ADHD Medication and Over the Counter ADHD Medication
There are numerous prescription ADHD drugs available to help improve focus, attention and impulsivity. The majority of them fall under the amphetamine or methylphenidate classes. They include Adderall, Ritalin and Vyvanse. They can cause adverse effects, such as loss of appetite and insomnia.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an anti-stimulant drug that can be helpful. It works by increasing the brain chemical norepinephrine. A healthy diet, exercise routine and adequate sleep are essential.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate also referred to as Ritalin is among the most popular medications used to treat ADHD in adolescents and children. The stimulant medication increases activity in the parts of the brain involved in the process of focusing. It has been used for over 50 years, and many studies have shown that it is effective.
Methylphenidate is a drug that blocks the neurotransmitters that reuptake norepinephrine and dopamine, which increase the amount of these neurotransmitters in the neural synapses. It is a racemic mix, with the d'isomer having a greater pharmacological effect. Methylphenidate is available in tablet, capsule, ER (extended release) and orally disintegrating forms. 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 in children with ADHD. However, methylphenidate can have some side effects such as weight loss and difficulty sleeping. These side effects, although not serious however, can be a challenge for parents.
Fortunately, these negative effects typically subside with time. It is important to note that methylphenidate can increase blood pressure or heart rate in certain people. adhd treatment medication is the reason why it is classified as a Schedule II controlled drug. It is not recommended to take methylphenidate taken during pregnancy, because it could cause harm to an unborn baby or have long-term effects on the infant who is breastfed.
Methylphenidate should be taken in the morning. It is recommended to avoid drinking and eating foods that could affect its absorption. Read the leaflet to find out whether you are able to swallow the extended-release tablets or capsules in their entirety or if you have to open them and mix them with a small amount of soft food like yogurt or honey.
2. Ritalin
Methylphenidate is also known as Ritalin, is a centrally-controlled system stimulant. It affects chemicals and nerves in the brain that cause attention deficit disorder (ADD), hyperactivity and a lack of impulse control. The FDA has approved Ritalin to treat ADHD in children 6 years and older, and to treat adults suffering from narcolepsy. It is also used off-label to treat a number of other ailments that include major depressive disorder as well as terminal cancer.
The most common prescription medication prescribed by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD is stimulants. They work by increasing levels of certain brain chemicals called norepinephrine and dopamine. These neurotransmitters enhance concentration and increase motivation. They also play an important role in the fight-or-flight reaction. If used properly stimulants can help reduce ADHD symptoms.
Like any other medication, methylphenidate has negative side effects. The most frequently reported side effects are loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. People also feel jittery, mood swings as well as stomachaches and headaches. These effects typically go away within a few days.
Ritalin is often misused as stimulant, even though it is prescribed to treat ADHD. Abuse occurs when people take more than the prescribed dosage, or combine it with other stimulants. It is risky when it is combined with alcohol or other narcotics. The abuse also involves crushing or dissolving tablets to create the powder which is later taken in a snort. It is possible to overdose on Ritalin.
There are a few non-stimulant ADHD drugs that the FDA has approved. They are primarily norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. These drugs don't address the main symptoms of ADHD, but they can be beneficial when paired with stimulants to lessen their negative effects. These medications are often efficient when used in conjunction with behavioral therapy.
3. Vyvanse
Vyvanse, the brand name of Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate is an amphetamine that is used to boost focus and attention in ADHD patients. This medication also helps to reduce the instances of eating disorders that are associated with eating disorders such as binge-eating (BED). Vyvanse affects specific pathways in the brain to increase levels of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. It is often prescribed as a part of a holistic treatment program for ADHD and BED. Vyvanse, like other stimulant medications, can cause side effects, such as anxiety and jitteriness. These side effects usually lessen as the body adjusts to the medication. Consult your doctor if they continue to bother you.
It is vital to keep track of regular appointments with your doctor to ensure you receive the best treatment. They will monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. They may suggest alternative treatments to ease the symptoms of ADHD. These may include herbal supplements, dietary modifications and cognitive enhancement supplements. However, a few supplements and herbs are not backed by scientific research to support their effectiveness as ADHD treatments. This includes pycnogenol (an extract of maritime pine bark).
Other common stimulant medications used to treat ADHD include forms of methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. These include Ritalin and Adderall. They are also available in extended-release versions which offer more consistent symptoms control throughout the day. Your doctor might prescribe stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or guanfacine. These nootropics have proven to improve memory and mental clarity. However, these are not intended to replace the need for prescription ADHD medications.
4. Focalin
Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) is an anti-stimulant medication that is used to treat ADHD in children and adolescents as well as adults. It is typically taken in the morning with or without food and at the same time each day, to maximize the effectiveness of the drug. Based on the dosage that is prescribed it can be taken as an immediate-release or extended-release medication. Focalin is a synthetic stimulant that is similar to methylphenidate however has fewer adverse negative effects. It is not contaminated with harmful methylphenidate isomers like some other medications. Focalin works by increasing the availability of two monoamines within the brain, norepinephrine and dopamine, by encouraging their release from neurons and preventing their reuptake. This helps to reduce symptoms of ADHD like hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity.
While many people are able to see ADHD medications can help ease their symptoms, it's important to talk with your healthcare provider about how they are helping you or your child. It's not common for doctors to try various dosages and medicines to determine the most effective one that is appropriate for each patient. They can prescribe non-stimulant drugs to improve attention span and impulsive behaviors, too.
Do not share your Focalin prescription with anyone, even those who suffers from ADHD. This can lead to dangerous and potentially fatal interactions with drugs. Focalin XR is not recommended for women who are nursing or pregnant due to animal studies that have demonstrated that it may harm the fetus. It is also crucial to stay clear of alcohol, sedatives and other illegal drugs when taking Focalin XR as they can increase the severity of its adverse effects.
5. Intuniv
Guanfacine is the main ingredient in Intuniv. It is an antagonist of the alpha-2-adrenergic receptor that has been proven by research to reduce ADHD symptoms by acting on the prefrontal cortex. This can help control impulsivity and attention. It also treats other issues that are associated with ADHD like emotional sensitivity, rejection sensitivity, and hyperarousal by reducing levels of adrenaline to a normal. Intuniv is not a stimulant, so it doesn't suffer from the same adverse effects as stimulants like Adderall. However, guanfacine has some serious dangers, such as a slow heart rate, blood pressure that is low, and the effects of sedation. People suffering from depression or with an addiction history are not good candidates for the medication.
While stimulants work fast to treat ADHD symptoms however, they can become habit-forming and have many adverse consequences. Intuniv is a non-stimulant drug that, takes longer to work. However, it is less likely to have negative side effects. Consult your physician to determine the best treatment for you.
Intuniv is FDA approved to treat children ranging from six to 17 years old, however it hasn't been studied for people younger than this age group or adults. It is not a controlled substance, which means it does not have the same risk of dependence or abuse as stimulants. However, guanfacine is addictive and should only be administered under the supervision of a nurse or doctor practitioner.
Intuniv should be administered regularly at the same time to keep a constant amount of it in the bloodstream. It should be crushed between 2 spoons, inside a plastic bag, or on folded paper and mixed with a small amount of soft food like applesauce, chocolate syrup, ice cream yogurt, or jelly. The entire amount must be swallowed by the child in order to keep it from being spit out.