ADHD Medication and Over the Counter ADHD Medication
There are numerous prescription ADHD medications available that can aid in improving attention, focus and impulsivity. Most fall under the amphetamine or methylphenidate drug classes. Adderall Ritalin, and Vyvanse are among the most popular. They can have side effects such as sleepiness and appetite loss.
A non-stimulant medication like Strattera (atomoxetine) could also be beneficial. It is a brain stimulant that increases the chemical norepinephrine. A healthy diet, exercise routine and adequate sleep are essential.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is also known as Ritalin is one of the most popular medications used to treat ADHD in children and adolescents. This stimulant medication enhances activity in brain areas involved in attention. It has been used for more than 50 years, and numerous studies have proven it to be effective.
Methylphenidate is a drug that blocks the reuptake of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine which increases their concentrations in the neural synapse. It is a racemic mix with the d-isomer being more pharmacologically active. Methylphenidate comes in capsule, tablet extended release (ER) and oral disintegrating form. It is a Schedule II controlled substance with a high potential for abuse and addiction.
Studies have shown that methylphenidate could increase impulsivity, inattention and hyperactivity in kids with ADHD. However, methylphenidate may cause some negative side effects like weight loss and sleep disturbances. These side effects, although not severe, can be difficult to deal with for parents.
Fortunately, these adverse effects usually diminish as time passes. It is important to note that methylphenidate can increase heart rate and blood pressure in some people this is the reason it is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. It is not recommended to take methylphenidate consumed during pregnancy, because it could cause harm to an unborn baby or have long-term effects on the breastfed baby.
Methylphenidate is best taken in the morning. It should be taken on an empty stomach, so it is recommended to avoid eating or drinks that will hinder its absorption. For extended-release tablets and capsules check the leaflet for instructions on how to take the tablets whole or open them up and mix the contents with a small amount of soft food such as honey or yogurt and then take them in.
2. Ritalin
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is a stimulant for the central nervous system that affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that cause hyperactivity, attention deficit disorder and impulse control. The FDA has approved Ritalin to treat ADHD in children aged 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 disorders, including major depressive disorder and terminal cancer.
The most commonly prescribed medication used by healthcare providers to treat ADHD is stimulants. They function by increasing the levels of certain brain chemicals called dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters help improve concentration and boost motivation. They also play an important role in the fight or flight response. If used properly stimulants can help reduce ADHD symptoms.
As with any medication methylphenidate could cause adverse effects. The loss of appetite and sleeplessness are among the most frequent adverse effects. Some people also experience jitteriness, mood swings, stomachaches and headaches. These symptoms typically disappear after a few weeks.
Ritalin is a drug that can be used to stimulate the mind even when it's prescribed for ADHD. It is more likely to be abused when people exceed the recommended dosage or mix the drug with other stimulants. Using it with other drugs or alcohol can be particularly risky. It also involves crushing or dissolving the tablets to produce an insoluble powder that is snorted. Overdosing on Ritalin is a possibility.
The FDA has approved a handful of non-stimulant ADHD medications. They are primarily norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. These medications do not treat the core symptoms of ADHD, but they can be helpful when used in conjunction with stimulants to lessen their negative effects. These medications are usually effective when they are coupled with behavioral therapy.
3. Vyvanse
Vyvanse, the brand name for lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, is an amphetamine which is used to improve attention and focus among ADHD patients. This medication also helps to reduce the episodes of excessive eating that accompany eating disorders such as binge-eating (BED). Vyvanse works on specific pathways in the brain to raise the levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. It is usually prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for ADHD and BED. Like natural adhd medication , Vyvanse may cause negative side effects, such as jitteriness, loss of appetite, and anxiety. These side effects tend to diminish as your body becomes accustomed to the medication. If they are persistent, talk to your prescriber about them.
To ensure that you receive the best possible treatment, it is essential to maintain regular appointments with your physician. They will be able to monitor your progress and make any needed adjustments to your medication plan. They might suggest alternative treatments to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. These include herbal supplements, dietary modifications and cognitive enhancement supplements. However, certain supplements and herbs have limited scientific research to support their effectiveness as ADHD treatments. For instance, pycnogenol is an extract of maritime pine bark.
Other commonly used stimulant medications 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 doctor to prescribe different types of stimulant medications, including atomoxetine or guanfacine. These medications are known as nootropics and have been shown to increase mental clarity and memory retention. However, they aren't meant to replace prescription ADHD medications.
4. Focalin
Focalin is a stimulant medicine used to treat ADHD for adults and children. It is usually taken in the morning with or without eating and at the same time every day to increase the effectiveness of the drug. Based on the dosage recommended it is taken either as an immediate-release or extended-release medication. Focalin is a stimulant produced by man, is similar to methylphenidate. However it is less prone to side-effects. It also does not contain harmful isomers like some other methylphenidate drugs. Focalin works by increasing the availability of two monoamines in the brain, norepinephrine as well as dopamine, by encouraging their release from neurons and blocking their reuptake. This reduces the symptoms of ADHD, such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.
Although many find ADHD medicines help reduce their symptoms, it's crucial to talk with your healthcare provider about the ways they can help you or your child. It's not unusual for doctors to test several different medicines and doses to determine the most effective one that is appropriate for each patient. They may also prescribe nonstimulant medication to increase attention span and impulsive behavior.
You should always follow your doctor's instructions carefully and do not divulge your Focalin XR prescription with anyone else, not even an individual who suffers from ADHD. This could result in dangerous and potentially fatal drug interactions. Focalin XR is not recommended for use by women who are pregnant or nursing as animal studies have shown that it can harm the pregnant fetus. Focalin XR can cause adverse reactions that are more severe if you are taking alcohol, sedatives or any other illegal drugs.
5. Intuniv
Guanfacine is the primary ingredient in Intuniv. It is an alpha-2-adrenergic antagonist that has been demonstrated by research to improve ADHD symptoms by acting on the prefrontal cortex. This can help control impulsivity and attention. It also treats other issues associated with ADHD like emotional sensitiveness, rejection sensitivity and hyperarousal by reducing levels of adrenaline to a normal. Intuniv does not cause stimulation and therefore doesn't cause the same negative effects as stimulants such as Adderall. However, guanfacine has certain serious risks, including a slow heart rate, low blood pressure and sedation. In addition, people with depression or an addiction history are not the best candidates for this drug.
While stimulants are effective in helping combat ADHD symptoms, they can be addictive and can cause a variety of adverse consequences. Non-stimulant medications like Intuniv take longer to work, but are less likely to trigger negative adverse side effects. Consult your physician about the best treatment for you.
Intuniv has FDA approval to treat children aged between six and seventeen years old. However, it has not yet been tested on adults or those younger than these age groups. It is not a controlled substance, so it does not have the same danger of dependence or abuse as stimulants. Guanfacine, however, can become a habit-forming substance. It should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor or a nurse practitioner.
Intuniv should be administered regularly at the same time in order to maintain an even amount in the bloodstream. It is to be crushed between two spoons, placed in the plastic bag, or on folded paper and mixed with some soft food items like applesauce, chocolate syrup, ice cream jelly, or yogurt. The child should then ingest the entire amount to stop it being spit out.