ADHD Medications - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD are prescribed medication for the condition. It can ease symptoms, but it could cause adverse negative side effects. If you experience any adverse reactions, consult your GP about them.
Stimulants are among the most popular type of prescription medication that healthcare doctors prescribe to treat ADHD. These medicines increase levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters, which regulate the attention span and behavior.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant of first choice to treat ADHD in adults and children, is the most commonly prescribed medication. It works by increasing the activity of brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate can also be used to treat other conditions like narcolepsy. It can help those suffering from Narcolepsy remain awake throughout the day and improve their ability to concentrate and pay attention.
This medication has a high abuse potential and is classified as a Schedule II drug in the US Drug Enforcement Agency. Taking this medication exactly as recommended can decrease the chance for abuse and other side effects. Methylphenidate may cause psychotic symptoms in certain people. It may also worsen 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.
Inform your doctor if you are any other health issues or if you are allergic to any food or dyes. (For example tartrazine is a yellow color that can be found in processed food items and in some medicines. If you're on Adhansia, XR). Methylphenidate can interact with certain medications, such as opioid medicines such as antidepressants, antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as isocarboxazid (Marplan) Linezolid (Zyvox), methylene blue, phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect) selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) or tranylcypromine (Parnate).
Avoid drinking alcohol and other stimulant substances while taking methylphenidate. They can have a negative impact on your blood pressure and heart rate. The immediate-release methylphenidate tablets (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 risky if you have a genetic condition called phenylketonuria (PKU).
Bupropion
Bupropion is an antidepressant drug that works in the brain to improve mood and reduce symptoms of ADHD. It is also used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) which is a kind of depression that is common during the winter months of autumn and winter. It can also be used to aid people in quitting smoking cigarettes by reducing cravings for nicotine and withdrawal symptoms.
Numerous studies on adults have revealed that bupropion can improve ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo. The pooled fixed effect RR for week-6 improvements (using a clinically significant change of 30% or more on the CGI) is 1.14 (95%CI 0.95-1.37). For the overall response, this equals 52% of the bupropion group and 37% of the placebo group.
Bupropion could cause serious and sometimes life-threatening interactions several different medications, including sedatives antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs. It may also increase the risk of seizures for those with an history of high blood pressure or seizures. It is also contraindicated for use by people with certain medical conditions and should not be used 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 generic drug.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants (abbreviated TCAs) are a group of drugs that affect brain chemicals. They were one of the first antidepressants that were developed, and although they are no longer the first-line treatment for depression, they are still effective for some patients suffering from other conditions. They work by inhibiting the reuptake of dopamine serotonin, and noradrenaline, thereby increasing their levels in neurons. They can also be used to treat a variety of other disorders such as enuresis, pain syndromes like fibromyalgia, as well as the phantom-limb syndrome.
TCAs can be prescribed alone or together with stimulants and can have a beneficial impact on symptoms of ADHD. adhd depression medication can reduce the severity of ADHD symptoms and help reduce anxiety, depression, and the tendency to be impulsive. They can also assist in managing tics. These are uncontrollable repeated actions or sounds like blinking or clearing the throat.
TCAs can trigger side effects such as dry mouth and sedation and increase the risk of developing cardiovascular problems. These drugs can interfere with other medications, such as anticholinergics and should never be used by women who are pregnant. They can also be teratogenic for animals and can cross the placenta. If you have any concerns consult your physician, as there are newer antidepressants with a safer adverse-effect profile.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs are antidepressants that block serotonin reuptake in neurons and increase the amount of serotonin for signaling. They also decrease anxiety and decrease impulsive behavior. They are used as adhd medication because they improve symptoms in some people and can be helpful alongside other medications. Examples of SSRIs include paroxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline and citalopram. They have linear pharmacokinetics, and have a low clearance from the body, but they are extensively metabolized in the liver by CYP450 enzymes. This causes varying blood levels.
These medications are also prescribed to treat other disorders like posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder and the bulimia nervosa. The SSRIs fluoxetine, escitalopram, and sertraline may help reduce PTSD symptoms. However, they don't seem to be effective in treating other PTSD symptoms.
SSRIs can cause a rare side effect called sexual dysfunction. It is crucial to discuss this with your doctor if are thinking about taking one of these medications. A lot of people must try a few different types of ADHD medications before settling on the one that is suitable for them. The development and research of new medications is ongoing. It is also crucial to disclose all the medications you are taking to your doctor.
Selective norepinephrine Reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
When stimulant drugs do not work for adults suffering from 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 have similar side effects to TCAs however they are less harmful. They are used to treat many ailments, including anxiety disorders and long-term pain such as fibromyalgia and nerve pain. They are also sometimes utilized as an additional treatment for depression. The SNRIs include duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
These drugs block the reabsorption of norepinephrine in the brain which is a normal reaction after neurotransmission. This results in a higher than normal release of phasic. The increased levels of norepinephrine help improve mood and concentration.
The SNRIs haven't been approved by the FDA for the treatment of ADHD However, certain doctors prescribe them as an alternative stimulant. Most commonly, they are taken as pills. However they can also be used in the form of liquids or patches. In April 2021, the FDA approved an oral SNRI called viloxazine (Qelbree) to treat ADHD in adolescents and children. It is not a controlled substance since it doesn't have the potential of being abused.
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
SNRIs are antidepressants that affect the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. They are prescribed for anxiety and depression disorders, but they can also help manage ADHD symptoms. Numerous studies have demonstrated that SNRI medications, including duloxetine and venlafaxine can significantly reduce the score of various ADHD questionnaires. However, SNRIs can increase a person's blood pressure and may interact with certain drugs. Therefore, it is essential to consult a doctor before taking these medications. Furthermore, improperly discarded medication can harm people and animals, so it is important to follow proper disposal instructions.
SSRIs and SNRIs have not been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD However, doctors are able prescribe these medications off-label. They are effective, safe, and have fewer side effects than stimulants. Talk with your doctor about your child's health issues and discuss the pros and cons of these drugs.
SNRIs may not be suitable for everyone. For example pregnant women or nursing should not take SNRIs, because they can be absorbed 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 with ADHD discover that medication can help them improve their focus and concentration. They might also experience less impulsive behaviors. The medication is typically combined with behavior therapy and skills training, which help people manage their symptoms. Finding the appropriate medication for each individual requires time. During this time, doctors will monitor the physical reactions of patients to determine the right balance between side effects and benefits.
Stimulant medications, such as methylphenidate, enhance the activity of specific brain chemicals that control memory and attention. They are generally safe and beneficial for the majority of people, but they can cause serious adverse effects, such as a decrease in appetite and difficulty sleeping. These side effects usually disappear after some weeks as your body adjusts to the medication.
Non-stimulant drugs are also available for children as well as adults. They may take longer to effect their effects, but they can improve impulse control and concentration. These include alpha-2-adrenergic agonists (atomoxetine and viloxazine) and Guanfacine.
Antidepressants are also effective in treating ADHD. They can increase norepinephrine which is a neurotransmitter within the brain that aids in impulsive behaviors 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 came up with extended-release versions, and the FDA approved the drug as a treatment for this condition.