ADHD Medications - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD take medication for the condition. It can help improve symptoms, but it can cause adverse negative effects. If you have side effects, talk to your GP about them.
The most commonly prescribed medication prescribed by healthcare professionals for ADHD is stimulants. These medications increase the levels of brain chemicals, also known as neurotransmitters that regulate attention and behavior.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant that is the first choice for treating ADHD in children and adults is the most commonly prescribed medication. It works by increasing activity in parts of the brain that assist to regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate can also be used to treat other ailments such as the disorder known as narcolepsy. It may help people with Narcolepsy to stay 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. It is recommended to take this medication exactly as prescribed to decrease the chance of abuse and adverse effects. Methylphenidate may cause psychotic symptoms for some people. It can also cause worse behavior and tics for some patients suffering from Tourette syndrome or bipolar disorder. People suffering from these conditions should inform their doctor before starting this medication.
It's important to tell your doctor if you suffer from any other health issues or are allergic to any food or dyes (such as tartrazine, a yellow color present in processed foods and in some medications and Adhansia XR). Methylphenidate is known to interact with medications, including opioids, antidepressants, and monoamine oxide inhibitors. These include isocarboxazid linezolid and methylene blue. rasagiline, Emsam, Zelapar, or tranylcypromine.
Avoid drinking alcohol or other stimulants when taking methylphenidate. These drugs can have a harmful impact on your blood pressure and heart rate. The immediate-release methylphenidate tablets (Ritalin) and the long-acting chewable tablet and the long-acting orally disintegrating capsule (Quillichew ER and Cotempla XR-ODT) contain Phenylalanine, which is dangerous if you suffer from an inherited condition known as phenylketonuria (PKU).
Bupropion
Bupropion, an antidepressant drug is a brain stimulant and improves mood. It also reduces symptoms of ADHD. It can also be used to treat depression and seasonal depression (SAD) which can occur during the winter and fall seasons. It is also used to help smokers quit by reducing the craving for nicotine and withdrawal symptoms.
Bupropion has been shown to improve ADHD symptoms in adults in numerous studies. The fixed effect RR pooled for week-6 improvement (using an increase in clinical significance of 30% or more on the CGI) is 1.14 (95%CI 0.95-1.37). For overall response, this equates to 52 percent of the bupropion group and 37% in the placebo group.
Bupropion could cause serious and sometimes life-threatening interactions with various drugs, including sedatives antidepressants, and blood pressure medications. It can also increase the risk of seizure for those with an history of seizures or high blood pressure. It is contraindicated in certain medical conditions, and women who are pregnant or nursing should not take it. Bupropion is available in the form of brand-name drugs Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL. It is also available in the form of Zyban, Budeprion SR. Aplenzin and Forfivo XL. It is also available in generic form.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Tricyclic Antidepressants, or TCAs are a class of medications that work by altering brain chemicals. They were among the first antidepressants developed. Although they are not utilized as a primary treatment for depression anymore, they may still be effective for certain people. They work by preventing the reuptake process of dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline by increasing their presence in neurons. They can be used to treat a variety of other diseases, such as enuresis, pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia, and the phantom-limb syndrome.
TCAs can be prescribed as a single or in conjunction with stimulants, and they can have a positive effect on the symptoms of ADHD. They can alleviate symptoms that are core to the disorder and may reduce anxiety, depression and impulsiveness. They may also help manage the tics. These are uncontrollable repetitive movements or sounds, such as blinking or clearing the throat.
