ADHD Medication and Over the Counter ADHD Medication
There are several prescription ADHD medications that help improve attention, focus and impulsivity. Most fall into the amphetamine or methylphenidate classes. Adderall Ritalin and Vyvanse are among the most popular. They can cause negative side effects like sleepiness and appetite loss.
A non-stimulant medicine, such as Strattera (atomoxetine), can also be beneficial. It works by boosting norepinephrine, a brain chemical. A healthy diet, regular exercise and sufficient sleep are also important.
1. Methylphenidate
Ritalin (also also known as Methylphenidate) is among the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD in adolescents and children. The stimulant medication boosts the activity in brain regions that are involved in focusing. It has been in use for over 50 years, and many studies have shown that it's effective.
Methylphenidate works by blocking the reuptake of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine, which increases their concentration in the neural synapse. It is a racemic mix with the d'isomer having greater pharmacological activity. Methylphenidate comes in tablet, capsule, 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 demonstrated that methylphenidate boosts hyperactivity and hyperactivity for children with ADHD. However, methylphenidate could cause certain side effects, such as loss of appetite and trouble sleeping. These side effects are not usually serious but can be difficult for parents to manage.
Fortunately, these side effects tend to diminish over time. It is also important to know that methylphenidate can 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 used during pregnancy because it could cause harm to an unborn baby or have long-term effects on the baby who is breastfed.
Methylphenidate is usually taken in the morning. It is recommended to avoid drinking and eating foods that can affect the absorption of the drug. For extended-release tablets and capsules check the leaflet for instructions on how to swallow them whole, or open them and mix the contents with some soft food like honey or yogurt, and then swallow.
2. Ritalin
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is an stimulant of the central nervous system that affects the 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 the narcolepsy of children and adults aged 6 and over. Off-label, it's being used to treat major depression disorder, terminal cancer and other conditions.
The most common prescription medication prescribed by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD is stimulants. They work 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 correctly, stimulants can significantly reduce symptoms of ADHD.
As with any medication methylphenidate could cause adverse effects. Loss of appetite and trouble sleeping are among the most frequent side effects. Some people also feel jittery, mood swings, stomachaches and headaches. These symptoms usually go away after several weeks.
Ritalin may be abused as a stimulant, even though it is prescribed to treat ADHD. The abuse occurs when people take more than the recommended dose, or combine it with other stimulants. It can be dangerous to combine it with alcohol or other narcotics. Abuse also involves crushing or dissolving the tablets to produce a powder that is then snorted. It is possible to overdose on Ritalin.
There are dealing with adhd without medication -stimulant ADHD medications that the FDA has approved. They are primarily norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. These medications don't treat the primary symptoms of ADHD but they can be useful when combined with stimulants to reduce their 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 among ADHD patients. It also reduces the frequency of eating disorders that are a result of binge-eating disorders (BED). Vyvanse works on specific brain pathways to boost the levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. It is prescribed as part of the holistic treatment plan for ADHD and BED. Vyvanse like other stimulant medications, can cause side effects, such as anxiety and jitteriness. These side effects tend to diminish as your body adjusts to the medication. If they continue to bother you, talk to your doctor about them.
To ensure you receive the best care, it is important to attend regular visits with your physician. They will monitor your progress and make adjustments to your treatment plan. They might also suggest alternative treatments to ease the symptoms of ADHD. These include herbal supplements, dietary modifications, and cognitive enhancement supplements. There is limited research-based evidence to support the effectiveness of certain supplements and herbs as ADHD treatments. For instance, pycnogenol is an extract of the bark of maritime pine.
Other commonly used stimulant medications to treat ADHD include methylphenidate-based forms and dextroamphetamine. Examples include Ritalin and Adderall. In addition, these drugs are available as extended-release versions to provide more consistent symptoms control throughout the day. Your doctor can prescribe stimulant medication such as atomoxetine and guanfacine. These are known as nootropics, and have been shown to enhance memory retention and mental clarity. These medications are not intended to replace prescription ADHD medication.
4. Focalin
Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) is an anti-stimulant medication that is used to treat ADHD in adolescents and children as well as adults. It is usually taken in the morning with or without food and at the same time each day, to maximize the effectiveness of the drug. Based on the dosage recommended, it can be taken as an immediate-release or extended release medication. Focalin is a stimulant created by man, is similar to methylphenidate. However, it has fewer side-effects. It is also free of harmful isomers like some other methylphenidate medications. Focalin increases the availability of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain, by preventing their reuptake and encouraging their release. This helps to reduce symptoms of ADHD including hyperactivity, impulsivity, as well as inattention.
While many people are able to see ADHD medicines can reduce symptoms, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider about how they're helping you or your child. Doctors often test a variety of dosages and medications to find the best one for each patient. They may also prescribe nonstimulant medication to improve the ability to focus and control impulsive behavior.
Do not ever share your Focalin prescription with anyone, even those suffering from ADHD. This can 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 a pregnant fetus. Focalin XR could cause adverse reactions that are more severe when you are taking alcohol, sedatives or any other illegal drugs.
5. Intuniv
Guanfacine is the main active ingredient in Intuniv, is an alpha 2-adrenergic receptor agonist, which has been demonstrated to improve ADHD symptoms through activation of the prefrontal cortex. This helps to control impulsivity and attention. It also treats other issues that are a result of ADHD like emotional sensitivities and rejection sensitivity. Intuniv isn't a stimulant the brain, therefore it doesn't have the same side-effects similar to stimulants like Adderall. However, guanfacine does have certain serious risks, including a slow heart rate, blood pressure that is low and the effects of sedation. In addition, those with depression or an history of addiction might not be suitable candidates for this medication.
While stimulants work fast to combat ADHD symptoms but they can also be addictive and can cause a variety of negative side effects. Non-stimulant medications such as Intuniv take longer to work, but are less likely to cause negative adverse effects. Consult your physician to determine the best treatment for you.
Intuniv has FDA approval to treat children ranging from six to seventeen years old. However it hasn't yet been tested on adults or people older than these age groups. It is not a controlled substance and therefore, there is no risk of abuse or dependence. Guanfacine, however, can become habit-forming. It should only be used under the supervision of a doctor or nurse practitioner.
Intuniv must be given regularly at the same time in order to maintain a steady amount in the bloodstream. It must be crushed between two spoons, in the plastic bag, or inside folded paper and mixed with small amounts of soft food items like applesauce, chocolate syrup, ice cream, yogurt, or jelly. The child is then required to swallow the entire dose to prevent it being spit out.