ADHD Medication and Over the Counter ADHD Medication
There are many prescription ADHD medication that aid in improving the ability to focus, attention and impulsivity. The majority of these medications are in the methylphenidate and amphetamine drug categories. They include Adderall, Ritalin and Vyvanse. They can cause side effects such as loss of appetite and insomnia.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an unstimulant medication that could be beneficial. It works by boosting norepinephrine, which is a chemical in the brain. A healthy diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep are important too.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, commonly known as Ritalin is among the most popular medications used to treat ADHD in children and adolescents. This stimulant medication enhances the activity of brain regions that are involved in attention. It has been in use for over 50 years and many studies have found it to be effective.
Methylphenidate works by blocking the neurotransmitters that reuptake norepinephrine and dopamine, which increase the amount of these neurotransmitters in neural synapses. It is a racemic mix with the d'isomer having greater pharmacological effect. Methylphenidate comes in capsule, tablet, the ER (extended release) and oral disintegration forms. It is a Schedule II controlled substance with a high potential for addiction and abuse.
Studies show that methylphenidate can increase impulsivity, inattention and hyperactivity in kids with ADHD. However, methylphenidate can cause some negative side effects, like the loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. These side effects aren't typically serious, but they can be difficult for parents to manage.
Fortunately, the majority of these side effects will fade as time passes. It is important to note that methylphenidate can increase blood pressure or heart rate in some people. This is why methylphenidate is listed as a Schedule II controlled drug. It is not recommended that methylphenidate is consumed during pregnancy, as it can cause harm to a unborn baby or have long-term effects on the breastfed baby.
Methylphenidate can be taken in the morning. It should be taken with a full stomach, so it is recommended to avoid eating and drinks that could hinder its absorption. For extended-release tablets and capsules look up the leaflet to find instructions on how to swallow the tablets whole or open them up and mix the contents with some soft food items like honey or yogurt and then take them in.
2. Ritalin
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is a central nervous system stimulant that affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that cause attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity and impulse control. Ritalin is approved by the FDA to treat ADHD and narcolepsy in adults and children aged 6 and over. Off-label, it is used to treat major depression disorder as well as terminal cancer, among other ailments.
The most frequently prescribed medication prescribed by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD is stimulants. They work by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain known as norepinephrine and dopamine. These neurotransmitters boost concentration and increase motivation. They also play a significant role in the fight or flight response. When used correctly, stimulants can significantly reduce symptoms of ADHD.
Like all medications, methylphenidate may have adverse effects. The most frequent side effects reported are loss of appetite and trouble sleeping. Some people experience jitteriness and mood swings. They might also experience headaches or stomachaches. These effects usually disappear after several weeks.
Ritalin can be misused as a stimulant, even though it is prescribed to treat ADHD. Abuse occurs when people take more than the prescribed dose or mix it with other stimulants. It can be dangerous to mix it with alcohol or other narcotics. It can also mean crushing or dissolving tablets to create a powder, which is then taken in a snort. It is possible to overdose on Ritalin.
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 do not address the core symptoms, but can be beneficial when used in conjunction with stimulants to lessen the effects of their side effects. These types of medications are usually efficient when they are accompanied by behavioral therapy.
3. Vyvanse
Vyvanse, the brand name used for lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, is an amphetamine used to increase focus and attention among ADHD patients. It also reduces the frequency of excessive eating associated with eating disorders that cause binge eating (BED). Vyvanse acts on specific brain pathways to increase the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. It is typically prescribed as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan for ADHD and BED. Like other stimulant drugs, Vyvanse can cause side effects such as anxiety, jitteriness and anxiety. These effects tend to diminish with time as the body adjusts to the medication. Speak to your prescribing doctor if you experience any problems.
It is essential to maintain regular visits with your doctor to ensure that you are receiving the best care. They can track your progress and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. They may also recommend alternative treatments to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. These include herbal supplements, dietary modifications and cognitive enhancement supplements. There isn't enough research-based evidence to support the effectiveness of some herbs and dietary supplementation as ADHD treatments. This includes the pycnogenol (an extract of the bark of the maritime pine).
Ritalin, Adderall and other stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others are frequently used to treat ADHD. Additionally, these medications are available in extended-release versions that provide regular control of symptoms throughout the day. Your doctor may also prescribe stimulant medications like atomoxetine and Guanfacine. These nootropics have proven to boost memory and clarity. They are not intended to replace prescription ADHD medications.
4. Focalin
Focalin is a stimulant drug used to treat ADHD, both in adults and children. It is usually taken with or without food in the morning and at the same time each day to increase the effectiveness of the medication. It can be taken as an extended-release or immediate-release medication, depending on the dosage prescribed by your physician. Focalin is a synthetic stimulant that is similar to methylphenidate, but has fewer side negative effects. It is not contaminated with harmful methylphenidate metabolites, as do other medications. Focalin increases the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain by blocking their reuptake and promoting their release. This helps to reduce symptoms of ADHD, such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, as well as inattention.
It's crucial to discuss with your healthcare provider how ADHD medicines can benefit you or helping your child. It's not unusual for doctors to test various dosages and medicines to determine the most effective one for each patient. They can also prescribe non-stimulant medication to increase the ability to focus and control impulsive behavior.
Never divulge your Focalin prescription with anyone, not even someone with ADHD. please click the up coming document could lead to dangerous and potentially fatal drug interactions. It is not recommended to take Focalin XR while pregnant or breastfeeding as animal studies indicate that it could cause harm to the pregnant fetus. It is also important to avoid alcohol, sedatives and other illegal substances while taking Focalin XR, as they could increase the severity of its side effects.
5. Intuniv
Guanfacine is the primary ingredient in Intuniv. It is an alpha-2-adrenergic antagonist that has been shown by studies to reduce ADHD symptoms by acting on the prefrontal cortex. This aids in controlling the impulsivity and focus. It also addresses other disorders associated with ADHD such as emotional sensitiveness, rejection sensitivity and hyperarousal, by reducing levels of adrenaline back to normal. Intuniv is a non-stimulant so it doesn't suffer from the same side effects as stimulants such as Adderall. Guanfacine can cause serious side effects, such as low blood pressure, sedation and a slow heart rate. People suffering from depression or with a past of substance abuse are not a good candidate for the medication.
While stimulants work fast to help treat ADHD symptoms, they can be intoxicating and cause many adverse consequences. Non-stimulant medications like Intuniv take longer to take effect, but are less likely to cause harmful side effects. Talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Intuniv is FDA approved for treating children aged six to 17 years old, however it has not been studied for people younger than this age range or in adults. It is not a controlled substance, so it does not have the same risk of dependency or abuse as stimulants. However, guanfacine could be addictive and should only be used under the care of a physician or nurse practitioner.
Intuniv must be given regularly at the same time to ensure an even amount in the bloodstream. It should be crushed between two spoons, in an plastic bag, or inside folded paper and mixed with some soft food items like applesauce, chocolate syrup, ice cream yogurt, or jelly. The child is then required to swallow the entire amount to avoid it being spit out.