ADHD Medication and Over the Counter ADHD Medication
There are many prescription ADHD drugs available to help improve focus, attention and impulsivity. Most of these drugs are in the methylphenidate and amphetamine drug classes. Adderall Ritalin, and Vyvanse are a few of the most commonly used. Some of the side effects include sleepiness and a loss of appetite.
A non-stimulant medicine, such as Strattera (atomoxetine), can also be helpful. It works by increasing the brain chemical norepinephrine. A healthy diet, exercise and adequate sleep are important too.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is also known as Ritalin is among the most popular medications used to treat ADHD in children and adolescents. The stimulant medication boosts the activity of brain regions that are involved in focusing. It has been used for over 50 years, and numerous studies have demonstrated that it is effective.
Methylphenidate is a drug that blocks the reuptake process of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine which increases their concentration in the neural synapse. It is a racemic mixture with the d-isomer more active pharmacologically. Methylphenidate can be found in tablet, capsule, extended release (extended release), and orally disintegrating forms. It is a Schedule II controlled drug with an extremely high chance of addiction and abuse.
Studies show that methylphenidate can increase impulsivity, inattention and hyperactivity among children with ADHD. However, methylphenidate can have certain side effects, such as the loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. These side effects are not typically serious, but they can be difficult for parents to manage.
Fortunately, the majority of side effects will subside over time. It is important to note that methylphenidate can increase blood pressure and heart rate in some individuals this is the reason it is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. It is not recommended that methylphenidate is taken during pregnancy, because it could cause harm to an unborn baby or have long-term effects on the infant who is breastfed.
Methylphenidate can be taken in the morning. It is best to avoid eating and drinking that may interfere with the absorption of the drug. For extended-release capsules and tablets, read the leaflet for directions on how to swallow them whole or to open them up and mix the contents with a small amount of soft food items like honey or yogurt and then take them in.
2. Ritalin
Methylphenidate also referred to as Ritalin is a centrally nervous system stimulant. It affects the chemical and nerves in the brain, which cause attention deficit disorder (ADD) as well as 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 with the condition known as narcolepsy. Off-label, it's being used to treat major depression disorder and terminal cancer as well as other conditions.
The most common prescription medication prescribed by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD is stimulants. They work by increasing levels of certain brain chemicals known as dopamine, and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters boost concentration and boost motivation. They also play a part in the fight-or-flight reaction. When used properly stimulants can dramatically reduce symptoms of ADHD.
Like any other medication, methylphenidate can have negative side effects. Insomnia and sleeplessness are among the most frequent adverse effects. Some people experience jitteriness or mood swings. They may also experience headaches or stomachaches. These effects typically go away after a few days.
Ritalin can be abused to stimulate the mind even when it's prescribed for ADHD. Abuse is most likely when people take more than the recommended dosage or mix the drug with other stimulants. It is risky to combine it with alcohol or other narcotics. concerta adhd medication can also involve crushing or dissolving the tablets to produce a powder that is then taken in a snort. The overdose of Ritalin can be a possibility.
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 underlying symptoms, but can be useful when combined with stimulants to reduce their side effects. These types of medications are usually effective when accompanied with therapy for behavior.
3. Vyvanse
Vyvanse, the brand name of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, is an amphetamine that is used to boost focus and attention among ADHD patients. This medication also curbs the instances of eating disorders that can be a sign of binge-eating disorder (BED). Vyvanse is a drug that works on specific pathways in the brain to raise the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. It is often prescribed as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan for ADHD and BED. Vyvanse as with other stimulant medications can cause negative side effects, like jitteriness and anxiety. These effects typically diminish as the body adjusts to the medication. Consult your doctor if they persist.
To ensure that you receive the best possible care, it's important to maintain regular appointments with your physician. They will monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. They may also recommend alternative treatments to help ease the symptoms of ADHD. These include herbal supplements and changes to your diet. There is limited scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of certain supplements to diet and herbs as ADHD treatments. This includes pycnogenol (an extract from the bark of the maritime pine).
Ritalin, Adderall and other stimulant medications such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate are also commonly used to treat ADHD. These medications are also available in extended-release versions that provide more consistent symptom control throughout the day. It is also possible for your physician to prescribe other types of stimulant medications, such as atomoxetine or guanfacine. These nootropics have been shown to improve memory and mental clarity. However, they aren't meant to substitute for prescription ADHD medications.
4. Focalin
Focalin is a stimulant medicine used to treat ADHD for children and adults. It is usually taken without or with food, in the morning, and at the same time each day to maximize the effectiveness of the medication. It can be used as an immediate-release or extended-release medication, based on the dosage recommended by your doctor. Focalin is a stimulant produced by humans, is similar to methylphenidate. However, it has fewer side-effects. It is also free of harmful isomers, like other methylphenidate medicines. Focalin increases the amount of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain by preventing their reuptake as well as promoting their release. This helps to reduce symptoms of ADHD like inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Although a lot of people are able to see ADHD medicines help reduce their symptoms, it's important to talk with your healthcare provider about the ways they can help you or your child. It's not unusual for doctors to test various dosages and medicines to find the best one that fits each individual patient. They can also prescribe non-stimulant medication to improve attention span and impulsive behavior.
Do not share your Focalin prescription with anyone, not even a person who suffers from ADHD. This could result in dangerous and possibly fatal drug interactions. Focalin XR is not recommended for women who are nursing or pregnant, as animal studies have demonstrated that it may harm the fetus. Focalin XR can cause adverse reactions that are more severe if you take alcohol, sedatives or other illegal drugs.
5. Intuniv
Guanfacine is the main ingredient in Intuniv. It is an antagonist of the alpha-2-adrenergic receptor that has been shown by studies to reduce ADHD symptoms by acting on the prefrontal cortex. This can help control impulsivity and also attention. It also addresses other issues that are associated with ADHD like emotional sensitivity and rejection sensitivity. Intuniv does not cause stimulation and therefore doesn't cause the same negative effects like stimulants such as Adderall. Guanfacine, however, has certain serious risks, including a slow heart rate, low blood pressure, and the effects of sedation. In addition, those with depression or a history of substance abuse may not be good candidates for this drug.
While stimulants are effective in treating ADHD symptoms, they can cause addiction and side effects. Non-stimulant medications such as Intuniv take longer to take effect, but are less likely to trigger negative side effects. Consult your physician regarding the best treatment option for you.
Intuniv has FDA approval to treat children aged six to seventeen years old. However it hasn't been studied on adults or individuals who are younger than this age group. It is not a controlled substance, therefore it does not have the same risk of dependence or abuse as stimulants. However, guanfacine could be addictive and should only be used under the care of a doctor or nurse practitioner.
Intuniv should be taken regularly and simultaneously in order to maintain an even amount of the drug in the bloodstream. It should be crushed between 2 spoons, in the plastic bag, or on folded paper and mixed with small amounts of soft food such as applesauce chocolate syrup, ice cream, yogurt, or jelly. Then, the entire amount must be swallowed by the child in order to stop it from being thrown out.