ADHD Medication and Over the Counter ADHD Medication
There are many prescription ADHD medications that help improve focus, attention and impulsivity. Most fall under the amphetamine or methylphenidate classes. Adderall Ritalin, and Vyvanse are among the most commonly used. They can cause side effects such as sleepiness and appetite loss.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an anti-stimulant drug that can be helpful. It works by boosting norepinephrine which is a brain chemical. A healthy diet, exercise and sufficient sleep are also important.
1. Methylphenidate
Ritalin (also known as Methylphenidate) is among the most frequently prescribed drugs to treat ADHD in children and adolescents. This stimulant medication works by increasing activity in areas of the brain involved in the process of focusing. It has been in use for more than 50 years, and many studies have found it to be effective.
Methylphenidate is a drug that blocks the reuptake of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, which increases their concentration in the neural synapse. It is a racemic mix, with the d'isomer exhibiting a greater pharmacological activity. Methylphenidate is available in capsule, tablet, the ER (extended release), and orally disintegrating forms. It is a Schedule II controlled substance with the potential for addiction and abuse.
Research has shown that methylphenidate may improve inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity in kids with ADHD. However, methylphenidate may cause some negative side effects like the loss of appetite and sleep disturbances. These side effects are not typically serious, but they can be difficult for parents to deal with.
Fortunately, these negative effects usually diminish as time passes. It is important to know that methylphenidate can increase blood pressure or heart rate in certain people. This is the reason why methylphenidate is listed as a Schedule II controlled drug. It is not recommended to take methylphenidate while pregnant as it could cause harm to the unborn baby as well as long-term developmental effects on the infant who is breastfed.
Methylphenidate usually is taken in the morning. It is best to avoid foods and drinks that could affect its absorption. Read the leaflet to find out if you can swallow the extended-release tablets or capsules whole, or if you need to open them and mix them with a small amount of soft food, such as honey or yogurt.
2. Ritalin
Methylphenidate is also known as Ritalin is a centrally nervous system stimulant. It affects chemicals and nerves in the brain that trigger attention deficit disorder (ADD), hyperactivity and insufficient impulse control. The FDA has approved Ritalin to treat ADHD in children 6 years or older, and also to treat adults with the condition known as narcolepsy. Off-label, it is used to treat major depression disorder as well as terminal cancer, among 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 improve concentration and increase motivation. They also play a role in the fight-or-flight reaction. If used correctly, stimulants can significantly reduce symptoms of ADHD.
Like any other medication, methylphenidate has negative side effects. The most commonly reported are loss of appetite and trouble sleeping. Some people also feel jittery, mood swings as well as stomachaches and headaches. These symptoms usually disappear after a few days.
Ritalin may be abused as stimulant, even though it is prescribed to treat ADHD. The most likely cause of abuse is when people take more than the recommended dosage or mix the drug along with other stimulants. It can be dangerous to mix it with alcohol or other substances. It also involves crushing or dissolving the tablets to produce an insoluble powder that is taken in a snort. Overdosing on Ritalin is a possibility.
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 do not treat the primary symptoms, but they can be useful when combined with stimulants to reduce the negative effects. These medications are typically effective when they are coupled with behavioral therapy.
3. Vyvanse
Vyvanse, the brand name of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, is an amphetamine used to increase focus and attention among ADHD patients. This medication also curbs the instances of eating disorders that are associated with eating disorders such as binge-eating (BED). Vyvanse affects specific brain pathways to increase levels of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. It is prescribed as a part of an overall treatment plan for ADHD and BED. Vyvanse, like other stimulant medications can cause adverse effects, including jitteriness and anxiety. These effects typically diminish as your body gets used to the medication. Speak to your prescribing doctor if they persist.
To ensure you receive the highest quality care, it is important to keep regular appointments with your physician. They will be able to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your medication plan. They might also suggest alternative treatments to lessen the symptoms of ADHD. These include herbal supplements, dietary modifications, and cognitive enhancement supplements. However, certain herbs and dietary supplements have not been studied in depth to support their effectiveness as ADHD treatments. These include pycnogenol, an extract from maritime pine bark.
Other common stimulant medications used to treat ADHD include methylphenidate forms and dextroamphetamine. These include Ritalin and Adderall. These drugs are also available in extended-release versions which provide more consistent symptom control throughout the day. Your doctor can prescribe stimulant medication such as atomoxetine and guanfacine. These are known as nootropics and have been shown to enhance mental clarity and memory retention. These medications are not intended to replace prescription ADHD medication.
4. Focalin
Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) is an anti-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 every day to increase the effectiveness of the medication. Depending on the dosage prescribed it can be used as an immediate-release or extended-release medication. concerta adhd medication Iampsychiatry is a man-made stimulant that is similar to methylphenidate, but has fewer adverse negative effects. It is also free of harmful isomers like some other methylphenidate drugs. 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, such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.
Although a lot of people find ADHD medicines can reduce symptoms, it's crucial to talk to your doctor about how they're helping you or your child. Doctors frequently test different medications and dosages to find the best one for each patient. They can also prescribe non-stimulant medication to increase attention span and impulsive behavior.
You must always adhere to the doctor's recommendations and never share your Focalin XR prescription with anyone else, including an individual with ADHD. This can lead to grave and possibly fatal interactions with drugs. 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 may cause adverse reactions 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 2adrenergic receptor agonist that has been proven to alleviate ADHD symptoms by acting on the prefrontal cortex. This can help control the impulsivity and focus. It also treats other impairments related to ADHD such as emotional sensitivity, rejection sensitivity, and hyperarousal by reducing levels of adrenaline back to normal. Intuniv does not stimulate the brain, therefore it doesn't have the same side-effects like stimulants such as Adderall. However, guanfacine does have some serious risks including slow heart rate, low blood pressure, and the effects of sedation. People with depression or the history of addiction are not suitable candidates for the medication.
While stimulants are effective in treating ADHD symptoms, they can cause addiction and side effects. Intuniv is a non-stimulant medicine that takes longer to take effect. However it is less likely to have adverse side effects. Talk with your doctor about what type of treatment is right for you.
Intuniv is FDA approved for treating children aged six through 17 years old, but it has not been tested for people younger than this age group or in adults. It is not a controlled substance, which means it is not at risk of the same risk for dependence or abuse as stimulants. However, guanfacine could be addictive and should be taken under the supervision of a nurse or doctor practitioner.
Intuniv must be taken frequently and at the same time in order to maintain a constant amount of the drug in the bloodstream. It is to be crushed between 2 spoons, in an plastic bag, or on folded paper and mixed with a small amount 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 keep it from being spit out.