ADHD Medications - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD are treated with medication. It can improve symptoms but it can also trigger negative side effects. If you have adverse reactions, consult your GP about them.
Stimulants are among the most popular type of prescription medication healthcare doctors prescribe to treat ADHD. These medications increase levels of brain chemicals, also known as neurotransmitters that regulate the attention span and behavior.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant of first choice used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. It works by increasing the activity in brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate can also be used to treat other conditions like narcolepsy. It may help people with narcolepsy stay awake during the day and increase their ability to focus and pay attention.
This medication can have a high potential for abuse and is classified as a Schedule II drug by the US Drug Enforcement Agency. This medication can be taken exactly as prescribed to reduce the risk of abuse and the adverse effects. Methylphenidate can trigger psychotic symptoms in some people. It can also cause worse behavior and tics in some people suffering from Tourette syndrome or bipolar disorder. Patients with these conditions should consult their doctor prior to taking this medication.
Tell your doctor if there are any other health concerns or if you are allergic to any food or dyes. (For example tartrazine is a yellow dye that is found in some processed food and in some medicines. If you're on Adhansia, XR). Methylphenidate can interact with certain drugs such as opioids, antidepressants and monoamine oxide inhibitors. These include isocarboxazid linezolid, methylene blue, rasagiline, Emsam, Zelapar, or tranylcypromine.
Avoid alcohol and other stimulants while taking methylphenidate. These drugs may cause a negative effect on your heart rate and blood pressure. The methylphenidate tablets that are immediate-release (Ritalin), the oral disintegrating capsule that acts long-term and chewable tablets (Quillichew-ER and Cotempla-XR-ODT) and the long acting chewable tablets (Quillichew-ER and Cotempla-XR-ODT) contain phenylalanine. It can be a risk when a genetic condition such as phenylketonuria is present.
Bupropion
Bupropion is an antidepressant medicine that works in the brain to improve mood and decrease symptoms of ADHD. It is also used for depression and seasonal depression (SAD) which can occur during the winter and fall seasons. It can also help people quit smoking by reducing the craving for nicotine and withdrawal effects.
Bupropion has been found to improve ADHD symptoms in adults in numerous studies. The fixed-effect RR of the pooled study for week-6 improvement (using a clinically meaningful change of 30% or more on the CGI scale) is 1.14 (95% 95% confidence interval 0.95 to 1.37) and overall response the corresponding percentage of improved subjects was 52 percent in the bupropion group compared with 37% in the placebo group.
Bupropion can have serious and sometimes life-threatening interactions several different drugs, including sedatives antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs. It may also increase the risk of having seizures in those who have a history of seizure or high blood pressure. It is not recommended in certain medical conditions and women who are pregnant or nursing are not advised to take it. Bupropion is available under the brand name medications Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Zyban, Budeprion SR, Aplenzin, and Forfivo XL. It is also available as a generic drug.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Tricyclic Antidepressants, or TCAs are a class of medications that work by affecting brain chemicals. They were among the first antidepressants that were that were developed, and though they are no longer considered a first-line treatment for depression, they are still beneficial for people suffering from other disorders. They block the reuptakes of dopamine and serotonin, increasing their availability within neurons. They can also be used to treat a variety of other conditions, including enuresis, pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia and the phantom-limb syndrome.
TCAs can be prescribed alone or together with stimulants and may have a positive impact on the symptoms of ADHD. They can improve core ADHD symptoms and decrease depression, anxiety and impulsiveness. Additionally, they can help manage disorders like tics, which are repeated uncontrollable movements or sounds like clearing the throat or blinking.
TCAs can cause side effects, such as dry mouth, sedation and constipation, and may increase the risk of developing cardiovascular issues. They can also interact negatively with other medications like anticholinergics and should not be used by women who are pregnant. They are also known to be teratogenic in animals, and may cross the placenta. Speak to your doctor if you're concerned. There are newer antidepressants that have a lower risk of adverse negative effects.
Selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
The SSRIs are a type of antidepressants that hinder serotonin reuptake by neuronal cells and increase the amount of available serotonin to signal. They also decrease anxiety and reduce impulsive behaviors. They are commonly used to treat adhd since they can help some sufferers with their symptoms and are effective in conjunction with other medications. SSRIs include fluoxetine, sertraline-paroxetine and citalopram. They exhibit linear pharmacokinetics and have a low clearance from the body, but they are extensively metabolized in the liver by CYP450 isoenzymes. This results in blood concentrations that fluctuate.
These drugs can also be prescribed to treat other disorders like posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and generalized anxiety disorder, and the bulimia nervosa. The SSRIs fluoxetine, escitalopram and sertraline are able to reduce PTSD core symptoms. They aren't effective in treating other PTSD symptoms.
SSRIs may cause a very rare side effect called sexual dysfunction. If you're considering taking one of these medications, it is important to consult your doctor. It is common for people to to test several different kinds of ADHD medications before they find the one that works best for them. The development and research of new medication is ongoing. It is also important to disclose all the medications you are taking to your physician.
Selective norepinephrine Reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
If stimulant drugs don't help adults suffering from ADHD doctors prescribe a selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). These medications increase the levels of two brain chemicals called norepinephrine and serotonin. They also help improve mood and decrease anxiety and depression.
The SNRIs are similar in their negative effects to TCAs however, they are more secure. They are used to treat many conditions, including anxiety disorders as well as chronic pain such as fibromyalgia and nerve pain. Sometimes they are used to treat depression in addition. The SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine (Effexor).
add medication adults block the reabsorption of norepinephrine into the brain that is a normal procedure following neurotransmission. This results in a higher than normal phasic release of norepinephrine. The increase in norepinephrine helps increase concentration and mood.
Although SNRIs aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD However, some doctors are using them as an alternative to stimulants. They are most often taken orally in the form of pills, but they can also be used as liquids or patches. In April 2021 the FDA approved an oral SNRI known as viloxazine (Qelbree) to treat ADHD in kids and adolescents. It is not a controlled medication 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 within the brain. They are used to treat anxiety and depression disorders, but also aid in controlling symptoms of ADHD. SNRI drugs such as duloxetine or venlafaxine have been shown in several studies to significantly decrease scores on different ADHD tests. SNRIs can raise blood pressure or interact with certain medications. It is essential to speak with a doctor prior to taking these drugs. Additionally, improperly handled medication can cause harm to both humans and animals. It is therefore important to follow the correct disposal guidelines.
SSRIs or SNRIs have not been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however, doctors can prescribe them off-label. They are safe and effective, and have less negative effects than stimulants. Speak to your doctor and discuss your child's symptoms.
SNRIs can raise the body's level of serotonin and norepinephrine however they aren't suitable for everyone. For instance pregnant women or breastfeeding should not take SNRIs as they could be absorbed into breast milk. Also, they should not be used by those with high blood pressure, liver problems or other cardiovascular issues.
Selective dopamine reuptake inhibitors (DARPIs)
Many people with ADHD find that medication helps improve their focus and attention. Some people may also notice a decrease in their impulsive behavior. The medication is usually combined with behavioral therapy and skills training to help people learn how to manage their symptoms. It takes time to determine the appropriate dosage and medication for each individual. During this time, doctors will monitor the physical reactions of patients to determine the right balance between benefits and side effects.
Drugs that stimulate the brain, like methylphenidate can increase the activity of certain brain chemicals that regulate memory and concentration. While they are generally safe and effective for most people, they can cause serious side effects such as reduced appetite and trouble sleeping. These side effects usually disappear within several 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) and guanfacine.
Antidepressants are also effective for treating ADHD. They can boost norepinephrine levels which is a neurotransmitter found in the brain that aids in mood swings and depression. Bupropion, a depressant, has been prescribed to treat ADHD. It was originally prescribed "off-label" for ADHD but the drug companies eventually developed extended-release versions and the FDA approved it as a treatment for this condition.