ADHD Medication and Over the Counter ADHD Medication
There are many prescription ADHD medications that aid in improving attention, focus and impulsivity. The majority of these drugs belong to the methylphenidate or amphetamine drug categories. These include Adderall, Ritalin and Vyvanse. Some of the side effects include the loss of appetite and insomnia.
A non-stimulant drug, such as Strattera (atomoxetine) can also be helpful. It works by increasing the brain chemical norepinephrine. A healthy diet, exercise and enough sleep are also important.
1. Methylphenidate
Ritalin (also called Methylphenidate) is among the most frequently prescribed drugs to treat ADHD in adolescents and children. The stimulant medication is effective by increasing activity in areas of the brain that are involved with the process of focusing. It has been used for more than 50 years, and many studies have proven that it's effective.
Methylphenidate works by blocking the reuptake process of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine which increases their concentration in the neuronal synapse. It is a racemic combination with the d-isomer being more pharmacologically active. Methylphenidate comes in tablet, capsule, extended release (extended release) and oral disintegration forms. It is a Schedule II controlled substance with a high potential for abuse and addiction.
Studies have shown that methylphenidate could increase impulsivity, inattention and hyperactivity in children with ADHD. However, methylphenidate can cause some side effects, including loss of appetite and trouble sleeping. These side effects aren't generally serious, but they can be difficult for parents to handle.
Fortunately, most of these side effects will subside with time. It is also important to note that methylphenidate can raise blood pressure and heart rate in some people this is the reason it is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. It is not recommended to take methylphenidate during pregnancy as it may cause harm to the unborn baby as well as long-term developmental effects in the infant who is breastfed.
Methylphenidate should be taken in the morning. It is recommended to avoid foods and drinks that can affect its absorption. Examine the leaflet to determine whether you can swallow extended-release tablets or capsules whole or if you have to open them and mix them with a little soft food such as yogurt or honey.
2. Ritalin
Methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin, is a centrally nervous system stimulant. It affects the chemical and nerves in the brain, which cause attention deficit disorder (ADD), hyperactivity and poor impulse control. Ritalin is approved by the FDA to treat ADHD and the narcolepsy of children and adults who are 6 years old and older. Off-label, it's being used to treat major depression disorder as well as terminal cancer, among other disorders.
The most frequently prescribed medication prescribed by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD is stimulants. They function by increasing the levels of certain brain chemicals called dopamine, and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters aid in improving concentration and increase motivation. They also play a part in the fight-or-flight reaction. When used correctly, stimulants can reduce ADHD symptoms.
Like any other medication, methylphenidate has negative side effects. Insomnia and difficulty sleeping are the most frequent side effects. People also have mood swings, jitteriness, stomachaches and headaches. These symptoms typically disappear within a few days.
Ritalin can be misused to stimulate the mind even although it's prescribed to treat ADHD. The abuse occurs when people take more than the recommended dose, or combine it with other stimulants. It is risky to mix it with alcohol or other substances. It can also involve crushing or dissolving tablets to create the powder which is later consumed. The overdose of 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 do not treat the primary symptoms of ADHD but they can be beneficial when paired with stimulants to decrease their negative effects. These medications are typically efficient when coupled with behavioral therapy.
3. Vyvanse
Vyvanse, the brand name for Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, an amphetamine used to boost focus and attention in ADHD patients. It also helps to reduce the effects of excessive eating associated with binge-eating disorders (BED). Vyvanse acts on specific brain pathways to increase the levels of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. It is prescribed as part a holistic treatment program for ADHD and BED. Similar to other stimulant medications Vyvanse can cause side effects such as anxiety, jitteriness and anxiety. These side effects usually decrease over time as your body gets used to the medication. Consult your doctor if they persist.
It is vital to maintain regular visits to your doctor to ensure you are receiving the best care. They will be able monitor your improvement and make any necessary changes to your medication regimen. They may also recommend alternative treatments to ease the symptoms of ADHD. This includes herbal supplements and dietary changes. However, dealing with adhd without medication and dietary supplements have not been studied in depth to prove their effectiveness as ADHD treatments. This includes pycnogenol (an extract from the bark of maritime pine).
Other popular stimulant medicines used to treat ADHD include methylphenidate-based forms and dextroamphetamine. Examples include Ritalin and Adderall. In addition, these drugs are available as extended-release versions, which provide more consistent symptoms control throughout the day. Your doctor may prescribe stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or guanfacine. dealing with adhd without medication have proven to improve memory and mental clarity. However, they are not meant to substitute for prescription ADHD medication.
4. Focalin
Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) is an anti-stimulant medication that can be used to treat ADHD in adolescents and children as well as adults. It is usually taken with or without food in the morning, and at the same time throughout the day to increase the effectiveness of the medication. Based on the dosage recommended, it can be taken either as an immediate-release or extended-release medication. Focalin is a synthetic stimulant that is similar to methylphenidate but has fewer adverse effects. It is not contaminated with harmful methylphenidate isomers, like other drugs. Focalin is a drug that increases the availability of two monoamines within the brain, norepinephrine as well as dopamine, by promoting their release from neurons and blocking their reuptake. This reduces symptoms of ADHD like hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.
It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about what ADHD medicines help you or helping your child. Doctors often try different dosages and medications to figure the best one for each patient. They may also prescribe nonstimulant medications to boost the ability to focus and control impulsive behavior.
You should always adhere to the doctor's recommendations and never divulge your Focalin XR prescription with anyone else, not even someone else who suffers from ADHD. This could result in serious and possibly fatal drug interactions. It is also not recommended to take Focalin XR while pregnant or nursing as animal studies suggest that it can cause harm to a pregnant fetus. It is also important to stay clear of alcohol, sedatives, and other illegal drugs when taking Focalin XR, as they could cause more severe side effects.
5. Intuniv
Guanfacine is the primary 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 actions on the prefrontal cortex. This can help control impulsivity and attention. It also treats other issues associated with ADHD like emotional sensitiveness, rejection sensitivity and hyperarousal by decreasing levels of adrenaline to a normal. Intuniv does not stimulate and therefore doesn't cause the same side-effects as stimulants such as Adderall. However, guanfacine has some serious dangers, such as a slow heart rate, low blood pressure, and sedation. In addition, those who have depression or an addiction history might not be suitable candidates for this drug.
While stimulants are effective in treating ADHD symptoms, they can cause dependence and adverse effects. Non-stimulant medications like Intuniv take longer to take effect, but are less likely to cause negative adverse effects. Talk to your doctor regarding the best treatment option for you.
Intuniv has FDA approval to treat children ranging from six to seventeen years old. However, it has not yet been studied on adults or people who are younger than this age group. It is not a controlled substance therefore there is no risk of abuse or dependence. However, guanfacine can be addictive and should be taken under the supervision of a physician or nurse 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 is to be crushed between two spoons, in an plastic bag, or on folded paper and mixed with some soft food items like applesauce, chocolate syrup, ice cream, yogurt, or jelly. The entire amount must be swallowed by the child in order to stop it from being thrown out.