ADHD Medications - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD are medicated. It can ease symptoms but it can also trigger adverse effects. If you experience any side effects, talk to your GP about them.
The most common prescription medication prescribed by healthcare providers for ADHD is stimulants. These drugs increase the amount of brain chemicals, also known as neurotransmitters, which control the behavior and attention.
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 enhancing the activity of brain regions that control attention and behavior. Methylphenidate is also used to treat other conditions such as narcolepsy. It may help people with Narcolepsy to stay awake throughout the day and increase their ability to 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. If you take this medication as prescribed will reduce the risk for abuse and also other side effects. Methylphenidate can cause psychotic symptoms in some people. It can also cause worse behavior problems and tics in certain people suffering from Tourette's syndrome or bipolar disorder. Before taking this medication, those suffering from these conditions should consult their doctor.
It's important to tell your doctor if you suffer from any other health concerns or are sensitive to any food or dyes (such as tartrazine, a yellow color present in processed foods and in some medications and Adhansia XR). Methylphenidate may interact with certain drugs such as opioids, antidepressants and monamine oxide inhibitors. These include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue rasagiline, Emsam, Zelapar, or tranylcypromine.
Avoid alcohol and other stimulant substances while taking methylphenidate. They can have a negative effect on your blood pressure and heart rate. The immediate-release methylphenidate tablet (Ritalin), the long-acting oral disintegrating capsule and chewable tablet (Quillichew-ER and Cotempla XR-ODT), and the long acting chewable tablets (Quillichew-ER and Cotempla-XR -ODT) contain phenylalanine. This could be dangerous if a genetic condition known as phenylketonuria is present.
Bupropion
Bupropion is an antidepressant medication that works with the brain to improve mood and decrease symptoms of ADHD. It is also used to treat depression and seasonal depression (SAD) which can occur in the winter months of fall and winter. It can also be used to help people stop smoking by reducing nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Bupropion has been found to reduce ADHD symptoms in adults in several studies. The pooled fixed-effect RR for week-6 improvement (using a clinically meaningful change of 30 percent or more on the CGI scale) is 1.14 (95% CI 0.95 to 1.37) and for the overall response, the corresponding percentage of improved subjects was 52 percent in the bupropion group compared with 37% in the placebo group.
Bupropion may cause serious and sometimes life-threatening interactions with several different medications, including sedatives antidepressants, and some blood pressure medications. It may also increase the risk of seizures in people with a history of seizure or high blood pressure. It is not recommended for certain medical conditions, and women who are nursing or pregnant should not take it. Bupropion is available as the brand-name medication Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Zyban, Budeprion SR, Aplenzin, and Forfivo XL. It is also available as generic drug.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Tricyclic Antidepressants, also known as TCAs are a type of drugs that function 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 inhibiting the reuptake of dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline, increasing their presence in neurons. They can be used to treat a variety of other conditions, including enuresis, pain syndromes like fibromyalgia, and phantom-limb syndrome.
TCAs can be prescribed alone or together with stimulants and can have a beneficial effect on symptoms of ADHD. They can alleviate symptoms that are core to the disorder and reduce depression, anxiety and impulsiveness. They may also help manage tics. They are uncontrollable, repetitive movements or sounds such as blinking or clearing the throat.
TCAs can trigger side effects such as sedation and dry mouth, and increase the risk of heart problems. They can also interact negatively with other medications such as anticholinergics and should not be taken by pregnant women. They can also cause teratogenic effects on animals and they can cross the placenta. If you have any concerns consult your physician because there are newer antidepressants with a safer side-effect profile.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
The SSRIs are an antidepressant class of drugs that block serotonin reuptake in neurons and aid in increasing the amount of serotonin available to signal. They also decrease anxiety and impulsive behavior. They are used to treat adhd because they can help people with their symptoms and work well in conjunction with other drugs. Examples of SSRIs include paroxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline and citalopram. They have linear pharmacokinetics and have a low clearance from the body, however they are extensively metabolized the liver by CYP450 isoenzymes. This causes variable blood concentrations.
These medications are also prescribed to treat various conditions, such as major depression disorder, bulimia nervosa generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The SSRIs fluoxetine, escitalopram, and sertraline may help to reduce PTSD fundamental symptoms. They aren't effective in treating other PTSD symptoms.
The SSRIs may cause an uncommon side effect of sexual dysfunction. It is important to discuss this with your doctor if you are considering taking one of these medications. It is common for people to to test a variety of ADHD medication before they can find the one that works best for them. Research and development of new medications is ongoing. It is also important to report all the medications you take to your healthcare provider.
Selective norepinephrine Reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
If stimulant drugs don't work for adults with ADHD doctors prescribe a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibit (SNRI). These drugs increase levels of norepinephrine as well as serotonin two brain chemical substances. They also improve mood and reduce anxiety and depression.
The SNRIs are similar in their side effects to TCAs but are safer. adhd without medication are used to treat numerous conditions, including anxiety disorders and chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia or nerve pain. Sometimes they are used to treat depression in addition. The 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 results in a larger-than-normal phasic release of norepinephrine. The increased levels of norepinephrine help improve concentration and mood.
Although SNRIs haven't been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD Some doctors do use them as an alternative to stimulants. They are typically taken orally in the form of pills, but they can 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 kids and adolescents. It does not have the potential to be abused so it isn't classified as a controlled substance.
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
SNRIs are antidepressants that affect the levels of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. They are used to treat depression and anxiety disorders, but can also help control symptoms of ADHD. Several studies have shown that SNRI drugs, such as duloxetine and venlafaxine can dramatically reduce the score of different ADHD tests. SNRIs can raise blood pressure or interact with other medications. Therefore, it is essential to consult a doctor before taking these drugs. In addition, improperly disposed medication can cause harm to both humans and animals. It is therefore essential to follow the correct disposal guidelines.
SSRIs or SNRIs haven't been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but doctors may prescribe them 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 advantages and disadvantages of these drugs.
SNRIs can raise the body's levels of serotonin and norepinephrine however they aren't suitable for everyone. Women who are pregnant or nursing should stay clear of taking SNRIs since they could be passed through breast milk. Patients who suffer from high blood pressure or liver issues should not take these medications, either, since they could increase the risk of cardiovascular complications.
Selective dopamine reuptake inhibitors (DARPIs)
Many people who suffer from ADHD discover that medication can help improve their focus and attention. Some might also notice a decrease in their impulsive behavior. The medication is typically combined with behavior therapy and skills training, which aid people to manage their symptoms. Finding the right medication for each person requires time. During this time doctors will be monitoring the physical reactions of patients to find a balance between side effects and benefits.
The stimulant drugs, like methylphenidate, enhance the activity of certain brain chemicals that control memory and attention. They are generally safe and effective for the majority of people, however, they may cause serious side effects, such as a decrease in appetite and difficulty sleeping. These effects typically subside within a few days as your body adjusts to the medication.
Non-stimulant medicines are also available for children as well as adults. They might take longer to effect their effects however they can help improve concentration and impulse control. These include alpha-2-adrenergic antagonists (atomoxetine and viloxazine), as well as guanfacine.
Antidepressants also treat ADHD. They can increase norepinephrine which is a neurotransmitter within the brain that helps with the impulsive behavior and depression. Bupropion is an example an antidepressant that has been used for ADHD. It was initially prescribed "off-label" for ADHD, but drugmakers eventually developed extended-release versions and the FDA approved the drug as a treatment for this disorder.