ADHD Medication and Over the Counter ADHD Medication
There are a variety of prescription ADHD medications that aid in improving attention, focus and impulsivity. The majority of these drugs are in the methylphenidate and amphetamine drug categories. They include Adderall, Ritalin and Vyvanse. They can have negative side effects like sleepiness and appetite loss.
A non-stimulant drug like Strattera (atomoxetine), can also be helpful. It works by increasing norepinephrine which is a brain chemical. A healthy diet, exercise and enough sleep are important.
1. Methylphenidate
Ritalin (also called Methylphenidate) is among the most frequently prescribed medications to treat ADHD in children and adolescents. The stimulant medication boosts activity in brain areas that are involved in attention. It has been used for over 50 years, and numerous studies have proven that it is effective.
Methylphenidate is a drug that blocks the reuptake process of neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine which increase their concentration in the neural synapse. It is a racemic mixture, with the d'isomer having greater pharmacological activity. Methylphenidate comes in tablet, capsule extended release (ER) and orally disintegrating form. It is a Schedule II controlled drug with an extremely high danger of abuse and addiction.
Studies have demonstrated that methylphenidate improves hyperactivity and hyperactivity, as well as inattention among children suffering from ADHD. However, methylphenidate could cause some side effects such as loss of appetite and sleep disturbances. These side effects aren't generally serious, but they can be difficult for parents to handle.
Fortunately, the majority of side effects will subside with time. It is important to remember that methylphenidate may increase blood pressure and heart rate in some people and that's why it is a Schedule II controlled substance. It is not recommended to take methylphenidate while pregnant as it could cause harm to the unborn baby as well as long-term developmental effects on the infant who is breastfed.
Methylphenidate is best taken in the morning. It should be taken on an empty stomach, and it is best to avoid food and drinks that can affect the absorption of the drug. Read the leaflet to find out if you can swallow the extended-release capsules or tablets whole or if you have to open them and mix them with a bit of soft food like yogurt or honey.
2. Ritalin
Methylphenidate also referred to as Ritalin, is a centrally nervous system stimulant. It affects chemicals and nerves in the brain that trigger attention deficit disorder (ADD) as well as hyperactivity and insufficient impulse control. The FDA has approved Ritalin to treat ADHD in children 6 years and older, and to treat adults suffering from Narcolepsy. Off-label, it is used to treat major depressive disorder as well as terminal cancer, among other disorders.
Stimulants are the most commonly used type of prescription medication that healthcare providers employ to treat ADHD. They work by increasing levels of certain brain chemicals known as dopamine, and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters help improve concentration and increase motivation. They also play a crucial role in the fight or flight response. If used correctly stimulants can greatly reduce symptoms of ADHD.
Like all medications methylphenidate could cause side effects. Insomnia and trouble sleeping are among the most common side effects. Some people experience jitteriness or mood swings. They may also have headaches or stomachaches. These symptoms usually disappear after several days.
Ritalin can be misused as a stimulant, even though it is prescribed to treat ADHD. The most likely cause of abuse is when individuals take more than their prescribed dose or take the drug in conjunction with other stimulants. It can be dangerous to combine it with alcohol or other substances. It can also involve crushing or dissolving the tablets to produce the powder which is later taken in a snort. 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 don't treat the primary symptoms of ADHD, but they can be helpful when used in conjunction with stimulants to reduce the effects of their side effects. These types of medications are usually effective when accompanied by therapy for behavior.
3. Vyvanse
Vyvanse is the brand name for Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, an amphetamine that improves attention and focus in ADHD patients. It also reduces symptoms of eating disorder that are associated with eating disorders such as binge-eating (BED). Vyvanse works on specific brain pathways to boost the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. It is typically used as part of a holistic treatment program for ADHD and BED. Vyvanse like other stimulant medications, can cause adverse effects, including jitteriness and anxiety. These effects tend to diminish as the body adjusts to the medication. Speak to your prescribing doctor if you experience any problems.
To ensure that you receive the best possible care, it is important to attend regular visits with your physician. They will monitor your progress and make adjustments to your treatment plan. They may also suggest alternative treatments to lessen the symptoms of ADHD. These include herbal supplements, dietary changes, and cognitive enhancement supplements. There isn't enough evidence from research to prove the effectiveness of certain 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 and methylphenidate are also commonly used to treat ADHD. These medications are also available in extended-release forms, which provide more consistent symptom control throughout the day. It is also possible for your doctor to prescribe different types of stimulant drugs, like the atomoxetine and guanfacine. These nootropics have proven to boost memory and clarity. These are not meant to replace prescription ADHD medications.
4. Focalin
Focalin is a stimulant medication used to treat ADHD for adults and children. It is typically taken in the morning, with or without eating at the same time each day, to increase the effectiveness of the drug. It can be used as an extended-release or immediate-release medication, based on the dosage prescribed by your physician. Focalin is a synthetic stimulant that is similar to methylphenidate, but has fewer side effects. It does not contain harmful methylphenidate metabolites, as do other drugs. Focalin increases the availability of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain, by preventing their reuptake as well as promoting their release. This reduces the symptoms of ADHD such as inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity.
It's important to discuss with your healthcare professional what ADHD medications help you or helping your child. Doctors frequently test different dosages and medications to figure the one that works best for each patient. They can also prescribe non-stimulant medications to boost attention span and impulsive behavior.
Always follow your doctor's instructions carefully and not share your Focalin XR prescription with anyone else, not even someone else with ADHD. This could lead to serious and possibly fatal drug interactions. Focalin XR is not recommended for use by women who are pregnant or nursing as animal studies have proven that it could harm the pregnant fetus. Focalin XR can cause adverse reactions that are more severe if you are taking alcohol, sedatives or other illegal substances.
5. adhd stimulant medication is the principal ingredient in Intuniv. It is an alpha-2-adrenergic receptor antagonist that has been demonstrated by research to reduce ADHD symptoms through its action on the prefrontal cortex. This can help control impulsivity and also the ability to pay attention. It also treats other issues that are related to ADHD like emotional sensitiveness and rejection sensitivity. Intuniv is a non-stimulant, so it does not have the same negative effects as stimulants such as Adderall. Guanfacine is known to cause serious side effects, such as sedation, low blood pressure and a slower heart rate. In addition, those who suffer from depression or a history of substance abuse are not the best candidates for this drug.
While stimulants are effective in helping treat ADHD symptoms, they can be addictive and can cause a variety of adverse effects. Intuniv, a non-stimulant medication, takes longer to work. However, it is less likely to have harmful side effects. Consult your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Intuniv is FDA approved to treat children ranging from six through 17 years old, however it has not been tested for people younger than this age group or in adults. It is not a controlled substance, so it is not at risk of the same risk for dependence or abuse as stimulants. Guanfacine, however become a habit-forming substance. It should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor or nurse practitioner.
Intuniv should be taken regularly and simultaneously to ensure a constant amount of the drug in the bloodstream. It is best to crush it in a plastic bag or folded paper, between two spoons. Then, it can be mixed with a small quantity of soft food, such as chocolate syrup or applesauce. Then, the entire dose must be taken in by the child to prevent it from being spit out.