ADHD Medication and Over the Counter ADHD Medication
There are many prescription ADHD drugs available to help improve focus, attention and impulsivity. The majority of these medications are in the methylphenidate and amphetamine drug classes. Adderall Ritalin, and Vyvanse are some of the most popular. Some of the side effects include insomnia and loss of appetite.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an unstimulant medication that could be helpful. It helps by increasing the brain chemical norepinephrine. A healthy diet, exercise and adequate sleep are important too.
1. Methylphenidate
Ritalin (also called Methylphenidate) is one of the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD in adolescents and children. This stimulant medication increases activity in brain areas that are involved in focusing. It has been used for more than 50 years and a number of studies have shown that it is effective.
Methylphenidate is effective in blocking the neurotransmitters that reuptake norepinephrine and dopamine, which increases the concentration of these neurotransmitters in the neural synapses. It is a racemic mix, with the d'isomer having greater pharmacological effect. Methylphenidate can be found in capsule, tablet, ER (extended release) and orally disintegrating forms. It is a Schedule II controlled substance with an increased risk of addiction and abuse.
Studies have shown that methylphenidate improves hyperactivity and hyperactivity, as well as inattention among children suffering from ADHD. However, methylphenidate could cause some side effects such as weight loss and difficulty sleeping. These side effects aren't typically serious, but they can be difficult for parents to manage.
Fortunately, the majority of side effects will subside over time. It is important to note that methylphenidate can increase heart rate and blood pressure in certain people, which is why it is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. It is not recommended to take methylphenidate while pregnant as it may cause harm to the unborn child and long-term developmental effects in the infant who is breastfed.
Methylphenidate can be taken in the morning. It is best taken with a full stomach, so it is recommended to avoid eating or drinks that will affect the absorption of the drug. Examine the leaflet to determine whether you are able to swallow the extended-release tablets or capsules in their entirety or if you require to open them and mix them with a small amount of soft food like honey or yogurt.
2. Ritalin
Methylphenidate is also known as Ritalin, is a centrally-controlled system stimulant. It affects chemicals and nerves in the brain that cause attention deficit disorder (ADD), hyperactivity and a lack of impulse control. Ritalin is approved by the FDA to treat ADHD and narcolepsy in children and adults aged 6 and over. Off-label, it is used to treat major depression disorder as well as terminal cancer, among other conditions.
Stimulants are the most common type of prescription medication healthcare providers use to treat ADHD. They function 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 greatly reduce symptoms of ADHD.
As with any medication methylphenidate could cause adverse effects. The most frequently reported side effects are weight loss and trouble sleeping. There are also people who feel jittery, mood swings stomachaches, headaches and mood swings. These effects typically go away within several 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 prescribed dosage, or combine it with other stimulants. Combining it with other substances or alcohol is particularly dangerous. The abuse can also involve crushing or dissolving tablets into powder, which is then snorted. 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 primary symptoms of ADHD however they can be beneficial when used in conjunction with stimulants to lessen the adverse effects. Medications like these are often effective when accompanied with therapy for behavior.
3. Vyvanse
Vyvanse is the brand name of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, an amphetamine that enhances focus and attention in ADHD patients. It also reduces the frequency of eating disorders that are a result of binge-eating disorders (BED). Vyvanse is a drug that works on specific brain pathways to raise the levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. It is often used as part of a holistic treatment plan for ADHD and BED. Vyvanse, like other stimulant medications, can cause side effects, such as jitteriness and anxiety. These side effects usually diminish as your body gets used to the medication. If they are persistent, talk to your prescriber about them.
To ensure you receive the highest quality care, it is important to keep regular appointments with your doctor. They can monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. They may also suggest alternative treatments to ease the symptoms of ADHD. These may include herbal supplements and changes to your diet. There isn't enough research-based evidence to support the effectiveness of certain supplements and herbs as ADHD treatments. For instance, pycnogenol is an extract from maritime pine bark.
Other popular stimulant medicines used to treat ADHD include methylphenidate forms and dextroamphetamine. These include Ritalin and Adderall. These drugs are also available in extended-release versions, that provide more consistent symptom control throughout the day. Your doctor can also prescribe stimulant medications like atomoxetine and Guanfacine. These are referred to as nootropics and have been shown to increase memory retention and mental clarity. However, they are not meant to replace prescription ADHD medication.
4. Focalin
Focalin is a stimulant drug used to treat ADHD for children and adults. It is typically taken in the morning, with or without food, at the same time every day to increase the effectiveness of the drug. It is available as an immediate-release or extended-release medication, depending on the dosage recommended by your physician. treating adhd without medication is a stimulant produced by man, is comparable to methylphenidate. However, it has fewer side-effects. It also does not contain harmful isomers as do other methylphenidate medications. Focalin helps by increasing the availability of two monoamines within the brain, norepinephrine as well as dopamine, by encouraging their release from neurons and preventing their reuptake. This helps to reduce symptoms of ADHD, such as hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention.
It's crucial to discuss with your healthcare professional what ADHD medicines can benefit you or if they are helping your child. It's not uncommon for doctors to try various doses and medications to find the one that fits each individual patient. They can prescribe non-stimulant drugs to improve attention span and impulsive behaviors as well.
You should always adhere to the doctor's recommendations and do not give your Focalin XR prescription with anyone else, even an individual with ADHD. This can lead to serious and possibly fatal drug interactions. It is also not recommended to take Focalin XR while pregnant or breastfeeding as animal studies indicate that it can cause harm to a pregnant fetus. It is also essential to avoid alcohol, sedatives and other illegal drugs while taking Focalin XR since they may increase the severity of its side effects.
5. Intuniv
Guanfacine, which is the main active ingredient in Intuniv, is an alpha 2-adrenergic agonist that has been shown to alleviate ADHD symptoms through activation of the prefrontal cortex. This can control impulsivity and also attention. It also addresses other disorders that are associated with ADHD like emotional sensitivity, rejection sensitivity, and hyperarousal by reducing levels of adrenaline to a normal. Intuniv does not cause stimulation the brain, therefore it doesn't have the same negative effects as stimulants such as Adderall. Guanfacine has some serious side effects, such as sedation, low blood pressure and a slower heart rate. People who suffer from depression or the history of addiction are not good candidates for the medication.
While stimulants are effective in treating ADHD symptoms, they can cause addiction and other side effects. Non-stimulant drugs like Intuniv take longer to work but are less likely to trigger harmful adverse side effects. Talk with your doctor about which treatment option is best for you.
Intuniv has FDA approval for treating children ranging from six to seventeen years old. However, it has not yet been tested on adults or those older than these age groups. It is not a controlled substance, so it does not have the same risk of abuse or dependency as stimulants. Guanfacine, however, can become a habit-forming substance. It should only be taken under the supervision of a physician or nurse practitioner.
Intuniv is required to be administered frequently at the same time to ensure an even amount in the bloodstream. It is to be crushed between two spoons, inside a plastic bag, or inside folded paper and mixed with small amounts of soft food such as 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.