ADHD Medication and Over the Counter ADHD Medication
There are a variety of prescription ADHD medication that aid in improving attention, focus and impulsivity. Most fall under the methylphenidate or amphetamine drug classes. Adderall Ritalin, and Vyvanse are among the most commonly used. Some of the side effects are sleepiness and a loss of appetite.
A non-stimulant medicine like Strattera (atomoxetine), can also be helpful. It works by increasing norepinephrine which is a brain chemical. A healthy diet, exercise and adequate sleep are essential.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is also known as Ritalin, is one of the most commonly used medications to treat ADHD in adolescents and children. This stimulant medication increases activity in brain areas involved in attention. It has been in use for over 50 years, and many studies have demonstrated that it is effective.
Methylphenidate works by blocking the neurotransmitters involved in reuptake, norepinephrine as dopamine. This increases the concentration of these neurotransmitters within the neural synapses. It is a racemic mixture with the d-isomer being more active pharmacologically. Methylphenidate can be found in tablet, capsule extended release (ER) and oral disintegrating form. It is a Schedule II controlled substance with the potential for abuse and addiction.
Studies have demonstrated that methylphenidate improves hyperactivity and hyperactivity, as well as inattention in children with ADHD. However, methylphenidate can have some side effects such as weight loss and sleep disturbances. These side effects, although not severe but can be difficult to deal with for parents.
Fortunately, the majority of these adverse effects will diminish with time. It is also important to know that methylphenidate may increase heart rate and blood pressure in some people and that's why it is a Schedule II controlled substance. concerta adhd medication is not recommended to take methylphenidate used during pregnancy because it could cause harm to a unborn baby or have long-term effects on the breastfed baby.
Methylphenidate is best taken in the morning. It should be taken on an empty stomach, which is why it's best to avoid food and drinks that will interfere with its absorption. For extended-release tablets and capsules look up the leaflet to find instructions on how to take the tablets whole or open them up and mix the contents with some soft food items like yogurt or honey and then swallow.
2. Ritalin
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is a central nervous system stimulant that affects the chemicals in the brain and nerves that are responsible for hyperactivity, attention deficit disorder and impulse control. The FDA has approved Ritalin to treat ADHD in children 6 years or older, and also to treat adults suffering from Narcolepsy. It is also prescribed off-label for the treatment of a variety of other conditions such as major depressive disorder and terminal cancer.
The most frequently prescribed medication used by healthcare providers to treat ADHD is stimulants. They work by increasing levels of certain chemicals in the brain called dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters help improve concentration and increase motivation. They also play an important role in the fight or flight response. When used correctly, stimulants can significantly reduce symptoms of ADHD.
As with all medications, methylphenidate may cause adverse effects. The most commonly reported are weight loss and trouble sleeping. Some people also have mood swings, jitteriness stomachaches, headaches and mood swings. These symptoms usually disappear within a few days.
Ritalin can be misused to stimulate the mind, even although it's prescribed to treat ADHD. It is a problem when people consume more than the recommended dose, or combine it with other stimulants. It can be dangerous when it is combined with alcohol or other substances. It also involves crushing or dissolving the tablets to produce an insoluble powder that is taken in a snort. It is possible to overdose on Ritalin.
There are a few non-stimulant ADHD drugs 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 but they can be useful when paired with stimulants to reduce the negative effects. These medications are typically effective when accompanied with behavioral therapy.
3. Vyvanse
Vyvanse is the brand name used for Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate is an amphetamine used to improve attention and focus in ADHD patients. It also reduces the frequency of eating too much that are associated with eating disorders that cause binge eating (BED). Vyvanse affects specific brain pathways to increase levels of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. It is typically prescribed as part of a holistic treatment program for ADHD and BED. Vyvanse, like other stimulant medications can cause adverse effects, including anxiety and jitteriness. These side effects usually diminish as your body gets used to the medication. If they are persistent, talk to your doctor about them.
To ensure you receive the highest quality treatment, it is essential to keep regular appointments with your doctor. They will be able to track your progress and make any needed changes to your medication regimen. They may also recommend alternative treatments to help ease the symptoms of ADHD. These include herbal supplements, diet changes, and cognitive enhancement supplements. However, a few 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 maritime pine bark).
Other popular stimulant medicines used to treat ADHD include methylphenidate forms and dextroamphetamine. Examples include Ritalin and Adderall. They are also available in extended-release versions which provide more consistent symptom control throughout the day. Your doctor can also prescribe stimulant medications like atomoxetine and Guanfacine. These are known as nootropics and have been proven to improve mental clarity and memory retention. They are not intended to replace prescription ADHD medication.
4. Focalin
Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) is an stimulant drug that is used to treat ADHD in children and adolescents as well as adults. It is typically taken in the morning with or without food, at the same time throughout the day, to maximize the effectiveness of the drug. It can be taken as an immediate-release or extended-release medication, depending on the dosage recommended by your doctor. Focalin is a stimulant created by man, is comparable to methylphenidate. However it is less prone to side-effects. It also doesn't contain harmful isomers like some other methylphenidate medicines. Focalin works 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 helps to reduce the symptoms of ADHD such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.
It is important to discuss with your healthcare professional how ADHD medications can benefit you or helping your child. Doctors often test a variety of dosages and medications to find out which one works best for each patient. They may also prescribe non-stimulant medications to increase attention span and improve impulsive behaviors, too.
You must always follow your doctor's instructions carefully and do not divulge your Focalin XR prescription with anyone else, including someone else suffering from ADHD. This could lead to grave and possibly fatal interactions with drugs. Focalin XR is not recommended for 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 drugs while taking Focalin XR, as they could make it more difficult to treat adverse effects.
5. Intuniv
Guanfacine, which is the main active ingredient in the drug Intuniv is an alpha 2adrenergic receptor agonist that has been shown to improve ADHD symptoms through activation of the prefrontal cortex. This helps to control the intensity of impulsivity and attention. It also treats other impairments that are related to ADHD like emotional sensitiveness and rejection sensitivity. Intuniv does not cause stimulation the brain, therefore it doesn't have the same negative effects like stimulants such as Adderall. Guanfacine has some serious side effects, including low blood pressure, sedation and a slower heart rate. Additionally, those who have depression or a history of substance abuse might not be suitable candidates for this drug.
While stimulants work fast to treat ADHD symptoms, they can be intoxicating and cause many negative side consequences. Non-stimulant drugs such as Intuniv take longer to work, but are less likely to cause negative adverse side effects. Talk with your doctor about which type of treatment is right for you.
Intuniv is FDA approved to treat children ranging from six through 17 years old, but it hasn't been studied for people older than this age group or adults. It is not a controlled drug, so there is no chance of abuse or dependence. However, guanfacine is habit-forming 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 to ensure a constant amount of the drug in the bloodstream. It must be crushed in a plastic bag or folded paper, and placed between two spoons. Then it can be mixed with a small quantity of soft food like chocolate syrup or applesauce. The child is then required to swallow the entire amount to stop it being spit out.