ADHD Medications - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD are prescribed medication for the condition. It can improve symptoms but it also can cause negative side effects. Talk to your doctor when you experience any side effects.
Stimulants are among the most popular kind of prescription medication that healthcare providers prescribe for ADHD. These medications boost the levels of brain chemicals, also known as neurotransmitters, which control 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 enhancing the activity of brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is also sometimes used to treat other conditions like the condition known as narcolepsy. It can aid people suffering from narcolepsy to stay awake and improve their ability to focus and pay attention.
This medication has the potential to be abused and is considered a Schedule II drug by the US Drug Enforcement Agency. Taking this medication exactly as recommended can decrease the chance for abuse and also other side effects. Methylphenidate can trigger psychotic symptoms in some people. It can also cause worse the behavior and tics of people with Tourette syndrome or bipolar disorder. Patients with these conditions should inform their doctor before starting this medication.
Tell your doctor if there are any other health issues or if you are allergic to any food or dyes. (For instance, tartrazine is a yellow dye that can be present in processed foods as well as in some medications. If you're taking Adhansia, XR). Methylphenidate is a drug that can interact with other medications, including opioids, antidepressants, and monoamine oxide inhibitors, like isocarboxazid (Marplan) and linezolid (Zyvox), methylene blue, the phenelzine (Nardil) and rasagiline (Azilect) selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate).
Avoid drinking alcohol and other stimulants while taking methylphenidate. These can have a dangerous impact on your blood pressure and heart rate. The immediate-release methylphenidate tablets (Ritalin) and the long-acting chewable tablet and the long-acting oral 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, a medication that treats depression is a brain stimulant and improves mood. It also eases the symptoms of ADHD. It can also be used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) which is a form of depression that is common in autumn-winter. It is also used to help smokers quit by reducing the craving for nicotine and withdrawal effects.
Bupropion has been found to improve ADHD symptoms in adults in numerous studies. The pooled fixed effect RR for week-6 improvements (using the criteria of a clinically significant improvement of 30% or more on the CGI) is 1.14 (95%CI 0.95-1.37). For overall response, this is 52 percent of the bupropion-treated group and 37% in the placebo group.
Bupropion can cause serious and even life-threatening interactions if taken in conjunction together with other drugs. These include antidepressants and sedatives and blood pressure medications. It may also increase seizure risk for those with a history of seizures or high blood pressure. It is not recommended for 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 as a generic drug.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Tricyclic Antidepressants, or TCAs are a type of drugs that work by affecting brain chemicals. They were among the first antidepressants that were developed, and although they are no longer the first-line treatment for depression they can still be effective for some patients suffering from other conditions. They inhibit the reuptake of dopamine serotonin and noradrenaline by increasing their availability in neurons. They can also be employed to treat a range of other conditions, including pain syndromes, enuresis like fibromyalgia, as well as phantom-limb syndrome.
TCAs are effective in treating ADHD symptoms, regardless of whether they are prescribed on their own or in combination with stimulants. They can help improve the core ADHD symptoms and reduce anxiety, depression, and impulsiveness. They can also assist in managing tics. These are uncontrollable, repetitive actions or sounds like the sound of a throat clearing or blinking.
TCAs can cause adverse reactions, including dry mouth and sedation, and increase the risk of cardiovascular issues. These medications can interact negatively with other medications, such as anticholinergics and should never be taken by pregnant women. They are also known to be teratogenic in animals and can cross the placenta. Talk to your doctor if you're concerned. There are newer antidepressants that have a lower risk of adverse effects.
Selective serotonin inhibition of reuptake (SSRIs).
The SSRIs are a type of antidepressants that inhibit serotonin reuptake in neurons and increase the amount of serotonin for signaling. They also reduce anxiety and lower impulsive behavior. They are used as adhd medication because they improve symptoms in certain individuals and are effective along with other medication. SSRIs include fluoxetine, sertraline paroxetine, and citalopram. They exhibit linear pharmacokinetics and have a lower clearance from the human body. However, medications for adhd in adults are extensively processed by CYP450 enzymes inside the liver. This results in varying blood concentrations.