TCAs can trigger side effects such as dry mouth and sedation, and can increase the risk of cardiovascular issues. They can also interfere with other medications like anticholinergics and should not be taken by pregnant women. These medications are also known to cause teratogenic effects on animals and can cross the placenta. Consult your doctor if concerned. There are antidepressants that are more recent that have a lower risk of adverse negative effects.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
The SSRIs are antidepressants. They consist of a class of drugs that hinder serotonin reuptake by neurons and help increase the amount of serotonin available to signal. They also reduce anxiety and the tendency to be impulsive. They are commonly used to treat adhd since they can help some sufferers with their symptoms and work well in conjunction with other medications. SSRIs include fluoxetine, sertraline paroxetine, and citalopram. They have linear pharmacokinetics, and have a low clearance from your body, however they are extensively metabolized the liver through CYP450 isoenzymes. This leads to varying blood levels.
These medications can also be prescribed to treat other disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as generalized anxiety disorder and bulimia nervosa. The SSRIs fluoxetine and escitalopram and sertraline can help reduce PTSD core symptoms. However, they do not appear to be effective in treating other PTSD symptoms.
SSRIs could cause a rare side effect called sexual dysfunction. It is essential to discuss this with your doctor if you are thinking about taking one of these drugs. Many people have to try various types of ADHD medication before finding the one that works for them. The medications are constantly being developed and studied. It is also crucial to report all the medications you are taking to your doctor.
Selective norepinephrine Reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
If stimulant medications do not help adults suffering from ADHD doctors recommend a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibit (SNRI). These medications increase the levels of two brain chemicals, serotonin and norepinephrine. They also improve mood and reduce depression and anxiety.
SNRIs are similar to TCAs, but they are safer and have fewer adverse effects. They are utilized for many ailments like anxiety disorders, long-term pain like fibromyalgia, and nerve pain. Sometimes they are used to treat depression as well. Examples of SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
These drugs block the reabsorption process of norepinephrine within the brain that is a normal process after neurotransmission. This causes a greater than normal phasic release. The increase in norepinephrine levels helps improve mood and attention.
Although SNRIs haven't been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD However, some doctors are using them as an alternative to stimulants. They are typically taken orally in the form of pills, however, they can also 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 of being abused.
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
SNRIs are antidepressants that alter the levels of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. They are used to treat anxiety and depression disorders, but can also aid in controlling symptoms of ADHD. SNRI drugs such as duloxetine or venlafaxine have been demonstrated in several studies to significantly decrease scores on different ADHD tests. SNRIs may increase blood pressure or interact with certain medications. It is important to consult with a physician prior taking these drugs. Moreover, inappropriately discarded medication can harm people and animals, so it is important to follow the proper disposal guidelines.
SSRIs or SNRIs are not been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but doctors may prescribe them off-label. They are safe and effective, as well as having fewer adverse effects than stimulants. Talk to your doctor and discuss your child's symptoms.
SNRIs are not suitable for everyone. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take SNRIs since they could be passed through breast milk. People with high blood pressure or liver problems should not take these medications, either, since they could increase the risk of cardiovascular issues.
Selective dopamine Reuptake inhibitors (DARPIs)
Many people suffering from ADHD find medication helps them increase their concentration and focus. Some individuals might also notice a decrease in impulsive behavior. The treatment is usually paired with behavioral therapy and training, which help people manage their symptoms. It takes time to identify the right dosage and dosage for each individual. During this time doctors will observe the physical reactions of patients to determine a balance between side effects and benefits.
The stimulant drugs, like methylphenidate, boost the activity of certain brain chemicals that regulate memory and attention. Although they are generally effective and safe for most people, they can also cause serious side effects such as reduced appetite and trouble sleeping. These side effects typically disappear within a few days, as your body adapts to the medication.
Adults and children alike can take non-stimulant medications. They might take longer to take effect but they can enhance concentration and impulse control. These include alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists (atomoxetine and viloxazine), as well as guanfacine.
most effective adhd medication for adults can also help treat ADHD. They can increase norepinephrine which is a neurotransmitter found in the brain that assists with impulsive behaviors and depression. Bupropion is a prime example of an antidepressant that has been used to treat ADHD. It was prescribed "off-label" but drug makers developed extended-release versions, and the FDA approved its use as an treatment.
