ADHD Medication and Over the Counter ADHD Medication
There are many prescription ADHD medications that help improve the ability to focus, attention and impulsivity. Most fall under the methylphenidate or amphetamine drug classes. They include Adderall, Ritalin and Vyvanse. They can have negative side effects like sleepiness and appetite loss.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an anti-stimulant drug that can be helpful. It works by increasing norepinephrine which is a brain chemical. A healthy diet, exercise and enough sleep are also vital.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is also known as Ritalin is one of the most well-known medications used to treat ADHD in children and adolescents. This stimulant medication enhances activity in brain areas that are involved in focusing. It has been in use for over 50 years and a number of studies have proven that it works.
Methylphenidate is a drug that blocks the reuptake neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, which increases the concentration of these neurotransmitters in neural synapses. It is a racemic combination with the d-isomer being the most active pharmacologically. Methylphenidate is available in capsule, tablet, the ER (extended release), and orally disintegrating forms. It is a Schedule II controlled substance with a high potential for abuse and addiction.
Studies have shown that methylphenidate improves hyperactivity and hyperactivity, as well as inattention in children with ADHD. However, methylphenidate could cause some side effects such as loss of appetite and trouble sleeping. Learn Additional , though not serious but can be a challenge for parents.
Fortunately, these side effects typically subside as time passes. It is also important to remember that methylphenidate may increase heart rate and blood pressure in some individuals this is the reason it is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. It is not recommended to take methylphenidate consumed during pregnancy, because it could cause harm to a unborn child or long-term effects on the infant who is breastfed.
Methylphenidate should be taken in the morning. It is best to avoid eating and drinking that could affect its absorption. For extended-release tablets and capsules, read the leaflet for directions on how to swallow them whole or to open them and mix the contents with some soft food items like honey or yogurt and then swallow.
2. Ritalin
Methylphenidate also referred to as Ritalin is a centrally-controlled system stimulant. It affects the chemical and nerves in the brain that cause attention deficit disorder (ADD), hyperactivity and poor impulse control. Ritalin is approved by the FDA to treat ADHD and narcolepsy in adults and children aged 6 and older. It can also be used off-label to treat a variety of other disorders, including major depressive disorder as well as terminal cancer.
The most common prescription medication used by healthcare providers to treat ADHD is stimulants. 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 a part in the fight-or-flight reaction. If used correctly stimulants can greatly reduce symptoms of ADHD.
Like all medications, methylphenidate can have negative side effects. The loss of appetite and sleeplessness are among the most common adverse effects. Some people experience jitteriness and mood swings. They may also experience headaches or stomachaches. These effects usually disappear after a few weeks.
Ritalin is often misused as stimulant, even though it is prescribed to treat ADHD. Abuse occurs when people take more than the recommended dose or mix it with other stimulants. It could be risky to mix it with alcohol or other drugs. Abuse can also involve crushing or dissolving the tablets into an insoluble powder that is snorted. Dosing too much on Ritalin is possible.
There are a few non-stimulant ADHD medications that the FDA has approved. They are primarily norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. These drugs don't address the primary symptoms of ADHD, but they can be useful when paired with stimulants to reduce their side effects. These types of medications are usually effective when accompanied with behavioral therapy.
3. Vyvanse
Vyvanse is the brand name of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, an amphetamine that enhances focus and attention in ADHD patients. It also reduces the frequency of eating too much that are associated with eating disorders that cause binge eating (BED). Vyvanse works on specific brain pathways to increase levels of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. It is often prescribed as a part of a holistic treatment plan for ADHD and BED. Vyvanse as with other stimulant medications, can cause adverse effects, including jitteriness and anxiety. These side effects usually diminish as your body gets used to the medication. If they persist, speak with your doctor about them.
To ensure that you receive the highest quality care, it is important to maintain regular appointments with your doctor. They can track your progress and make adjustments to your treatment plan. They might also suggest alternative treatments to ease the symptoms of ADHD. These may include herbal supplements and dietary changes. However, adhd otc medication and dietary supplements are not backed by scientific research to support their effectiveness as ADHD treatments. For instance, pycnogenol is an extract of pine bark from the maritime region.
Other commonly used stimulant medications 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. It is also possible for your physician to prescribe other types of stimulant medications, including the atomoxetine and guanfacine. These are referred to as nootropics, and have been shown to increase mental clarity and memory retention. However, these are not meant to substitute for prescription ADHD medication.
4. Focalin
Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) is an anti-stimulant medication that is used to treat ADHD in children and adolescents as well as 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. Based on the dosage recommended, it can be taken as an immediate-release or extended-release medication. Focalin is a stimulant produced by man, is similar to methylphenidate. However it is less prone to side-effects. It also does not contain harmful isomers, like other methylphenidate medicines. Focalin helps by increasing the availability of two monoamines in the brain, norepinephrine as well as dopamine by promoting their release from neurons and preventing their reuptake. This reduces the symptoms of ADHD like hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.
It's crucial to talk to your healthcare provider about what ADHD medications are helping you or if they are helping your child. It's not common for doctors to try various doses and medications to find the one for each patient. They can also prescribe non-stimulant medications to improve attention span and reduce impulsive behaviors as well.
Never divulge your Focalin prescription with anyone, not even a person who suffers from ADHD. non stimulant adhd medication could result in dangerous and possibly fatal drug interactions. Focalin XR is not recommended for use by women who are pregnant or nursing, as animal studies have shown that it can harm a pregnant fetus. It is also crucial to avoid alcohol, sedatives and other illegal substances while taking Focalin XR, as they could cause more severe adverse effects.
5. Intuniv
Guanfacine is the primary ingredient in Intuniv. It is an alpha-2-adrenergic receptor antagonist that has been demonstrated by studies to reduce ADHD symptoms through its action on the prefrontal cortex. This can control impulsivity and attention. It also addresses other disorders related to ADHD like emotional sensitivity, rejection sensitivity, and hyperarousal, by reducing levels of adrenaline to a normal. Intuniv isn't a stimulant, so it doesn't have the same side-effects similar to stimulants like Adderall. However, guanfacine has some serious dangers, such as a slow heart rate, blood pressure that is low, and sedation. People with depression or an addiction history are not suitable candidates for the drug.
While stimulants work fast to combat ADHD symptoms, they can be intoxicating and cause many side consequences. Intuniv is a non-stimulant drug that is more time-consuming to use. However, it is less likely to trigger harmful side effects. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment for you.
Intuniv is FDA approved for treating children aged six to 17 years old. However, it hasn't been studied in children younger than this age group or in adults. It is not a controlled drug and therefore, there is no risk of abuse or dependence. However, guanfacine is addictive and should be administered under the supervision of a nurse or doctor practitioner.
Intuniv is required to be administered frequently at the same time in order to maintain an even amount in the bloodstream. It is to be crushed between two spoons, inside the plastic bag, or inside folded paper and mixed with a small amount of soft food like applesauce, chocolate syrup, ice cream jelly, or yogurt. Then, the entire amount must be swallowed by the child to stop it from being thrown out.