ADHD Medications - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD are treated with medication. It can help alleviate symptoms, but can also cause side effects. If you experience adverse effects, speak to your GP about them.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed type of prescription medication healthcare providers prescribe for ADHD. These drugs increase the levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters that control the attention span and behavior.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a first-choice stimulant used to treat ADHD in children and adults. It is effective by increasing the activity of brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. Methylphenidate may also be used to treat other ailments such as the disorder known as narcolepsy. It can assist people suffering from 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 decrease the chance of abuse and the adverse negative effects. Methylphenidate can trigger psychotic symptoms in some people. It can also cause worse behavioral problems and tics in some people with bipolar disorder or Tourette's syndrome. Before taking this medication, those suffering from these conditions must inform their doctor.
It is essential to inform your doctor if there are any other health issues or are allergic to any food or dyes (such as tartrazine, a yellow dye found in some processed foods and some medications and Adhansia XR). Methylphenidate may interact with certain drugs such as opioids, antidepressants, and monoamine oxide inhibitors. These include isocarboxazid linezolid and methylene blue. rasagiline, Emsam, Zelapar, or tranylcypromine.
It's also important to stay clear of alcohol and other stimulant drugs when taking methylphenidate. These drugs can have a negative impact on your heart rate and blood pressure. The methylphenidate tablets that are immediate-release (Ritalin) and chewable tablets with long-acting properties and the long-acting oral disintegrating capsule (Quillichew ER and Cotempla XR-ODT) contain phenylalanine. It can be dangerous if you suffer from a genetic disorder known as phenylketonuria (PKU).
Bupropion
Bupropion, an antidepressant medication, works in 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 kind of depression that is common during the winter months of autumn and winter. It is also used to help people quit smoking by decreasing nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Bupropion has been proven to reduce ADHD symptoms in adults in numerous studies. The pooled fixed effect RR for improvements in week 6 (using a clinically significant change of 30% or greater on the CGI) is 1.14 (95%CI 0.95-1.37). For the overall response, this equates to 52% of the bupropion group and 37% in the placebo group.
Bupropion can have serious and sometimes life-threatening interactions with various medications, including sedatives antidepressants and some blood pressure medications. It may also increase seizure risk in people who have 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 breastfeeding or pregnant. 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, or TCAs are a type of medications that work by affecting brain chemical. They were among the first antidepressants to be created, and even though they are no longer considered a first-line treatment for depression, they can still be effective in some people with other disorders. They inhibit the reuptake of dopamine serotonin and noradrenaline by increasing their levels in neurons. They can also be used to treat a variety of other diseases, such as enuresis, pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia, as well as the phantom-limb syndrome.
TCAs can be effective in treating ADHD symptoms, regardless of whether they are administered on their own or with stimulants. They can help improve the core ADHD symptoms and reduce depression, anxiety, and the tendency to be impulsive. Additionally, they can assist in reducing disorders like tics, which are repeated and uncontrollable sounds or movements, such as throat clearing or blinking.
TCAs can trigger side effects, such as dry mouth, sedation, and constipation, and may increase the risk of cardiovascular problems. These medications can negatively interact with other medications like anticholinergics and should never be taken by pregnant women. They are also known to be teratogenic in animals, and can cross the placenta. If you have any concerns consult your physician because there are newer antidepressants with a safer side-effects profile.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibition (SSRIs).
The SSRIs are an antidepressant class of medications that inhibit serotonin reuptake by neurons and increase the amount of serotonin available to signal. They also help reduce anxiety and impulse-driven behavior. They are used as adhd medication since they can improve symptoms in certain people and can be helpful in conjunction with other medication. Examples of SSRIs include fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine 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 leads to varying blood concentrations.
These medications 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 could help in reducing PTSD symptoms. They aren't effective in treating other PTSD symptoms.
SSRIs may cause a very rare side effect called sexual dysfunction. It is important to discuss this with your doctor if you are thinking of taking one of these drugs. It is typical for people to to try several different types of ADHD medications before they discover the one that works best for them. The medications are constantly being developed and studied. It is also crucial to report all the medications you take to your healthcare provider.
Selective norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
When stimulant drugs do not help adults suffering from ADHD doctors prescribe an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine reuptake (SNRI). These drugs increase the levels of two brain chemicals, serotonin and norepinephrine. They also aid in improving mood and decrease anxiety and depression.
SNRIs are similar to TCAs however, they are less risky and have less side effects. They are used to treat numerous ailments, such as anxiety disorders and chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia or nerve pain. Sometimes, adhd medication list are used to treat depression in addition. Examples of SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor).
They work by preventing the reabsorption (reuptake) of norepinephrine which is a natural process that occurs in the brain following neurotransmission. This results in a more than normal phasic release. The increase in norepinephrine levels enhances mood and focus.
SNRIs aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however, some doctors prescribe them as an alternative stimulant. They are most often taken orally in the form of pills, but they can be taken as 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 substance since it doesn't have the potential to be misused.
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
SNRIs are antidepressants which affect the levels of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. They are prescribed for anxiety and depression, but also aid in the management of ADHD symptoms. SNRI medications such as venlafaxine or duloxetine have been shown in several studies to significantly decrease scores on different ADHD tests. SNRIs can increase blood pressure or interact with other medications. It is crucial to consult with a doctor prior to taking these medications. Additionally, improperly disposed medication could cause harm to people and animals. It is therefore essential to follow the proper disposal instructions.
SSRIs or SNRIs have not been approved by the FDA for treating ADHD however, doctors can prescribe them off-label. They are safe, effective and have fewer adverse effects than stimulants. Talk to your doctor and discuss your child's symptoms.
SNRIs are not suitable for all people. For example women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take SNRIs, because they can be absorbed into breast milk. They should also not be used by people who suffer from high blood pressure, liver problems, or other cardiovascular conditions.
Selective dopamine reuptake inhibitors (DARPIs)
Many people who suffer from ADHD find that medication helps improve their focus and attention. Some individuals might also notice a decrease in impulsive behavior. The treatment is usually paired with behavior therapy and training, which aid people to manage their symptoms. It takes time to identify the appropriate dosage and medication for each person. In this process, doctors observe physical reactions to find the right balance of benefits and adverse effects.
Stimulant medications, like methylphenidate can increase the activity of a certain brain chemicals that control memory and concentration. They are generally safe and beneficial for the majority of people, but they can have serious side consequences, such as decreased appetite and trouble sleeping. These effects usually disappear within some weeks as your body adjusts to the medication.
Children and adults can also take non-stimulant medications. They take longer to begin working, but they are able to improve concentration and impulse control. These include alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists (atomoxetine and viloxazine), as well as the guanfacine.
Antidepressants are also effective in treating ADHD. They can increase the neurotransmitter norepinephrine in the brain, and aid in impulsive behavior and depression. Bupropion is a prime example of an antidepressant that has been employed to treat ADHD. It was prescribed "off-label" however, drug companies created extended-release versions, and the FDA approved its use as an treatment.