ADHD Medications - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD take medication for the condition. It can help improve symptoms, but it could cause adverse negative effects. Talk to your doctor if you experience side effects.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed type of prescription medication healthcare providers prescribe for ADHD. These drugs increase the levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters that control attention and behaviour.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant of first choice used to treat ADHD in adults and children. It works by increasing activity in the parts of the brain that assist manage attention and behaviour. Methylphenidate is also used to treat other ailments such as narcolepsy. It can help patients with Narcolepsy remain 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. It is recommended to take this medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of abuse and adverse negative effects. Methylphenidate can cause psychotic symptoms in certain people. It can also worsen behavior and tics in some people with Tourette syndrome or bipolar disorder. People with these conditions should tell their doctor prior to taking this medication.
Tell your doctor if there are any other health problems or if you have an allergy to any food or dyes. (For example tartrazine is a yellow color that can be found in some processed food as well as in some medications. If you're taking Adhansia XR). Methylphenidate can interact with certain medications, including opioids such as antidepressants, antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), linezolid (Zyvox) and methylene blue, the phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) or tranylcypromine (Parnate).
Avoid alcohol and other stimulant substances while taking methylphenidate. These medications can have a negative impact on your heart rate and blood pressure. The methylphenidate tablet with immediate release (Ritalin), the oral disintegrating capsule that acts long-term and chewable tablet (Quillichew-ER and Cotempla-XR-ODT), and chewable tablets with a long-acting mechanism (Quillichew-ER and Cotempla XR-ODT) contain the chemical phenylalanine. It can be a risk if a genetic condition known as phenylketonuria is present.
Bupropion
Bupropion is an antidepressant medicine that works in the brain to improve mood and decrease symptoms of ADHD. It can also be used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) which is a kind of depression that occurs during the winter months of autumn and winter. It is also used to help people stop smoking by reducing the craving for nicotine and withdrawal symptoms.
Bupropion has been found to reduce ADHD symptoms in adults in numerous studies. The fixed effect RR pooled for week-6 improvement (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 equals 52% of the bupropion group and 37% in the placebo group.
Bupropion can have serious and sometimes life-threatening interactions with a number of different medications, including sedatives, antidepressants and some blood pressure drugs. It may also increase the risk of having seizures in those who have seizures or high blood pressure. It is also contraindicated for use by people with certain medical conditions and should not be taken by women who are breastfeeding or pregnant. Bupropion comes in the form of brand-name drugs Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL. It is also available as Zyban, Budeprion SR. Aplenzin and Forfivo XL. It is also available in generic form.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants (abbreviated TCAs) are a class of drugs that alter brain chemicals. They were one of the earliest antidepressants that were developed, and though they are no longer the first-line treatment for depression they are still beneficial for people suffering from other disorders. They work by preventing the reuptakes of dopamine as well as serotonin, thereby increasing their levels of availability in neurons. They are also useful in relieving a number of other conditions, including pain syndromes and enuresis, such as fibromyalgia and Phantom leg syndrome.
TCAs are effective in treating ADHD symptoms, whether they are administered on their own or in combination with stimulants. They can help improve the core ADHD symptoms and reduce depression, anxiety and the tendency to be impulsive. In addition, they may aid in managing disorders like tics, which are repeated uncontrollable movements or sounds, such as throat clearing or blinking.
TCAs can cause adverse effects, like sedation, dry mouth and constipation. They also increase the risk of heart problems. These drugs can negatively interact with other medications like anticholinergics and should never be taken by pregnant women. These medications are also known to cause teratogenic effects in animals, and they may cross the placenta. If you have any concerns consult your physician because there are newer antidepressants that have a less harmful adverse-effect profile.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
The SSRIs are an antidepressant class of drugs that hinder serotonin reuptake in neurons and aid in increasing the amount of serotonin that is available for signaling. They also help reduce anxiety and the tendency to be impulsive. They are utilized to treat adhd as they can assist some people with their symptoms and can work in conjunction with other drugs. SSRIs include fluoxetine, sertraline paroxetine, and citalopram. They exhibit linear pharmacokinetics and have a very low clearance from the human body. However, they are extensively processed by CYP450 enzymes within the liver. This causes varying blood concentrations.
