ADHD Medication and Over the Counter ADHD Medication
There are a variety of prescription ADHD medications that help improve focus, attention and impulsivity. The majority of them fall under the amphetamine or methylphenidate classes. Adderall Ritalin, and Vyvanse are a few of the most popular. Some of the adverse effects include sleepiness and a loss of appetite.
A non-stimulant medication like Strattera (atomoxetine) can be beneficial. It is a brain stimulant that increases the chemical norepinephrine. A healthy diet, exercise and adequate sleep are essential.
1. Methylphenidate
Ritalin (also called Methylphenidate) is among the most frequently prescribed medications to treat ADHD in adolescents and children. The stimulant medication boosts the activity of brain regions involved in attention. It has been used for over 50 years and a number of studies have shown that it is effective.
Methylphenidate works by blocking the reuptake neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, which increases the concentration of these neurotransmitters within the neural synapses. It is a racemic mix with the d'isomer having a greater pharmacological activity. Methylphenidate comes in tablet, capsule extended release (ER) and oral disintegrating form. It is a Schedule II controlled substance with the potential for addiction and abuse.
Research has shown that methylphenidate may increase impulsivity, inattention and hyperactivity in kids with ADHD. However, methylphenidate does have some side effects, including loss of appetite and trouble sleeping. These side effects aren't usually serious but can be difficult for parents to deal with.
Fortunately, these adverse effects typically subside with time. It is also important to note that methylphenidate may increase heart rate and blood pressure in certain people and that's why it is a Schedule II controlled substance. It is not recommended to take methylphenidate while pregnant as it may cause harm to the unborn child and long-term effects on development in the infant who is breastfed.
Methylphenidate is usually taken in the morning. It is recommended to avoid drinking and eating foods that could affect the absorption of the drug. Read the leaflet to find out whether you are able to swallow the extended-release tablets or capsules in their entirety or if you have to open them and mix them with a little soft food, such as yogurt or honey.
2. Ritalin
Methylphenidate is also known as Ritalin, is a centrally-controlled system stimulant. It affects the chemical and nerves in the brain that trigger attention deficit disorder (ADD), hyperactivity and a lack of impulse control. Ritalin is approved by the FDA to treat ADHD and narcolepsy in children and adults who are 6 years old and older. Off-label, it's used to treat major depressive disorder and terminal cancer as well as other disorders.
Stimulants are the most commonly used kind of prescription medication healthcare providers utilize to treat ADHD. They function by increasing the levels of brain chemicals, including dopamine, and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters improve concentration and boost motivation. They also play a part in the fight-or-flight reaction. When used correctly stimulants can lessen ADHD symptoms.
Like any other medication, methylphenidate may have negative side effects. Insomnia and trouble sleeping are among the most frequent side effects. People also have mood swings, jitteriness, stomachaches and headaches. These effects typically go away after several days.
Ritalin is often misused as stimulant, even though it is prescribed to treat ADHD. The abuse occurs when people take more than the prescribed dose or mix it with other stimulants. It can be dangerous to combine it with alcohol or other substances. It can also mean crushing or dissolving tablets to create powder, which is then consumed. The overdose of Ritalin can be 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 core symptoms of ADHD however they can be beneficial when combined with stimulants to decrease their adverse effects. These medications are typically efficient when they are accompanied by therapy for behavior.
3. add adhd medications is the brand name of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, is an amphetamine which is used to improve attention and focus in ADHD patients. This medication also curbs the episodes of excessive eating that accompany eating disorders such as binge-eating (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 used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for ADHD and BED. Vyvanse, like other stimulant medications, can cause negative side effects, like anxiety and jitteriness. These side effects usually diminish as your body adjusts to the medication. Consult your doctor if they continue to bother you.
It is vital to keep up with regular visits with your doctor to ensure that you are receiving the best treatment. They will be able to track your progress and make any necessary changes to your medication regimen. They may also recommend alternative treatments to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. These include herbal supplements and dietary changes. However, certain supplements and herbs are not backed by scientific research to support their effectiveness as ADHD treatments. These include pycnogenol, an extract of pine bark from the maritime region.
Ritalin, Adderall and other stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others are commonly used to treat ADHD. These medications are also available in extended-release forms, which provide more consistent symptom control throughout the day. Your doctor may prescribe stimulant drugs like atomoxetine and Guanfacine. These nootropics have proven to boost memory and clarity. They are not intended to replace prescription ADHD medication.
4. Focalin
Focalin is a stimulant drug used to treat ADHD for children and adults. It is usually taken with or without 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 synthetic stimulant that is similar to methylphenidate, but has fewer adverse negative effects. It doesn't contain harmful methylphenidate metabolites, as do some other medications. Focalin increases the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, by preventing their reuptake and promoting their release. This helps to reduce symptoms of ADHD like hyperactivity, impulsivity, as well as inattention.
It is important to discuss with your healthcare provider how ADHD medications help you or helping your child. Doctors often try different medications and dosages to find out which one works best for each patient. They may also prescribe nonstimulant medication to improve the ability to focus and control impulsive behavior.
Do not ever share your Focalin prescription with anyone, not even someone suffering from ADHD. This could result in serious and potentially fatal drug interactions. It is not recommended to take Focalin XR while pregnant or nursing as animal studies suggest that it could cause harm to a foetus. It is also crucial to avoid alcohol, sedatives and other illegal drugs when taking Focalin XR as they can cause more severe adverse effects.
5. Intuniv
Guanfacine is the principal active ingredient in the drug Intuniv is an alpha 2-adrenergic agonist that has been proven to improve ADHD symptoms by acting on the prefrontal cortex. This helps control impulsivity, and also the ability to pay attention. It also treats other impairments that are related to ADHD, such as emotional sensitivities and rejection sensitivity. Intuniv isn't a stimulant, so it doesn't have the same side-effects as stimulants such as Adderall. Guanfacine can cause serious side effects, like the effects of sedation, low blood pressure and slow heart rate. In addition, people with depression or an addiction history might not be suitable candidates for this medication.
While stimulants are effective in helping treat ADHD symptoms, they can be habit-forming and have many side negative effects. Intuniv, a non-stimulant medication takes longer to take effect. However, it is less likely to trigger adverse side effects. Talk with your doctor about what type of treatment is the best for you.
Intuniv is FDA approved for treating children aged six through 17 years old. However, it has not been tested in children younger than this age group or adults. It is not a controlled substance, therefore it is not at risk of the same risk of abuse or dependency as stimulants. However, guanfacine is addictive and should only be taken under the supervision of a nurse or doctor practitioner.
Intuniv is recommended to be taken on a regular basis and at the same time in order to maintain an adequate amount of drug in the bloodstream. It should be crushed in a plastic bag, or folded paper, placed between two spoons. Then, it can be mixed with a small quantity of soft food like applesauce or chocolate syrup. The child must then swallow the entire amount to stop it from being spit into.