Best ADHD Medication after Gastric Bypass Surgery

After gastric bypass, ADHD medication’s efficacy is greatly affected because the surgery procedures limit the absorption of these medications. The best ADHD medication after gastric bypass can be selected on the bases of its efficacy.

In this article, we will discuss the best ADHD medication options for individuals who have undergone gastric bypass surgery.

We will also provide information on post-surgery absorption and metabolism of these medications.

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder of the brain characterized by symptoms of:

• hyperactivity,
• impulsivity, and
• inattention.

ADHD medications are effective in managing these symptoms, but for those who have undergone gastric bypass surgery, medication management can be complicated.

Gastric bypass surgery is a bariatric surgical procedure that is performed by reducing the stomach volume and bypassing the first part of the small intestine where most absorption takes place.

Since most drugs and nutrients get absorbed in the first part of the small intestine, after gastric bypass surgery, the absorption of these drugs can be impaired.

As a result, individuals with gastric bypass surgery may require different dosages or types of medications to manage their ADHD symptoms.

ADHD Medication and Gastric Bypass Surgery

There are two main types of medications used to treat ADHD:

• Stimulants and
• Non-stimulants.

Stimulants are drugs that activate the brain. These drugs include:

• methylphenidate (Ritalin) and
• amphetamines (Adderall),

These stimulant drugs act by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.

Non-stimulant drugs work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. One important drug in this category is atomoxetine (Strattera),

After gastric bypass surgery, the absorption and metabolism of medications change due to alterations in the digestive system.

The surgery can affect the absorption of medications because the reduced stomach size and rerouting of the intestines can change the rate at which medications are released into the bloodstream.

Additionally, gastric bypass surgery can affect the metabolism of medications because the surgery changes the way the liver processes medications.

The liver is responsible for breaking down medications, and after gastric bypass surgery, the liver may not process medications as efficiently as it did before surgery.

Best ADHD Medication After Gastric Bypass Surgery

The best ADHD medication for individuals with gastric bypass surgery may vary depending on the individual’s specific needs and medical history.

However, some general guidelines can help determine which medication may be best.

Stimulant ADHD Medications after Gastric Bypass:

Stimulant medications are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD.

However, after gastric bypass surgery, the absorption and metabolism of stimulant medications change.

The table below provides information on the absorption and metabolism of different types of stimulant medications.

Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) is a prodrug that converts to dextroamphetamine in the body. As a prodrug, lisdexamfetamine is less affected by changes in the digestive system after gastric bypass surgery.

Therefore, lisdexamfetamine may be a good option for individuals who have undergone gastric bypass surgery.

Non-Stimulant Medications after Gastric Bypass Surgery:

Non-stimulant medications are an alternative to stimulant medications for individuals who develop side effects from stimulant drugs or who do not respond well to them.

The table below provides information on the absorption and metabolism of non-stimulant medications.

Effects of Gastric Bypass on Non-stimulant Medications

As shown, atomoxetine is not affected by changes in absorption or metabolism after gastric bypass surgery.

Guanfacine and clonidine are also not affected by changes in absorption after gastric bypass surgery, and they are not metabolized by the liver, making them a good option for individuals who have undergone gastric bypass surgery.

Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant medication that may be a good option for individuals who have undergone gastric bypass surgery. Although its metabolism takes place in the liver, no changes occur in its absorption.

Other non-stimulant medications that can be good options for gastric bypass patients include guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).

These medications are alpha-2 agonists and work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. They are not metabolized by the liver and may therefore be a good option for individuals who have undergone gastric bypass surgery.

Dosage Considerations of ADHD Medications after Gastric Bypass:

After gastric bypass surgery, dosage adjustment is necessary to account for changes in absorption and metabolism.

For stimulant medications, it may be necessary to increase the dosage to achieve the same effect. For non-stimulant medications, the dosage may need to be decreased to avoid side effects.

It is important to work with a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable about the effects of gastric bypass surgery on medication management. They can help determine the best medication and dosage for each individual.

Conclusion

ADHD medication management after gastric bypass surgery can be difficult due to changes in absorption and metabolism.

However, there are options available for individuals who have undergone gastric bypass surgery.

Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) and atomoxetine (Strattera) are two medications that may be good options for individuals with gastric bypass surgery.

Guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay) are also non-stimulant medications that may be good options.

It is important to work with a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable about the effects of gastric bypass surgery on medication management to determine the best medication and dosage for each individual.