These medications can also be prescribed to treat other disorders like posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as generalized anxiety disorder, and the bulimia-nervosa. The SSRIs fluoxetine and escitalopram and sertraline can help reduce PTSD fundamental symptoms. However, they don't seem to be effective for other PTSD symptoms.
The SSRIs can cause an uncommon side effect of sexual dysfunction. If you're thinking of taking one of these drugs it is crucial to consult your doctor. It is common for people to have to test a variety of ADHD medications before they discover the one that works best for them. There are always new medications being developed and tested. It is also crucial to inform all medications you are taking to your doctor.
Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
If stimulant medications don't work for adults suffering from ADHD Doctors often prescribe an antidepressant known as a selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). These medications increase the levels of two brain chemicals, serotonin and norepinephrine. They also improve mood, reduce anxiety and depression.
The SNRIs are similar in their adverse effects as TCAs however they are less harmful. They are used to treat numerous conditions, including anxiety disorders as well as chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia and nerve pain. They can also be utilized as an additional treatment for depression. Examples of SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor).
They work by preventing the absorption (reuptake) of norepinephrine which is a natural process that occurs in the brain after neurotransmission. This causes a greater than normal release of phasic. The increased norepinephrine levels help increase concentration and mood.
Although adult add medications been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, some doctors use 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 adolescents and children. It is not a controlled medication since it doesn't have the potential to be misused.
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
SNRIs are antidepressants that affect the levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in the brain. They are used to treat anxiety and depression disorders, but they can also aid in controlling symptoms of ADHD. A number of studies have proven that SNRI medications, including duloxetine and venlafaxine, can significantly lower the scores of different ADHD tests. However, SNRIs can increase a person's blood pressure and may interact with certain medications. It is important to consult with a physician prior taking these drugs. Additionally, improperly handled medication can harm both people and animals. It is therefore important to follow the proper disposal instructions.
SSRIs and SNRIs aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but doctors can prescribe them off-label. They are safe and effective, and have fewer adverse effects than stimulants. Speak to your doctor and discuss the symptoms of your child.
SNRIs may not be appropriate for everyone. Women who are nursing or pregnant should avoid taking SNRIs since they could pass through breast milk. They should also not be used by those with high blood pressure, liver issues or other cardiovascular issues.
Selective dopamine Reuptake inhibitors (DARPIs)
Many people suffering from ADHD discover that medication can help improve their focus and attention. Some individuals may also notice a decrease in their impulsive behavior. The medication is usually combined with behavioral therapy and training to help individuals learn how to manage their symptoms. Finding the appropriate medication for each individual takes time. In this process, doctors monitor physical reactions to determine the ideal balance between benefits and adverse effects.
Drugs that stimulate the brain, like methylphenidate boost the activity of a certain brain chemical that control memory and concentration. While they are generally safe and effective for the majority of people, they can trigger serious side effects, such as reduced appetite and trouble sleeping. These side effects usually go away within some weeks as your body adjusts to the medication.
Non-stimulant medicines are also available for children and adults. They may take longer to work but they can enhance the ability to control impulses and concentration. They can include alpha-2 adrenergic receptors (atomoxetine, viloxazine) and Guanfacine hydrochloride.
Antidepressants can also be effective in treating ADHD. They can boost norepinephrine levels, a neurotransmitter in the brain that aids in mood swings and depression. Bupropion is an example of an antidepressant used for ADHD. It was initially prescribed "off-label" for ADHD, but drugmakers eventually came up with extended-release versions and the FDA approved the drug as a treatment for this disorder.