ADHD Medication and Over the Counter ADHD Medication
There are many prescription ADHD medications available that can help improve focus, attention and impulsivity. Most of these drugs are in the methylphenidate and amphetamine drug categories. Adderall Ritalin and Vyvanse are a few of the most popular. Some of the side effects include insomnia and loss of appetite.
A non-stimulant drug like Strattera (atomoxetine) can also be beneficial. It works by increasing the brain chemical norepinephrine. A healthy diet, regular exercise and sufficient sleep are also important.
1. Methylphenidate
Ritalin (also called Methylphenidate) is one of the most frequently prescribed drugs to treat ADHD in children and adolescents. This stimulant medication is effective by increasing activity in parts of the brain that are involved in the process of focusing. It has been in use for over 50 years, and numerous studies have shown that it's effective.
Methylphenidate works by blocking the reuptake of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine which increases their concentrations in the neural synapse. It is a racemic mixture, with the d'isomer having greater pharmacological effect. Methylphenidate can be found in capsule, tablet, ER (extended release) and oral disintegration forms. It is a Schedule II controlled substance with an increased risk of addiction and abuse.
Research has shown that methylphenidate may improve inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity in kids with ADHD. However, methylphenidate could cause some side effects such as weight loss and trouble sleeping. These side effects, although not severe however, can be a challenge for parents.
Fortunately, these side effects tend to diminish as time passes. It is important to note that methylphenidate can increase blood pressure or heart rate in certain people. This is why it is classified as a Schedule II controlled drug. It is not recommended to take methylphenidate during pregnancy as it may cause harm to the unborn baby and long-term developmental effects on the infant who is breastfed.
Methylphenidate should be taken in the morning. It is best to avoid eating and drinking that can affect its absorption. Examine the leaflet to determine whether you can swallow extended-release capsules or tablets whole or if you have to open them and mix them with a small amount of soft food, such as yogurt or honey.
2. Ritalin
Methylphenidate is also known as Ritalin is a centrally nervous system stimulant. It affects chemicals and nerves in the brain, which cause attention deficit disorder (ADD) as well as hyperactivity and insufficient impulse control. Ritalin is approved by the FDA to treat ADHD and narcolepsy in adults and children aged 6 and over. It can also be used off-label for the treatment of a variety of other disorders that include major depressive disorder as well as terminal cancer.
Stimulants are the most commonly used type of prescription medication that healthcare professionals use to treat ADHD. They work by increasing levels of certain chemicals in the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. These neurotransmitters aid in improving concentration and increase motivation. They also play an important role in the fight or flight response. If used properly stimulants can lessen ADHD symptoms.
As with any medication, methylphenidate can cause adverse effects. The most frequent side effects reported are loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. There are also people who feel jittery, mood swings, stomachaches and headaches. These symptoms typically disappear within a few days.
Ritalin is often misused as stimulant, despite the fact that it is prescribed to treat ADHD. It is more likely to be abused when people take more than the recommended dosage or mix the drug along with other stimulants. It is risky to combine it with alcohol or other drugs. Abuse can also involve crushing or dissolving the tablets into the powder which is later snorted. Dosing too much on Ritalin is possible.
managing adhd without medication has approved a handful of nonstimulant ADHD medications. They are primarily norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. These medications don't treat the core symptoms of ADHD, but they can be helpful when used in conjunction with stimulants to lessen the adverse effects. These medications are often effective if coupled with behavioral therapy.
3. Vyvanse
Vyvanse is the brand name for the amphetamine lisdexamfetamine dimesylate that enhances focus and attention in ADHD patients. This medication also curbs episodes of eating too much that are associated with eating disorders that cause binge eating (BED). Vyvanse works on specific pathways in the brain to increase levels of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. It is usually used as part of a holistic treatment plan for ADHD and BED. Like other stimulant medications, Vyvanse may cause negative side effects, such as nausea, jitteriness and anxiety. These effects typically diminish with time as the body adjusts to the medication. Speak to your prescribing doctor if they continue to bother you.
To ensure that you receive the best possible care, it is important to keep regular appointments with your doctor. They will be able to monitor your improvement and make any necessary adjustments to your medication plan. They may also suggest alternative treatments to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. These options include herbal supplements, dietary changes and cognitive enhancement supplements. There is a lack of scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of some supplements to diet and herbs as ADHD treatments. This includes the pycnogenol (an extract from the bark of maritime pine).
Ritalin, Adderall and other stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others are frequently used to treat ADHD. These drugs are also available in extended-release versions which provide more consistent symptom control throughout the day. It is also possible for your physician to prescribe different types of stimulant drugs, like atomoxetine or guanfacine. These nootropics have been proven to improve memory and mental clarity. However, they aren't intended to replace prescription ADHD medications.
4. Focalin
Focalin is a stimulant medicine used to treat ADHD, both in children and adults. It is usually taken in the morning with or without food at the same time each day, to increase the effectiveness of the medication. It is available as an immediate-release or extended-release medication, depending on the dosage recommended by your physician. Focalin is a man-made stimulant that is similar to methylphenidate, but has fewer adverse effects. It also doesn't contain harmful isomers as do other methylphenidate medications. Focalin increases the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain by blocking their reuptake as well as promoting their release. This can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD like hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention.
While many people are able to see ADHD medicines can reduce symptoms, it's crucial to speak with your doctor about how they are helping you or your child. It's not uncommon for doctors to try several different medicines and doses to find the best one for each patient. They can also prescribe non-stimulant medications to boost attention span and impulsive behavior.
Don't share your Focalin prescription with anyone, even those who suffers from ADHD. This could lead to serious and potentially fatal drug interactions. It is not recommended to take Focalin XR while pregnant or breastfeeding since animal studies suggest that it could cause harm to a pregnant fetus. Focalin XR can cause adverse effects that are more severe if you take alcohol, sedatives, or other illegal drugs.
5. Intuniv
Guanfacine is the primary ingredient in Intuniv. It is an alpha-2-adrenergic antagonist that has been proven by studies to reduce ADHD symptoms through its action on the prefrontal cortex. This can help control impulsivity and attention. It also treats other disorders associated with ADHD such as emotional sensitization, rejection sensitivity and hyperarousal, by reducing levels of adrenaline back to normal. Intuniv is not a stimulant, so it does not have the same side effects as stimulants like Adderall. Guanfacine is known to cause serious side effects, including low blood pressure, sedation and a slow heart rate. In addition, people who suffer from depression or an history of addiction might not be suitable candidates for this medication.
While stimulants are effective in treating ADHD symptoms however, they can trigger addiction and other side effects. Intuniv is a non-stimulant medicine that is more time-consuming to use. However it is less likely to cause negative side effects. Talk with your doctor to determine which 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 tested on adults or individuals older than these age groups. It is not a controlled substance, so there is no risk of dependence or abuse. However, guanfacine can be habit-forming and should only be administered under the supervision of a physician or nurse practitioner.
Intuniv is recommended to be taken on a regular basis and simultaneously in order to maintain a constant amount of the drug in the bloodstream. It must be crushed between 2 spoons, placed in an plastic bag, or inside folded paper and mixed with a small amount of soft food items like applesauce, chocolate syrup, ice cream, jelly, or yogurt. The child is then required to swallow the entire amount to stop it being spit out.