovascular complications.
Selective dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (DARPIs).
Many people suffering from ADHD take medication to improve their concentration and attention. They may also experience less impulsive behaviors. The medication is typically combined with behavior therapy and training, which helps people manage their symptoms. It takes time to identify the right dosage and dosage for each individual. During this process, doctors check physical reactions to determine the right balance of benefits and side effects.
The stimulant drugs, like methylphenidate, boost the activity of specific brain chemicals that regulate memory and attention. While they are generally effective and safe for most people, they can cause serious side effects such as diminished appetite and sleep problems. These effects usually go away within a few weeks as your body adjusts to the medication.
Children and adults can also use non-stimulant drugs. They might take longer to work but they can enhance concentration and impulse control. These include alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists (atomoxetine and viloxazine), as well as Guanfacine.
Antidepressants can also be effective in treating ADHD. They can boost norepinephrine levels, a neurotransmitter in the brain that aids in impulsive behaviors and depression. Bupropion, an antidepressant has been prescribed to treat ADHD. It was prescribed "off-label" but drug makers created extended-release versions, and the FDA approved its use as an treatment.