ADHD Medication and Over the Counter ADHD Medication
There are several 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 cause negative side effects like sleepiness and appetite loss.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an anti-stimulant drug that can be beneficial. It works by increasing norepinephrine, which is a chemical in the brain. A healthy diet, exercise and enough sleep are vital.
1. Methylphenidate
Ritalin (also called Methylphenidate) is one of the most frequently prescribed drugs to treat ADHD in children and adolescents. This stimulant medication increases activity in parts of the brain involved in the process of focusing. It has been used for more than 50 years, and a number of studies have shown it to be effective.
Methylphenidate works by blocking the reuptake process of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine which increase their concentration in the neural synapse. It is a racemic mix, with the d'isomer exhibiting a higher pharmacological activity. Methylphenidate is available in capsule, tablet, ER (extended release) and orally disintegrating forms. It is a Schedule II controlled substance with a high potential for addiction and abuse.
Studies show that methylphenidate can improve inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity in kids with ADHD. However, methylphenidate could cause some negative side effects like the loss of appetite and sleep disturbances. These side effects, while not serious however, can be a hassle for parents.
Fortunately, most of these side effects will subside as time passes. It is also important to know that methylphenidate can increase heart rate and blood pressure in some individuals and that's why it is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. It is not recommended to take methylphenidate while pregnant as it could 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 best taken with an empty stomach, so it is recommended to avoid eating and drinks that can hinder its absorption. Examine the leaflet to determine whether you can swallow extended-release tablets or capsules in their entirety, 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 controlled stimulant. It affects the chemical and nerves in the brain that cause attention deficit disorder (ADD), hyperactivity and poor impulse control. The FDA has approved Ritalin to treat ADHD in children aged 6 and older, and to treat adults with Narcolepsy. It is also used off-label to treat a variety of other disorders, including major depressive disorder and terminal cancer.
Stimulants are the most popular kind of prescription medication healthcare providers utilize to treat ADHD. They work by increasing levels of certain brain chemicals called dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters enhance concentration and boost motivation. They also play an important role in the fight or flight response. If used properly stimulants can lessen ADHD symptoms.
As with any medication, methylphenidate can cause adverse side effects. Insomnia and trouble sleeping are among the most common adverse effects. Some people experience jitteriness and mood swings. They may also experience stomachaches or headaches. These symptoms typically disappear after several weeks.
Ritalin is often misused as a stimulant, even though it is prescribed to treat ADHD. Abuse is most likely when individuals take more than the prescribed dosage or combine the drug in conjunction with other stimulants. It can be dangerous when it is combined with alcohol or other narcotics. Abuse can also involve crushing or dissolving tablets to create the powder which is later consumed. 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 drugs do not address the primary symptoms, but can be beneficial when coupled with stimulants to decrease the side effects. These medications are typically efficient when combined with behavioral therapy.
3. Vyvanse
Vyvanse is the brand name for lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, is an amphetamine which is used to boost focus and attention among ADHD patients. It also reduces symptoms of eating disorder that can be a sign of binge-eating disorder (BED). Vyvanse acts on specific brain pathways to boost the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. It is usually prescribed as part of a holistic treatment plan for ADHD and BED. Like other stimulant drugs, Vyvanse may cause adverse effects like nausea, jitteriness and anxiety. These effects typically diminish as your body becomes accustomed to the medication. Speak to your prescribing doctor if they continue to bother you.
It is vital to maintain regular visits to your doctor to ensure that you receive the best treatment. They will monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. They may also recommend alternative treatments to help ease the symptoms of ADHD. These include herbal supplements and changes to your diet. However, certain herbal supplements and dietary supplements are not backed by scientific research to support their effectiveness as ADHD treatments. This includes the pycnogenol (an extract of the bark of maritime pine).
Other commonly used stimulant medications to treat ADHD include forms of methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine, such as Ritalin and Adderall. They are also available in extended-release versions that provide more consistent symptom control throughout the day. Your doctor can prescribe stimulant medication like atomoxetine and Guanfacine. These medications are known as nootropics and have been shown to improve mental clarity and memory retention. They are not intended to replace prescription ADHD medication.
4. Focalin
Focalin is a stimulant medicine used to treat ADHD in both children and adults. It is usually taken in the morning with or without eating at the same time each day, to increase the effectiveness of the medication. Based on the dosage that is prescribed it is used as an immediate-release or extended release medication. Focalin is a stimulant produced by humans, is similar to methylphenidate. However it is not as a result of side effects. It is also free of harmful isomers like some other methylphenidate medications. Focalin increases the amount of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain by preventing their reuptake and encouraging their release. This helps to reduce the symptoms of ADHD such as hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity.
It's important to discuss with your healthcare professional what ADHD medicines help you or helping your child. It's not common for doctors to try various dosages and medicines to determine the most effective one that is appropriate for each patient. They may prescribe non-stimulant medication to help improve attention span and impulsive behaviors as well.
Do not share your Focalin prescription with anyone, even those suffering from ADHD. This could lead to dangerous and potentially fatal drug interactions. Focalin XR is not recommended for use by women who are pregnant or nursing, as animal studies have demonstrated that it may harm a pregnant fetus. Focalin XR may cause adverse reactions that are more severe if you take alcohol, sedatives or other illegal drugs.
5. Intuniv
Guanfacine is the main ingredient in Intuniv. It is an antagonist of the alpha-2-adrenergic receptor that has been demonstrated by research to reduce ADHD symptoms through its action on the prefrontal cortex. This aids in controlling the impulsivity and focus. It also addresses other issues that are related to ADHD, such as emotional sensitiveness and rejection sensitivity. Intuniv isn't a stimulant the brain, therefore it doesn't have the same adverse effects as stimulants such as Adderall. Guanfacine, however, has some serious risks including slow heart rate, low blood pressure and the effects of sedation. Additionally, those who have depression or an history of addiction might not be suitable candidates for this medication.
While stimulants are effective in helping combat ADHD symptoms however, they can become habit-forming and have many negative side negative effects. Non-stimulant medicines like Intuniv take longer to work, but are less likely to cause harmful adverse effects. Talk to Our Site about the best treatment for you.
Intuniv has FDA approval for treating children ranging from six to seventeen years. However it hasn't yet been studied on adults or individuals who are younger than this age group. It is not a controlled substance, which means it does not have the same risk of abuse or dependency as stimulants. Guanfacine, however become habit-forming. It is best to take it under the supervision of a doctor or a nurse practitioner.
Intuniv must be given regularly at the same time to keep an even amount in the bloodstream. It must be crushed between 2 spoons, in 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 taken in by the child to keep it from being spit out.