ADHD Medications - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD are prescribed medication. It can ease symptoms but it can also trigger adverse effects. Consult your physician if you experience side effects.
The most common prescription medication prescribed by healthcare providers for ADHD is stimulants. These medicines increase levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters that control the attention span and behavior.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a stimulant that is the first choice for treating ADHD in adults and children is the most commonly prescribed medication. It is effective by increasing the activity in brain areas that regulate attention and behavior. Methylphenidate may also be used to treat other conditions like narcolepsy. It can assist people suffering from narcolepsy to stay awake and improve 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. Taking this medication exactly as recommended can decrease the chance for abuse and also other side effects. Methylphenidate can cause psychotic symptoms in some people. It can also cause worse behavior and tics in some patients suffering from Tourette syndrome or bipolar disorder. Before starting this medication, patients with these conditions must tell their doctor.
It is important to inform your doctor if you suffer from any other health problems or are allergic to any food or dyes (such as tartrazine, which is a yellow dye found in some processed foods and in some medications or if you're taking Adhansia XR). Methylphenidate is known to interact with drugs such as opioids, antidepressants and monoamine oxide inhibitors. These include isocarboxazid linezolid, methylene blue, rasagiline, Emsam, Zelapar, or the tranylcypromine.
Avoid drinking alcohol and other stimulants while taking methylphenidate. These drugs can cause a negative effect on your heart rate and blood pressure. The tablets with immediate release methylphenidate (Ritalin) and the chewable tablet with long-acting function and the long-acting oral disintegrating capsule (Quillichew ER and Cotempla XR-ODT) contain Phenylalanine, which is dangerous if you suffer from a genetic condition called phenylketonuria (PKU).
Bupropion
Bupropion, an antidepressant medication, works in the brain and improves mood. It also helps reduce symptoms of ADHD. It is also used to treat depression and seasonal depression (SAD) which is a condition that occurs in the winter months of fall and winter. It is also used to aid people in quitting smoking by reducing the craving for nicotine and withdrawal symptoms.
Bupropion has been shown to reduce ADHD symptoms in adults in a variety of studies. The fixed effect RR pooled for week-6 improvements (using an increase in clinical significance of 30% or more on the CGI) is 1.14 (95%CI 0.95-1.37). For the overall response, this equals 52 percent of the bupropion-treated group and 37% of the placebo group.
Bupropion may have serious and life-threatening interactions if taken in conjunction with other medications. These include antidepressants and sedatives and blood pressure medications. It may also increase seizure risk for those with an history of seizures or high blood pressure. It is contraindicated in certain medical conditions, and women who are nursing or pregnant are not advised to take it. Bupropion is available 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 as a generic drug.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants (abbreviated TCAs) are a class of drugs that alter 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 in some people with other disorders. They block the reuptake of dopamine and serotonin, which increases their availability within neurons. They can be used to treat a variety of other conditions, including enuresis, pain syndromes like fibromyalgia and the phantom-limb syndrome.
TCAs can be effective in treating ADHD symptoms, regardless of whether they are administered on their own or with stimulants. adhd treatment without medication can improve core symptoms, and can reduce anxiety, depression and impulsiveness. In addition, they could assist in reducing the tics, which are repetitive and uncontrollable sounds or movements like throat clearing or blinking.
TCAs may cause adverse reactions, including dry mouth and sedation, and may increase the risk of cardiovascular issues. These drugs may interact with other medications, such as anticholinergics and should be avoided in pregnant women. They can also be teratogenic in animals, and can cross the placenta. Consult your doctor if you're concerned. There are newer antidepressants that have a lower risk of side effects.
Selective serotonin Reuptake inhibition (SSRIs).
The SSRIs are a class of medications that inhibit serotonin reuptake by neurons and aid in increasing the amount of serotonin available for signaling. They also decrease anxiety and decrease impulsive behavior. They are utilized as an adhd medications because they reduce symptoms in certain individuals and are effective alongside other medications. SSRIs include fluoxetine, sertraline paroxetine, and citalopram. They exhibit linear pharmacokinetics and have a lower clearance from the human body. However, they are extensively processed by CYP450 enzymes within the liver. This results in varying blood concentrations.
These drugs are also prescribed to treat various disorders, such as major depressive disorder, bulimia nervosa, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The SSRIs fluoxetine, escitalopram, and sertraline can help reduce PTSD primary symptoms. However, they don't appear to be effective for other PTSD symptoms.
The SSRIs may cause a rare side effect of sexual dysfunction. If you're thinking of taking one of these drugs it is crucial to talk with 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 important to tell your healthcare provider about all medications you use.
Selective norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
When stimulant drugs don't work for adults with ADHD, doctors often prescribe an antidepressant called a selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). These medications increase the levels of two brain chemicals, norepinephrine and serotonin. They also improve mood, reduce depression and anxiety.
The SNRIs are similar in their adverse effects as TCAs but are safer. They are used to treat numerous ailments, including anxiety disorders and chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia and nerve pain. Sometimes they are used to treat depression as well. Examples of SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor).
These medications inhibit the reabsorption process of norepinephrine within the brain that is a normal process after neurotransmission. This results in a more than normal phasic release. The increased levels of norepinephrine enhances mood and focus.
SNRIs have not been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but certain doctors prescribe them as an alternative stimulant. They are most often taken orally as pills, but they can be taken as patches or liquids. 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 drug since it doesn't have the potential of being misused.
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
SNRIs are antidepressants that alter the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. They are prescribed for anxiety and depression, but can also help control ADHD symptoms. SNRI drugs like duloxetine and venlafaxine have been demonstrated in several studies to significantly reduce scores on various ADHD questionnaires. SNRIs may increase blood pressure or interact with other medications. It is important to consult with a physician prior taking these drugs. Furthermore, improperly discarded medication can cause harm to animals and humans therefore it is essential to follow the proper disposal guidelines.
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 less side effects than stimulants. Speak to your doctor and discuss your child's health concerns.
SNRIs may not be suitable for all people. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take SNRIs as they may be passed through breast milk. They should also not be used by those who suffer from high blood pressure, liver problems, or other cardiovascular conditions.
Selective dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (DARPIs).
Many people who suffer from ADHD discover that medication can help them increase their concentration and focus. Some people may also notice a decrease in their impulsive behavior. The medication is usually used with behavioral therapy and skills training to help people learn how to manage their symptoms. Finding the appropriate medication for each patient requires time. In this period doctors will observe the physical reactions of patients to find the right balance between the effects of side effects and the benefits.
Stimulant drugs, such as methylphenidate, boost the activity of a specific brain chemicals that regulate memory and concentration. They are generally safe and beneficial for the majority of people, but they can cause serious adverse effects, such as a decrease in appetite and trouble sleeping. These side effects typically disappear within a few days as your body gets used to the medication.
Non-stimulant medicines are also available for children as well as adults. They take longer to start working, but they are able to increase concentration and control of impulses. They could include alpha-2 adrenergic agonists (atomoxetine viloxazine, atomoxetine) and guanfacine hydrochloride.
Antidepressants are also effective in treating ADHD. They can boost the neurotransmitter norepinephrine level in the brain, and aid in the impulsive behavior and depression. Bupropion, a depressant, has been prescribed to treat ADHD. It was originally prescribed "off-label" for ADHD, but drugmakers eventually developed extended-release versions and the FDA approved it as a treatment for this disorder.