ADHD Medication and Over the Counter ADHD Medication
There are numerous prescription ADHD drugs available to aid in improving focus, attention and impulsivity. Most fall into the methylphenidate or amphetamine drug classes. These include Adderall, Ritalin and Vyvanse. They can cause side effects such as sleepiness and appetite loss.
A non-stimulant medication, such as Strattera (atomoxetine) could also be beneficial. It helps by increasing the brain chemical norepinephrine. adhd medications for adults , a healthy diet and adequate sleep are important.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, commonly known as Ritalin is among the most commonly used medications to treat ADHD in adolescents and children. The stimulant medication boosts activity in brain areas that are involved in focusing. It has been used for over 50 years, and numerous studies have shown that it's effective.
Methylphenidate works by blocking the reuptake of neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine which increase their concentration in the neural synapse. It is a racemic mix with the d-isomer being the most pharmacologically active. Methylphenidate is available in tablet, capsule, extended release (extended release) and oral disintegration forms. It is a Schedule II controlled substance with an increased risk of abuse and addiction.
Research has shown that methylphenidate may improve inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity among children with ADHD. However, methylphenidate can cause some side effects, including the loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. These side effects, while not severe but can be difficult to deal with for parents.
Fortunately, most of these adverse effects will diminish as time passes. It is important to remember that methylphenidate can increase heart rate and blood pressure 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 could harm the unborn baby as well as long-term developmental effects in the breastfed infant.
Methylphenidate is typically taken in the morning. It should be taken with a full stomach, which is why it's best to avoid food and drinks that can affect the absorption of the drug. For extended-release capsules and tablets, look up the leaflet to find instructions on how to take the tablets whole or open them up and mix the contents with some soft food like honey or yogurt, and then take them in.
2. Ritalin
Methylphenidate is also known as Ritalin, is a centrally-controlled system stimulant. It affects chemicals and nerves in the brain, which cause attention deficit disorder (ADD) as well as hyperactivity and a lack of impulse control. Ritalin is approved by the FDA to treat ADHD and the narcolepsy of children and adults aged 6 and over. It can also be used off-label for the treatment of a variety of other ailments, including major depressive disorder as well as terminal cancer.
Stimulants are the most popular kind of prescription medication healthcare professionals employ to treat ADHD. They work by increasing the levels of certain brain chemicals known as dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters boost concentration and increase motivation. They also play a crucial role in the fight or flight response. When used correctly stimulants can greatly reduce symptoms of ADHD.
As with all medications, methylphenidate may cause side effects. Loss of appetite and sleeplessness are among the most common adverse effects. Some people experience jitteriness and mood swings. They may also experience stomachaches or headaches. These effects usually disappear after a few weeks.
Ritalin can be misused as a stimulant, even though it is prescribed to treat ADHD. It is more likely to be abused when individuals take more than the prescribed dosage or combine the drug in conjunction with other stimulants. Using it with other drugs or alcohol is particularly risky. The abuse also involves crushing or dissolving the tablets into the powder which is later taken in a snort. The overdose of Ritalin can be a possibility.
There are a few non-stimulant ADHD medications that the FDA has approved. They are primarily norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. These drugs don't address the main symptoms of ADHD however they can be useful when combined with stimulants to lessen the effects of their negative effects. These types of medications are usually efficient when they are accompanied by therapy for behavior.
3. Vyvanse
Vyvanse is the brand name for Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, an amphetamine that improves focus and attention in ADHD patients. It also helps to reduce the effects of eating disorders that are a result of binge-eating disorders (BED). Vyvanse works on specific brain pathways to increase the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. It is prescribed as part of an overall treatment plan for ADHD and BED. Vyvanse like other stimulant medications, can cause adverse effects, including jitteriness and anxiety. These side effects tend to diminish over time as your body becomes accustomed to the medication. Talk to your doctor if you experience any problems.
It is crucial to maintain regular visits to your doctor to ensure you are receiving the best treatment. They will be able to track your progress and make any needed changes to your medication regimen. They may also suggest alternative treatments to ease the symptoms of ADHD. This includes herbal supplements and changes to your diet. However, More suggestions and herbs have limited scientific research to support their effectiveness as ADHD treatments. This includes the pycnogenol (an extract from the bark of the maritime pine).
Ritalin, Adderall and other stimulant medications such as dextroamphetamine as well as methylphenidate are commonly used to treat ADHD. These drugs are also available in extended-release versions, which provide more consistent symptom control throughout the day. It is also possible for your physician to prescribe other types of stimulant medications, including Guanfacine or atomoxetine. These nootropics have proven to boost memory and clarity. However, they are not meant to replace the need for prescription ADHD medication.
4. Focalin
Focalin is a stimulant medicine used to treat ADHD in both children and adults. It is usually taken in the morning, with or without eating at the same time each day, to maximize the effectiveness of the medication. Depending on the dosage prescribed, it can be taken as an immediate-release or extended release medication. Focalin is a stimulant produced by man, is comparable to methylphenidate. However, it has fewer side-effects. It also does not contain harmful isomers like some other methylphenidate 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 helps to reduce the symptoms of ADHD like inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Although many are able to see ADHD medicines can reduce symptoms, it's important to speak with your doctor about how they're helping you or your child. It's not common for doctors to try various doses and medications to determine the most effective one that is appropriate for each patient. They may prescribe non-stimulant medication to increase attention span and improve impulsive behaviors, too.
Always follow the instructions of your doctor and not give your Focalin XR prescription with anyone else, including someone else who suffers from ADHD. This could result in dangerous and possibly fatal drug interactions. Focalin XR is not recommended for use by women who are nursing or pregnant, as animal studies have demonstrated that it may harm a pregnant fetus. Focalin XR can cause adverse reactions that are more severe when you are taking alcohol, sedatives or other illegal drugs.
5. Intuniv
Guanfacine is the main ingredient in Intuniv. It is an antagonist of the alpha-2-adrenergic receptor that has been proven by research to reduce ADHD symptoms through its actions on the prefrontal cortex. This can help control impulsivity and also attention. It also treats other issues that are associated with ADHD such as emotional sensitivity, rejection sensitivity, and hyperarousal, by reducing levels of adrenaline to a normal. Intuniv does not cause stimulation and therefore doesn't cause the same negative effects like stimulants such as Adderall. Guanfacine is known to cause serious side effects, such as low blood pressure, sedation and a slower heart rate. People suffering from depression or with the history of addiction are not good candidates for the medication.
While stimulants are effective in treating ADHD symptoms but they can also cause addiction and side effects. Intuniv is a non-stimulant drug that takes longer to take effect. However, it is less likely to cause negative 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 been studied on adults or people older than these age groups. It is not a controlled substance and therefore, there is no chance of abuse or dependence. However, guanfacine could be habit-forming and should only be administered under the supervision of a nurse or doctor practitioner.
Intuniv is required to be administered frequently at the same time in order to maintain a steady amount in the bloodstream. It should be crushed between two spoons, placed 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 must then swallow the entire amount to avoid it from being spit out.