ADHD Medication and Over the Counter ADHD Medication
There are a variety of prescription ADHD medications that aid in improving attention, focus and impulsivity. The majority of these drugs are in the methylphenidate and amphetamine drug categories. Adderall Ritalin and Vyvanse are some of the most popular. Some of the side effects include the loss of appetite and insomnia.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an unstimulant medication that could be beneficial. It helps by increasing the brain chemical norepinephrine. A healthy diet, exercise and adequate sleep are important too.
1. Methylphenidate
Ritalin (also also known as Methylphenidate) is among the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD in children and adolescents. This stimulant medication increases activity in parts of the brain that are involved with attention. It has been in use for more than 50 years, and a number of studies have shown it to be effective.
Methylphenidate works by blocking the neurotransmitters that reuptake norepinephrine and dopamine. This increases the concentration of these neurotransmitters within the neural synapses. It is a racemic mix with the d'isomer exhibiting a higher pharmacological activity. Methylphenidate can be found in capsule, tablet extended release (ER) and oral disintegrating form. It is a Schedule II controlled drug with a high danger of abuse and addiction.
Studies have shown that methylphenidate could improve inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity among children with ADHD. However, methylphenidate has some side effects, including the loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. These side effects aren't typically serious, but they can be difficult for parents to manage.
Fortunately, these adverse effects usually diminish with time. It is important to know that methylphenidate could increase blood pressure or heart rate in a few people. This is why it is classified as a Schedule II controlled drug. It is not recommended that methylphenidate be taken during pregnancy, since it may cause harm to a unborn child, or have long-term consequences on the infant who is breastfed.
Methylphenidate is best taken in the morning. It is best to avoid drinking and eating foods that may interfere with its absorption. Check the leaflet to see whether you can swallow extended-release tablets or capsules whole, or if you need to open them and mix them with a small amount of soft food such as yogurt or honey.
2. Ritalin
Methylphenidate also referred to as Ritalin, is a centrally nervous system stimulant. It affects chemicals and nerves in the brain, which cause attention deficit disorder (ADD), hyperactivity and poor impulse control. The FDA has approved Ritalin to treat ADHD in children 6 years or older, as well as to treat adults suffering from the condition known as narcolepsy. It can also be used off-label to treat a number of other conditions, including major depressive disorder and terminal cancer.
Stimulants are the most commonly used type of prescription medication healthcare professionals use to treat ADHD. They work by increasing levels of certain brain chemicals known as norepinephrine and dopamine. These neurotransmitters enhance concentration and increase motivation. They also play a crucial role in the fight or flight response. If used properly stimulants can help reduce ADHD symptoms.
Like all medications, methylphenidate may have adverse effects. Loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping are the most frequent side effects. There are also people who feel jittery, mood swings, stomachaches and headaches. These effects usually disappear after a few weeks.
Ritalin is a drug that can be used to stimulate the mind, even although it's prescribed to treat ADHD. The abuse occurs when people take more than the prescribed dosage, or combine it with other stimulants. It can be dangerous to combine it with alcohol or other narcotics. Abuse can also involve crushing or dissolving tablets to form powder, which is then taken in a snort. It is possible to overdose on Ritalin.
There are some non-stimulant ADHD drugs that the FDA has approved. They are primarily norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. These medications do not treat the core symptoms, but can be beneficial when used in conjunction with stimulants to lessen the side effects. These medications are typically effective when accompanied with behavioral therapy.
3. Vyvanse
Vyvanse is the brand name of Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, an amphetamine that is used to boost focus and attention among ADHD patients. It also reduces symptoms of eating disorder that are associated with binge-eating disorder (BED). Vyvanse works on specific brain pathways to boost the levels of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. It is often prescribed as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan for ADHD and BED. Vyvanse, like other stimulant drugs, can trigger side effects, such as jitteriness and anxiety. These side effects tend to diminish as your body becomes accustomed to the medication. Speak to your prescribing doctor if you experience any problems.
It is essential to keep up with regular appointments with your doctor to ensure that you receive the best treatment. managing adhd without medication will be able to monitor your progress and make any needed changes to your medication regimen. They can also suggest alternative treatments to help ease the symptoms of ADHD. These may include herbal supplements and diet changes. However, some herbs and dietary supplements have not been studied in depth to prove their effectiveness as ADHD treatments. This includes the pycnogenol (an extract from the bark of maritime pine).
Other common stimulant medications used to treat ADHD include forms of methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine, such as Ritalin and Adderall. They are also available in extended-release forms, which offer more consistent symptoms control throughout the day. It is also possible for your physician to prescribe different types of stimulant medications, such as atomoxetine or guanfacine. These medications are known as nootropics, and have been shown to enhance memory retention and mental clarity. However, they are not intended to replace prescription ADHD medications.
4. Focalin
Focalin is a stimulant drug used to treat ADHD in both children and adults. It is typically taken with or without food in the morning and at the same time every day to optimize the effectiveness of the medication. Based on the dosage recommended it can be taken as an immediate-release or extended-release medication. Focalin is a man-made stimulant that is similar to methylphenidate but has less adverse effects. It also does not contain harmful isomers like some other methylphenidate medications. Focalin increases the availability of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, by preventing their reuptake and promoting their release. This helps to reduce the symptoms of ADHD such as hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity.
Although a lot of people discover that ADHD medicines can reduce symptoms, it's important to speak with your healthcare provider about how they're helping you or your child. Doctors frequently test different dosages and medications to find the best one for each patient. They may prescribe non-stimulant drugs to help improve attention span and impulsive behaviors, too.
Always follow your doctor's instructions carefully and never share your Focalin XR prescription with anyone else, not even someone else with ADHD. This could lead to dangerous and potentially fatal drug interactions. It is also not recommended to take Focalin XR while pregnant or nursing as animal studies suggest that it could cause harm to the fetus. It is also crucial to stay away from alcohol, sedatives, and other illegal substances while taking Focalin XR, as they could cause more severe adverse effects.
5. Intuniv
Guanfacine is the primary active ingredient in Intuniv is an alpha 2adrenergic receptor agonist that has been proven to reduce ADHD symptoms by acting on the prefrontal cortex. This can help control the impulsivity and focus. It also treats other issues that are a result of ADHD, such as emotional sensitivities and rejection sensitivity. Intuniv isn't a stimulant, so it doesn't have the same negative effects like stimulants such as Adderall. Guanfacine is known to cause serious side effects, such as the effects of sedation, low blood pressure and a slow heart rate. Additionally, those with depression or a history of substance abuse are not the best candidates for this drug.
While stimulants are effective in treating ADHD symptoms, they can cause addiction and other side effects. Non-stimulant drugs like Intuniv take longer to take effect, but are less likely to trigger negative adverse effects. Talk with your doctor about what type of treatment is right for you.
Intuniv has FDA approval to treat children ranging from between six and seventeen years old. However it hasn't been studied on adults or those younger than these age groups. It is not a controlled drug, so there is no risk of dependence or abuse. Guanfacine, however be a habit-forming drug. It is best to take it under the supervision of a doctor or nurse practitioner.
Intuniv must be taken frequently and simultaneously in order to maintain an even amount of the drug in the bloodstream. It should be crushed between 2 spoons, inside the plastic bag, or in folded paper and mixed with a small amount of soft food items like applesauce, chocolate syrup, ice cream jelly, or yogurt. The child should then ingest the entire dose to prevent it from being spit into.