ADHD Medication and Over the Counter ADHD Medication
There are many prescription ADHD medications that aid in improving focus, attention and impulsivity. The majority of these medications fall into the methylphenidate and amphetamine drug classes. Iampsychiatry and Vyvanse are among the most commonly used. They can cause side effects such as insomnia and loss of appetite.
A non-stimulant drug, such as Strattera (atomoxetine) could also be helpful. It helps by increasing the brain chemical norepinephrine. Exercise, a healthy diet and enough sleep are also essential.
1. Methylphenidate
Ritalin (also called Methylphenidate) is among the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD in adolescents and children. This stimulant medication increases activity in brain areas involved in attention. It has been used for over 50 years and a number of studies have shown it to be effective.
Methylphenidate is a drug that blocks the neurotransmitters involved in reuptake, norepinephrine as dopamine, which increase the concentration of these neurotransmitters in the neural synapses. It is a racemic mix with the d'isomer having greater pharmacological activity. Methylphenidate can be found 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 demonstrated that methylphenidate can improve hyperactivity and hyperactivity, as well as inattention for children with ADHD. However, methylphenidate can cause some side effects, including eating disorders and trouble sleeping. These side effects are not typically serious, but they can be difficult for parents to handle.
Fortunately, the majority of these side effects will fade with time. It is also important to know that methylphenidate can increase heart rate and blood pressure in certain people, which is 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 child and long-term developmental effects in the infant who is breastfed.
Methylphenidate usually is taken in the morning. It is recommended to avoid eating and drinking that may interfere with its absorption. Check the leaflet to see whether you are able to swallow the extended-release tablets or capsules in their entirety or if you require to open them and mix them with a little soft food such as honey or yogurt.
2. Ritalin
Methylphenidate also referred to 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. Ritalin is approved by the FDA to treat ADHD and the narcolepsy of children and adults aged 6 and older. It is also used off-label for the treatment of a variety of other disorders, including major depressive disorder as well as terminal cancer.
Stimulants are the most common type of prescription medication that healthcare providers utilize to treat ADHD. They work by increasing levels of brain chemicals, including dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters aid in improving concentration and increase motivation. They also play a part in the fight-or-flight response. When used correctly stimulants can greatly reduce symptoms of ADHD.
As with any medication, methylphenidate may cause adverse effects. The most frequent side effects reported are weight loss and difficulty sleeping. There are also people who experience jitteriness, mood swings, stomachaches and headaches. These symptoms typically disappear after several weeks.
Ritalin may be abused as stimulant, even though it is prescribed to treat ADHD. It is more likely to be abused when individuals take more than the prescribed dosage or combine the drug with other stimulants. It is risky to mix it with alcohol or other narcotics. The abuse also involves crushing or dissolving the tablets to produce an insoluble powder that is taken in a snort. It is possible to overdose on Ritalin.
There are some non-stimulant ADHD medications that the FDA has approved. They are primarily norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. These medications don't treat the main symptoms of ADHD, but they can be useful when combined with stimulants to reduce their adverse effects. These medications are typically efficient when they are accompanied by behavioral therapy.
3. Vyvanse
Vyvanse is the brand name for Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, an amphetamine used to boost focus and attention in ADHD patients. This medication also curbs episodes of excessive eating associated with binge-eating disorders (BED). Vyvanse affects specific brain pathways to increase the levels of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. It is typically prescribed as part of a holistic treatment plan for ADHD and BED. Similar to other stimulant medications Vyvanse can cause side effects such as nausea, jitteriness and anxiety. These side effects tend to diminish over time as your body adjusts to the medication. If they persist, speak with your doctor about them.
To ensure that you receive the best care, it is important to maintain regular visits with your physician. They will be able to monitor your improvement and make any necessary adjustments to your medication plan. They might suggest alternative treatments to lessen the symptoms of ADHD. This includes herbal supplements and changes to your diet. However, a few herbs and dietary supplements have limited scientific research to prove their effectiveness as ADHD treatments. This includes pycnogenol (an extract from the bark of the maritime pine).
Ritalin, Adderall and other stimulant drugs like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate are also frequently used to treat ADHD. In addition, these drugs are available as extended-release versions, which provide more regular control of symptoms throughout the day. It is also possible for your doctor to prescribe different types of stimulant medications, such as Guanfacine or atomoxetine. These medications are known as nootropics, and have been shown to increase memory retention and mental clarity. However, they aren't meant to substitute for prescription ADHD medications.
4. Focalin
Focalin is a stimulant medication used to treat ADHD, both in adults and children. It is usually taken with or without food in the morning and at the same time each day to optimize the effectiveness of the medication. Based on the dosage recommended, it can be taken as an immediate-release or extended-release medication. Focalin is a stimulant created by humans, is similar to methylphenidate. However, it has fewer side-effects. It is also free of harmful isomers, like other methylphenidate medications. Focalin increases the availability of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain by blocking their reuptake and encouraging their release. This helps reduce the symptoms of ADHD such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.
Although a lot of people discover that ADHD medications can help ease their symptoms, it's important to talk with your doctor about how they are helping you or your child. Doctors often try different dosages and medications to figure the one that works best for each patient. They may prescribe non-stimulant medication to help increase attention span and improve impulsive behaviors, too.
Do not share your Focalin prescription with anyone, not even a person suffering from ADHD. This could result in dangerous and possibly fatal drug interactions. It is not recommended to take Focalin XR while pregnant or breastfeeding since animal studies suggest that it can cause harm to a foetus. It is also essential to avoid alcohol, sedatives and other illegal drugs when taking Focalin XR since they may make it more difficult to treat side effects.
5. Intuniv
Guanfacine is the principal ingredient in Intuniv. It is an alpha-2-adrenergic receptor antagonist that has been shown by studies to reduce ADHD symptoms through its action on the prefrontal cortex. This can control impulsivity and also attention. It also addresses other issues that are associated with ADHD, such as emotional sensitiveness and rejection sensitivity. Intuniv does not cause stimulation and therefore doesn't cause the same side-effects like stimulants such as Adderall. Guanfacine, however, has some serious dangers, such as a slow heart rate, blood pressure that is low and sedation. In addition, those who have depression or a history of substance abuse are not the best candidates for this drug.
Although stimulants can be effective to treat ADHD symptoms however, they can become habit-forming and have many negative side negative effects. Intuniv, a non-stimulant medication, takes longer to work. However, it is less likely to trigger adverse side effects. Consult your physician to determine the best treatment for you.
Intuniv is FDA approved for treating children aged six through 17 years old, however it hasn't been studied in people younger than this age range or in adults. It is not a controlled substance, so it does not have the same risk of dependence or abuse as stimulants. However, guanfacine is habit-forming and should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor or nurse practitioner.
Intuniv must be given regularly at the same time to keep an even amount in the bloodstream. It is best to crush it in a plastic bag, or folded paper, and placed between two spoons. Then it can be mixed with a small quantity of soft food like chocolate syrup or applesauce. The entire amount must be swallowed by the child to stop it from being thrown out.