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 may help to reduce PTSD primary symptoms. However, they do not appear to be effective in treating other PTSD symptoms.
SSRIs could cause a uncommon side effect, referred to as sexual dysfunction. It is important to discuss this with your doctor if you are considering taking one of these medicines. It is typical for people to to test a variety of ADHD medications before they discover the one that is most effective for them. Medications are constantly being developed and studied. It is essential to inform your doctor about any medications you are taking.
Selective norepinephrine Reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
When stimulant drugs don't work for adults with ADHD, doctors often prescribe an antidepressant called a selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitor (SNRI). These drugs increase levels of norepinephrine and serotonin two brain chemical substances. They also help improve mood and decrease depression and anxiety.
SNRIs are similar to TCAs however they are less risky and have fewer side effects. They are used for many ailments like anxiety disorders, long-term pain like fibromyalgia, and nerve pain. They can also be utilized as an additional treatment for depression. SNRIs are duloxetine, (Cymbalta), and venlafaxine, (Effexor).
These drugs work by preventing the absorption (reuptake) of norepinephrine, which is a natural process in the brain following neurotransmission. This results in a larger-than-normal the phasic release of norepinephrine. The increased levels of norepinephrine enhances mood and focus.
The SNRIs haven't been approved by the FDA for the treatment of ADHD however, certain doctors prescribe them as an alternative stimulant. They are typically taken as pills. However they can also be used 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 is not a controlled drug since it doesn't have the potential to be misused.
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
SNRIs are antidepressants that affect the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. They are used to treat anxiety and depression disorders, but aid in the treatment of symptoms of ADHD. SNRI drugs such as duloxetine or venlafaxine have been demonstrated in several studies to significantly lower scores on various ADHD tests. SNRIs may increase blood pressure or interact with other medications. It is essential to speak with a physician prior to taking these drugs. Additionally, improperly disposed medication can harm both people and animals. It is therefore important to follow the correct disposal instructions.
SSRIs or SNRIs haven't been approved by the FDA for treating ADHD, but doctors may prescribe them off-label. They are safe and effective, as well as having less negative effects than stimulants. Talk with your doctor about your child's symptoms and discuss the pros and cons of these drugs.
SNRIs can raise the body's level of serotonin and norepinephrine, but are not suitable for all. For example women who are pregnant or nursing should not take SNRIs, because they can pass into breast milk. Patients with high blood pressure or liver issues should not be taking them, either, as they can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular problems.
Selective dopamine Reuptake inhibitors (DARPIs)
Many people who suffer from ADHD find that medication helps improve their attention and focus. They might also experience less behavior that is impulsive. The medication is usually used with behavioral therapy and skills training to help people learn how to manage their symptoms. It takes time to identify the right dosage and dosage for each individual. In this process, doctors check physical reactions to find the ideal balance between benefits and adverse effects.
Stimulant drugs, such as methylphenidate, enhance the activity of specific brain chemicals that regulate memory and attention. While they are generally safe and effective for the majority of people, they can trigger serious side effects, such as decreased appetite and difficulty sleeping. These effects typically subside within a few days, as your body adjusts to the medication.
Non-stimulant drugs are also available for children and adults. They might take longer to work however they can help improve concentration and impulse control. They may include alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists (atomoxetine viloxazine) and Guanfacine hydrochloride.
Antidepressants are also effective for treating ADHD. They can increase norepinephrine which is a neurotransmitter found in the brain that helps with mood swings and depression. Bupropion is an example of an antidepressant that has been used for ADHD. It was initially prescribed "off-label" for ADHD but the drug companies eventually came up with extended-release versions, and the FDA approved it as a treatment for this disorder.