ADHD Medication and Over the Counter ADHD Medication
There are a variety of prescription ADHD medications available that can aid in improving focus, attention and impulsivity. Most fall into the amphetamine or methylphenidate drug classes. These include Adderall, Ritalin and Vyvanse. They can have adverse effects, such as loss of appetite and insomnia.
A non-stimulant medicine, such as Strattera (atomoxetine) can be beneficial. It works by increasing norepinephrine which is a brain chemical. A healthy diet, exercise and adequate sleep are essential.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, commonly known as Ritalin is one of the most popular medications used to treat ADHD in children and adolescents. This stimulant medication increases activity in brain areas that are involved in attention. It has been in use for over 50 years, and numerous studies have demonstrated that it is effective.
Methylphenidate is a drug that blocks the neurotransmitters that reuptake norepinephrine and dopamine, which increases the amount of these neurotransmitters within the neural synapses. It is a racemic mix with the d'isomer having a greater pharmacological effect. Methylphenidate comes in capsule, tablet, ER (extended release), and orally disintegrating forms. It is a Schedule II controlled substance with the potential for abuse and addiction.
Research has shown that methylphenidate may improve inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity in children with ADHD. However, methylphenidate may cause some side effects such as weight loss and difficulty sleeping. These side effects aren't usually serious but can be difficult for parents to deal with.
Fortunately, these negative effects typically subside as time passes. It is also important to remember that methylphenidate can raise blood pressure and heart rate in some people this is the reason it is a Schedule II controlled substance. It is not recommended to take methylphenidate taken during pregnancy, as it can cause harm to an unborn child or long-term effects on the breastfed baby.
Methylphenidate is usually taken in the morning. It is recommended to avoid drinking and eating foods that may interfere with the absorption of the drug. For extended-release tablets and capsules check the leaflet for instructions on how to take them whole, or open them and mix the contents with some soft food like honey or yogurt and then swallow.
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) hyperactivity, ADD and poor impulse control. Ritalin is approved by the FDA to treat ADHD and narcolepsy in adults and children aged 6 and over. It can also be used off-label to treat a variety of other conditions that include major depressive disorder as well as terminal cancer.
The most frequently prescribed medication used by healthcare providers to treat ADHD is stimulants. They function by increasing levels of certain chemicals in the brain called dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters help improve concentration and boost motivation. They also play a crucial role in the fight or flight response. If used correctly stimulants can greatly reduce symptoms of ADHD.
Like treating adhd without medication , methylphenidate has adverse effects. The most frequent side effects reported are weight loss and trouble sleeping. Some people experience jitteriness or mood swings. They may also have headaches or stomachaches. These symptoms typically disappear within a few days.
Ritalin is a drug that can be used to stimulate the mind even when it's prescribed for ADHD. Abuse is most likely when individuals take more than their prescribed dose or take the drug along with other stimulants. Combining it with other drugs or alcohol can be particularly hazardous. The abuse can also involve crushing or dissolving the tablets into the powder which is later taken in a snort. It is possible to overdose on Ritalin.
There are some non-stimulant ADHD medications that the FDA has approved. They are primarily norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. These medications don't treat the core symptoms of ADHD, but they can be beneficial when used in conjunction with stimulants to reduce the adverse effects. These medications are typically effective when accompanied with behavioral therapy.
3. Vyvanse
Vyvanse is the brand name for lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, an amphetamine that improves attention and focus in ADHD patients. It also helps to reduce the effects of excessive eating associated with eating disorders that cause binge eating (BED). Vyvanse affects specific brain pathways to boost the levels of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. It is prescribed as a part of the holistic treatment plan for ADHD and BED. Similar to other stimulant medications Vyvanse can trigger negative side effects, such as jitteriness, loss of appetite, and anxiety. These side effects tend to diminish as your body gets used to the medication. Consult your doctor if they continue to bother you.
To ensure you receive the highest quality care, it's important to maintain regular appointments with your doctor. They will be able monitor your improvement and make any necessary adjustments to your medication plan. They can also suggest alternative treatments to help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. This includes herbal supplements and diet changes. However, a few herbs and dietary supplements are not backed by scientific research to support their effectiveness as ADHD treatments. This includes the pycnogenol (an extract of the bark of maritime pine).
over the counter adhd medication , Adderall and other stimulant drugs like dextroamphetamine as well as methylphenidate are commonly used to treat ADHD. Additionally, these medications are available as extended-release versions, which provide more consistent symptoms control throughout the day. Your doctor may prescribe stimulant medication like atomoxetine or guanfacine. These are known as nootropics, and have been shown to improve memory retention and mental clarity. However, they are not meant to replace the need for prescription ADHD medications.
4. Focalin
Focalin is a stimulant medicine used to treat ADHD, both in children and adults. It is usually taken in the morning with or without eating at the same time each day to increase the effectiveness of the medication. It can be used as an immediate-release or extended-release medication, based on the dosage prescribed by your physician. Focalin is a synthetic stimulant that is similar to methylphenidate however has fewer side effects. It also doesn't contain harmful isomers like some other methylphenidate medicines. Focalin helps by increasing the availability of two monoamines within the brain, norepinephrine and dopamine, by encouraging their release from neurons and blocking their reuptake. This can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD, such as hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention.
It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about what ADHD medicines help you or helping your child. It's not uncommon for doctors to try several different medicines and doses to find the one that is appropriate for each patient. They can also prescribe non-stimulant medication to improve attention span and impulsive behavior.
Do not ever share your Focalin prescription with anyone, not even a person with ADHD. This can lead to dangerous and potentially fatal interactions with drugs. It is also not recommended to take Focalin XR while pregnant or breastfeeding since animal studies suggest that it can cause harm to a fetus. Focalin XR could cause side effects that are more severe if you take alcohol, sedatives or other illegal drugs.
5. Intuniv
Guanfacine is the principal active ingredient in Intuniv is an alpha 2adrenergic receptor agonist that has been proven to alleviate ADHD symptoms by acting on the prefrontal cortex. This aids in controlling the intensity of impulsivity and attention. It also addresses other issues associated with ADHD like emotional sensitiveness, rejection sensitivity and hyperarousal by decreasing levels of adrenaline to a normal. Intuniv is a non-stimulant so it does not have the same side effects as stimulants like Adderall. However, guanfacine does have certain serious risks, including a slow heart rate, blood pressure that is low and sedation. In addition, people who suffer from depression or an history of addiction might not be suitable candidates for this medication.
While stimulants work fast to combat ADHD symptoms, they can be habit-forming and have many adverse consequences. Intuniv, a non-stimulant medication is more time-consuming to use. However it is less likely to have adverse side effects. Talk to your doctor to decide which treatment option is right for you.
Intuniv has FDA approval to treat children ranging from between six and seventeen years old. However it hasn't yet been studied on adults or individuals younger than these age groups. It is not a controlled drug, so there is no chance of dependence or abuse. However, guanfacine can be addictive and should be used under the care 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 must be crushed between 2 spoons, placed in an plastic bag, or inside folded paper and mixed with a small amount of soft food items like applesauce, chocolate syrup, ice cream jelly, or yogurt. The child is then required to swallow the entire dose to prevent it being spit out.