ADHD Medication and Over the Counter ADHD Medication
There are many prescription ADHD drugs available to aid in improving attention, focus and impulsivity. Most fall into the methylphenidate or amphetamine drug classes. Adderall Ritalin, and Vyvanse are some of the most commonly used. They can have negative side effects like sleepiness and appetite loss.
A non-stimulant drug like Strattera (atomoxetine), can also be helpful. It works by increasing the brain chemical norepinephrine. A healthy diet, exercise routine and adequate sleep are important too.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate also referred to as Ritalin, is one of the most well-known medications used to treat ADHD in adolescents and children. The stimulant medication works by increasing activity in areas of the brain that are involved in attention. It has been used for more than 50 years, and many studies have demonstrated that it works.
Methylphenidate is effective in blocking the neurotransmitters that reuptake norepinephrine and dopamine, which increase the amount of these neurotransmitters within the neural synapses. It is a racemic mixture with the d-isomer more pharmacologically active. Methylphenidate comes in tablet, capsule, ER (extended release) and oral disintegration forms. It is a Schedule II controlled drug with an extremely high chance of addiction and abuse.
Studies have shown that methylphenidate could increase impulsivity, inattention and hyperactivity in children with ADHD. However, methylphenidate could cause certain side effects, such as weight loss and trouble sleeping. These side effects, although not serious however, can be a hassle for parents.
Fortunately, the majority of adverse effects will diminish as time passes. It is also important to remember that methylphenidate can raise 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 use methylphenidate during pregnancy because it could cause harm to the unborn child and long-term effects on development in the infant who is breastfed.
Methylphenidate is best taken in the morning. It is best to avoid drinking and eating foods that may interfere with its absorption. Read the leaflet to find out whether you can swallow extended-release tablets or capsules whole or if you require to open them and mix them with a bit of soft food, such as honey or yogurt.
2. Ritalin
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is an stimulant of the central nervous system that affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that cause hyperactivity, attention deficit disorder and impulse control. The FDA has approved Ritalin to treat ADHD in children aged 6 or older, as well as to treat adults suffering from narcolepsy. Off-label, it is used to treat major depression disorder and terminal cancer as well as other disorders.
Stimulants are the most popular type of prescription medication healthcare professionals utilize to treat ADHD. They function by increasing the levels of brain chemicals, including dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters improve concentration and increase motivation. They also play an important role in the fight-or-flight response. If used properly, stimulants can reduce ADHD symptoms.
Like any other medication, methylphenidate can have negative side effects. Loss of appetite and trouble sleeping are among the most frequent side effects. Some people also feel jittery, mood swings as well as stomachaches and headaches. These symptoms usually go away after a few weeks.
Ritalin can be misused to stimulate the mind, even though it's prescribed for ADHD. It is a problem when people consume more than the prescribed dose, or combine it with other stimulants. Combining it with other substances or alcohol could be risky. Abuse also involves crushing or dissolving the tablets to produce an insoluble powder that is consumed. Dosing too much on Ritalin is a possibility.
The FDA has approved a few non-stimulant ADHD drugs. They are primarily norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. These medications don't treat the main symptoms of ADHD however they can be useful when paired with stimulants to lessen their negative effects. These medications are typically effective when they are combined with behavioral therapy.
3. Vyvanse
Vyvanse is the brand name of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, an amphetamine that enhances focus and attention in ADHD patients. This medication also curbs the symptoms of eating disorder that accompany eating disorders such as binge-eating (BED). Vyvanse acts on specific brain pathways to increase the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. It is prescribed as part of an overall treatment program for ADHD and BED. Like other stimulant drugs, Vyvanse may cause side effects such as nausea, jitteriness and anxiety. These side effects tend to diminish over time as your body becomes accustomed to the medication. Consult your doctor if they continue to bother you.
To ensure you receive the best possible treatment, it is essential to attend regular appointments with your physician. They will be able to track your improvement and make any necessary changes to your medication regimen. They might also suggest alternative treatments to ease the symptoms of ADHD. These may include herbal supplements and changes to your diet. There is a lack of scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of certain supplements and herbs as ADHD treatments. These include pycnogenol, an extract from maritime pine bark.
Ritalin, Adderall and other stimulant drugs like dextroamphetamine as well as methylphenidate are frequently used to treat ADHD. Additionally, these medications are available as extended-release versions to provide more constant control of symptoms throughout the day. It is also possible for your doctor to prescribe other types of stimulant medications, such as the atomoxetine and guanfacine. These medications are known as nootropics, and have been shown to increase memory retention and mental clarity. They 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 typically taken without or with food, in the morning, and at the same time every day to maximize 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 synthetic stimulant that is similar to methylphenidate, but has fewer adverse negative effects. It is not contaminated with harmful methylphenidate isomers like other medications. Focalin is a drug that increases the availability of two monoamines in the brain, norepinephrine as well as dopamine, by encouraging their release from neurons and blocking their reuptake. This helps to reduce symptoms of ADHD like hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention.
While many people discover that ADHD medicines help reduce their symptoms, it's crucial to speak with your doctor about the ways they can help you or your child. Doctors often try different medications and dosages to find the best one for each patient. treating adhd without medication can prescribe non-stimulant drugs to improve attention span and reduce impulsive behavior as well.
Do not share your Focalin prescription with anyone, even those who suffers from ADHD. This could result in serious and possibly fatal drug interactions. It is not recommended to take Focalin XR while pregnant or breastfeeding as animal studies indicate that it can cause harm to a fetus. It is also essential to stay away from alcohol, sedatives and other illegal drugs while taking Focalin XR since they may make it more difficult to treat adverse effects.
5. Intuniv
Guanfacine, which is the principal active ingredient in Intuniv is an alpha 2-adrenergic agonist that has been shown to improve ADHD symptoms through activation of the prefrontal cortex. This can control impulsivity and also attention. It also treats other impairments that are associated with ADHD like emotional sensitiveness, rejection sensitivity and hyperarousal by decreasing levels of adrenaline back to normal. Intuniv is not a stimulant, so it doesn't suffer from the same negative effects as stimulants such as Adderall. Guanfacine has some serious side effects, including the effects of sedation, low blood pressure and a slower heart rate. People with depression or the history of addiction are not a good candidate for the drug.
While stimulants work fast to help treat ADHD symptoms however, they can become addictive and can cause a variety of adverse negative effects. Intuniv, a non-stimulant medication, takes longer to work. However, it is less likely to have adverse side effects. Talk with your doctor to determine what type of treatment is right for you.
Intuniv is FDA approved to treat children from six through 17 years old. However, it has not been studied for people older than this age group or adults. It is not a controlled substance, which means it does not have the same risk of abuse or dependency as stimulants. However, guanfacine is addictive and should only be taken under the supervision of a physician or nurse practitioner.
Intuniv should be taken regularly and at the same time to ensure a constant amount of the drug in the bloodstream. It is to be crushed between two spoons, placed in an plastic bag, or inside folded paper and mixed with a small amount of soft food items like applesauce, chocolate syrup, ice cream jelly, or yogurt. Then, the entire amount must be taken in by the child to stop it from being thrown out.