ADHD Medication and Over the Counter ADHD Medication
There are many prescription ADHD medications that help improve concentration, impulsivity and attention. Most fall under the amphetamine or methylphenidate drug classes. These include Adderall, Ritalin and Vyvanse. Some of the side effects include insomnia and loss of appetite.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an anti-stimulant drug that can be helpful. It works by increasing norepinephrine, which is a chemical in the brain. A healthy diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep are important too.
1. Methylphenidate
Ritalin (also also known as Methylphenidate) is one of the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD in children and adolescents. The stimulant medication increases activity in the parts of the brain that are involved with the process of focusing. It has been in use for more than 50 years and numerous studies have proven it to be effective.
Methylphenidate is effective in blocking the reuptake neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. This increases the amount of these neurotransmitters within the neural synapses. It is a racemic mix, with the d'isomer exhibiting a greater pharmacological effect. Methylphenidate comes in tablet, capsule, extended release (extended release), and orally disintegrating forms. It is a Schedule II controlled substance with the potential for addiction and abuse.
Research has shown that methylphenidate boosts hyperactivity and hyperactivity, as well as inattention among children suffering from ADHD. However, methylphenidate can have some negative side effects like the loss of appetite and sleep disturbances. These adverse effects, though not a major issue but can be difficult to deal with for parents.
Fortunately, these negative effects tend to diminish with time. It is important to know that methylphenidate can raise heart rate and blood pressure in some people this is the reason it is a Schedule II controlled substance. It is not recommended that methylphenidate is consumed during pregnancy, because it could cause harm to an unborn child, or have long-term consequences on the baby who is breastfed.
Methylphenidate can be taken in the morning. It is best taken on an empty stomach, and it is best to avoid food and drinks that will interfere with its absorption. For extended-release tablets and capsules read the leaflet for directions on how to take them whole or to open them and mix the contents with a small amount of soft food items like honey or yogurt and then swallow.
2. Ritalin
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is a central nervous system stimulant that affects the chemicals in the brain and nerves that cause 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 with the condition known as narcolepsy. Off-label, it is used to treat major depression disorder, terminal cancer and other conditions.
Stimulants are the most commonly used type of prescription medication that healthcare professionals use to treat ADHD. They work by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. These neurotransmitters enhance concentration and boost motivation. They also play a role in the fight-or-flight reaction. When used correctly stimulants can help reduce ADHD symptoms.
Like any other medication, methylphenidate may have adverse effects. The most frequent side effects reported are loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. People also have mood swings, jitteriness, stomachaches and headaches. These symptoms usually go away after a few weeks.
Ritalin can be abused to stimulate the mind, even although it's prescribed to treat ADHD. The abuse occurs when people take more than the prescribed dose or mix it with other stimulants. It is risky to combine it with alcohol or other drugs. The abuse can also involve crushing or dissolving tablets to create a powder that is then snorted. It is possible to overdose on Ritalin.
There are some non-stimulant ADHD drugs that the FDA has approved. They are primarily norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. These drugs do not address the underlying symptoms, but they can be useful when coupled with stimulants to decrease the effects of their side effects. These medications are typically effective when accompanied with therapy for behavior.
3. Vyvanse
Vyvanse, the brand name for Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate is an amphetamine which is used to improve attention and focus among ADHD patients. It also reduces episodes of excessive eating that accompany eating disorders such as binge-eating (BED). Vyvanse affects specific brain pathways to increase the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. It is often used as part of a holistic treatment program for ADHD and BED. Vyvanse like other stimulant medications can cause negative side effects, like anxiety and jitteriness. These side effects usually lessen as the body adjusts to the medication. If they continue to bother you, talk to your doctor about them.
It is crucial to maintain regular appointments with your doctor to ensure that you are receiving the best care. They will be able to monitor your improvement and make any necessary changes to your medication regimen. They may suggest alternative treatments to ease the symptoms of ADHD. These may include herbal supplements, diet changes, and cognitive enhancement supplements. However, certain herbs and dietary supplements are not backed by scientific research to support their effectiveness as ADHD treatments. These include pycnogenol, an extract of pine bark from the maritime region.
Other commonly used stimulant medications to treat ADHD include methylphenidate forms and dextroamphetamine. These 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 also prescribe stimulant medications like atomoxetine and Guanfacine. These medications are known as nootropics, and have been shown to enhance memory retention and mental clarity. These medications are not intended to replace prescription ADHD medications.
4. Focalin
Focalin is a stimulant medication used to treat ADHD for children and adults. It is typically taken in the morning with or without food and at the same time throughout the day, to maximize the effectiveness of the medication. Based on the dosage that is prescribed, it can be taken as an immediate-release or extended-release drug. Focalin, a stimulant made by man, is similar to methylphenidate. However it is not as a result of side effects. It does not contain harmful methylphenidate metabolites, as do some other medications. 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 preventing their reuptake. This reduces symptoms of ADHD like hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity.
It's important to discuss with your healthcare provider how ADHD medications can benefit you or if they are helping your child. Doctors frequently test different medications and dosages to find the one that works best for each patient. They can also prescribe non-stimulant medication to improve attention span and impulsive behavior.
You should always follow your doctor's instructions carefully and do not share your Focalin XR prescription with anyone else, not even someone else with ADHD. This can 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 proven that it could harm the pregnant fetus. It is also crucial to avoid alcohol, sedatives and other illegal substances while taking Focalin XR, as they could increase the severity of its adverse effects.
5. Intuniv
Guanfacine, which is the principal active ingredient in Intuniv is an alpha 2adrenergic receptor agonist that has been shown to alleviate ADHD symptoms through activation of the prefrontal cortex. This helps to control the intensity of impulsivity and attention. It also treats other impairments related to ADHD such as emotional sensitivity, rejection sensitivity, and hyperarousal by reducing levels of adrenaline to a normal. Intuniv does not stimulate the brain, therefore it doesn't have the same adverse effects similar to stimulants like Adderall. adhd medication list is known to cause serious side effects, like the effects of sedation, low blood pressure and a slower heart rate. People suffering from depression or with the history of addiction are not a good candidate for the medication.
While stimulants work fast to treat ADHD symptoms but they can also be addictive and can cause a variety of adverse consequences. Non-stimulant drugs like Intuniv take longer to take effect, but are less likely to trigger harmful adverse side effects. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment for you.
Intuniv has FDA approval to treat children aged six to seventeen years old. However it hasn't yet been tested on adults or people younger than these age groups. It is not a controlled substance, therefore it does not have the same risk for dependence or abuse as stimulants. However, guanfacine can be habit-forming and should only be taken under the supervision of a physician or nurse practitioner.
Intuniv must be given regularly at the same time in order to maintain an even amount in the bloodstream. It is to be crushed between two spoons, in an plastic bag, or inside folded paper and mixed with a small amount of soft food like applesauce, chocolate syrup, ice cream jelly, or yogurt. The entire amount must be taken in by the child to stop it from being thrown out.