ADHD Medication and Over the Counter ADHD Medication
There are many prescription ADHD medication that aid in improving concentration, impulsivity and attention. The majority of these medications belong to the methylphenidate or amphetamine drug categories. Adderall Ritalin, and Vyvanse are some of the most common. They can cause negative side effects like sleepiness and appetite loss.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an anti-stimulant drug that can be beneficial. It is a brain stimulant that increases the chemical norepinephrine. A healthy diet, exercise and sufficient sleep are also important.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate also referred to as Ritalin, is one of the most well-known medications used to treat ADHD in children and adolescents. This stimulant medication works by increasing activity in parts of the brain that are involved in attention. It has been used for more than 50 years, and many studies have found it to be effective.
Methylphenidate is a drug that blocks the neurotransmitters involved in reuptake, norepinephrine as dopamine, which increases the concentration of these neurotransmitters in neural synapses. It is a racemic mixture with the d-isomer more pharmacologically active. Methylphenidate comes in tablet, capsule, extended release (ER) and orally disintegrating form. It is a Schedule II controlled drug with the highest risk of abuse and addiction.
Studies have shown that methylphenidate boosts hyperactivity, hyperactivity and inattention for children with ADHD. However, methylphenidate can cause some side effects, including loss of appetite and trouble sleeping. These side effects, while not serious however, can be a challenge for parents.
Fortunately, these adverse effects usually diminish with time. It is also important to remember that methylphenidate can raise heart rate and blood pressure in some individuals and that's why it is a Schedule II controlled substance. It is not recommended to use methylphenidate during pregnancy because it may cause harm to the unborn baby and long-term developmental effects in the infant who is breastfed.
Methylphenidate is best taken in the morning. It is best taken on an empty stomach, and it is best to avoid food and drinks that can affect the absorption of the drug. For extended-release tablets and capsules check the leaflet for instructions on how to swallow the tablets whole or open them and mix the contents with a small amount of soft food like honey or yogurt, and then swallow.
2. Ritalin
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is a stimulant for the central nervous system that affects the 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 and older, and to treat adults suffering from the condition known as narcolepsy. Off-label, it's being used to treat major depressive disorder as well as terminal cancer, among other conditions.
The most frequently prescribed medication prescribed by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD is stimulants. They function by increasing levels of certain brain chemicals known as norepinephrine and dopamine. These neurotransmitters help improve concentration and boost motivation. They also play a role in the fight or flight response. When used properly stimulants can greatly reduce symptoms of ADHD.
Like any other medication, methylphenidate has side effects. Insomnia and difficulty sleeping are the most frequent side effects. Some people also have mood swings, jitteriness, stomachaches and headaches. These symptoms usually disappear within a few days.
Ritalin can be abused to stimulate the mind even though it's prescribed for ADHD. It is more likely to be abused when individuals take more than the recommended dosage or mix the drug in conjunction with other stimulants. It could be risky to combine it with alcohol or other substances. Abuse can also involve crushing or dissolving tablets to create a powder, which is then consumed. The overdose of Ritalin is a possibility.
The FDA has approved a few nonstimulant ADHD drugs. They are primarily norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. These drugs do not address the core symptoms, but they can be useful when coupled with stimulants to decrease the effects of their side effects. Medications like these are often efficient when they are accompanied by behavioral therapy.
3. Vyvanse
Vyvanse is the brand name for the amphetamine lisdexamfetamine dimesylate that enhances focus and attention in ADHD patients. It also helps to reduce the effects of excessive eating associated with eating disorders that cause binge eating (BED). Vyvanse works on specific brain pathways to increase levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. It is typically used as part of a holistic treatment program for ADHD and BED. Like other stimulant medications, Vyvanse can cause side effects such as nausea, jitteriness, and anxiety. These side effects usually decrease over time as your body becomes accustomed to the medication. Consult your doctor if you experience any problems.
To ensure you receive the best possible treatment, it is essential to keep regular appointments with your doctor. They can track your progress and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. They can suggest alternative treatments to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. These may include herbal supplements and dietary changes. However, some herbs and dietary supplements have not been studied in depth to prove their effectiveness as ADHD treatments. For instance, pycnogenol is an extract of maritime pine bark.
Other popular stimulant medicines used to treat ADHD include methylphenidate forms and dextroamphetamine, such as Ritalin and Adderall. These drugs are also available in extended-release versions which provide more consistent symptom control throughout the day. Your doctor might prescribe stimulant medication like atomoxetine or guanfacine. These are known as nootropics and have been proven to increase memory retention and mental clarity. These are not meant to replace prescription ADHD medication.
4. Focalin
Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) is a stimulant medication that can be used to treat ADHD in children and adolescents as well as adults. It is usually taken without or with food in the morning and at the same time throughout the day to increase the effectiveness of the medication. It can be used as an extended-release or immediate-release medication, depending on the dosage prescribed by your doctor. Focalin is a stimulant created by humans, is similar to methylphenidate. However it is less prone to side-effects. It does not contain harmful methylphenidate isomers like some other medications. Focalin increases the availability of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, by preventing their reuptake and promoting their release. This helps reduce the symptoms of ADHD such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.
It is important to discuss with your healthcare professional how ADHD medicines can benefit you or if they are helping your child. Doctors often test a variety of medications and dosages to find out which one works best for each patient. They may also prescribe nonstimulant medication to increase attention span and impulsive behavior.
Do not divulge your Focalin prescription with anyone, not even a person suffering from ADHD. This can cause dangerous and possibly fatal drug interactions. Focalin XR is not recommended for use by women who are pregnant or nursing, as animal studies have proven that it could harm the pregnant fetus. Focalin XR can cause adverse effects that are more severe if you take alcohol, sedatives or other illegal substances.
5. Intuniv
Guanfacine, which is the principal active ingredient in Intuniv, is an alpha 2-adrenergic agonist that has been proven to alleviate ADHD symptoms by acting on the prefrontal cortex. This aids in controlling impulsivity and attention. It also addresses other issues that are associated with ADHD such as emotional sensitiveness, rejection sensitivity and hyperarousal by reducing levels of adrenaline back to normal. Intuniv is a non-stimulant, so it does not have the same side effects as stimulants like Adderall. uk adhd medication , however, has some serious risks including slow heart rate, low blood pressure and sedation. Additionally, those who have depression or an history of addiction are not the best candidates for this drug.
Although stimulants can be effective to treat ADHD symptoms however, they can become intoxicating and cause many side effects. Non-stimulant medicines such as Intuniv take longer to work, but are less likely to trigger negative side effects. Talk with your doctor to determine what type of treatment is right for you.
Intuniv has FDA approval to treat children ranging from six to seventeen years old. However it hasn't been studied on adults or those who are younger than this age group. It is not a controlled substance, so it does not have the same danger of abuse or dependency as stimulants. However, guanfacine is addictive and should only be used under the care of a doctor or nurse practitioner.
Intuniv should be administered regularly at the same time to keep a steady amount in the bloodstream. It should be crushed in a plastic bag or folded paper, and placed between two spoons. Then it can be mixed with a small amount of soft food, such as applesauce or chocolate syrup. Then, the entire amount must be taken in by the child to prevent it from being spit out.