ADHD Medication and Over the Counter ADHD Medication
There are a variety of prescription ADHD medications that can help improve concentration, impulsivity and attention. The majority of them fall under the methylphenidate or amphetamine drug classes. Adderall Ritalin, and Vyvanse are some of the most common. Some of the adverse effects include insomnia and loss of appetite.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a non-stimulant medication that can be helpful. It works by boosting norepinephrine which is a brain chemical. A healthy diet, exercise routine and sufficient sleep are also important.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate also referred to as Ritalin is among the most popular medications used to treat ADHD in adolescents and children. This stimulant medication increases the activity in brain regions that are involved in focusing. It has been in use for over 50 years, and numerous studies have shown that it's effective.
Methylphenidate is a drug that blocks the reuptake process of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine which increase their concentration in the neuronal synapse. It is a racemic mix, with the d'isomer exhibiting a greater pharmacological activity. Methylphenidate comes in capsule, tablet, the ER (extended release) and orally disintegrating forms. It is a Schedule II controlled drug with an extremely high chance of addiction and abuse.
Studies show that methylphenidate can improve impulsivity, inattention and hyperactivity in children with ADHD. However, methylphenidate can have some negative side effects like weight loss and trouble sleeping. These side effects, while not severe however, can be a hassle for parents.
Fortunately, the majority of side effects will subside over time. It is important to note that methylphenidate can raise blood pressure and heart rate in some people this is the reason it is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. It is not recommended that methylphenidate be consumed during pregnancy, since it may cause harm to an unborn child or long-term effects on the infant who is breastfed.
Methylphenidate can be taken in the morning. It should be taken with an empty stomach, and it is recommended to avoid eating and drinks that can hinder its absorption. Read the leaflet to find out if you can swallow the extended-release tablets or capsules whole or if you have to open them and mix them with a bit of soft food such as honey or yogurt.
2. Ritalin
Methylphenidate also referred to as Ritalin, is a centrally-controlled system stimulant. It affects chemicals and nerves in the brain that trigger attention deficit disorder (ADD) hyperactivity, ADD and poor impulse control. The FDA has approved Ritalin to treat ADHD in children aged 6 and older, and to treat adults with narcolepsy. Off-label, it's used to treat major depressive disorder as well as terminal cancer, among other disorders.
The most common prescription medication prescribed by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD is stimulants. They work by increasing levels of certain chemicals in the brain known as norepinephrine and dopamine. These neurotransmitters aid in improving concentration and increase motivation. They also play an important role in the fight or flight response. If used properly stimulants can lessen ADHD symptoms.
As with all medications, methylphenidate can cause adverse effects. The most commonly reported are loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. Some people experience jitteriness or mood swings. They might also experience headaches or stomachaches. adhd otc medication disappear after several days.
Ritalin can be misused as stimulant, even though it is prescribed to treat ADHD. Abuse occurs when people take more than the prescribed dose, or combine it with other stimulants. Using it with other drugs or alcohol can be particularly hazardous. The abuse also involves crushing or dissolving the tablets into an insoluble powder that is snorted. The overdose of Ritalin can be a possibility.
The FDA has approved a number of non-stimulant ADHD medications. They are primarily norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. These drugs don't address the primary symptoms of ADHD however they can be beneficial when combined with stimulants to decrease their negative effects. Medications like these are often effective when accompanied with behavioral therapy.
3. Vyvanse
Vyvanse is the brand name for lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, is an amphetamine used to increase focus and attention among ADHD patients. This medication also curbs episodes of eating too much that are associated with eating disorders that cause binge eating (BED). Vyvanse acts on specific brain pathways to increase the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. It is prescribed as part a holistic treatment plan for ADHD and BED. Similar to other stimulant medications Vyvanse can cause adverse effects like jitteriness, loss of appetite and anxiety. These effects tend to diminish as the body adjusts to the medication. If they persist, speak to your prescriber about them.
To ensure that you receive the highest quality care, it is important to attend regular appointments with your physician. They will be able to track your improvement and make any necessary adjustments to your medication plan. They might also suggest alternative treatments to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. These may include herbal supplements, diet changes, and cognitive enhancement supplements. There is limited research-based evidence to support the effectiveness of certain supplements to diet and herbs as ADHD treatments. This includes pycnogenol (an extract from the bark of maritime pine).
Ritalin, Adderall and other stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others are commonly used to treat ADHD. Additionally, these medications are available as extended-release versions, which provide more consistent symptoms control throughout the day. It is also possible for your physician to prescribe other stimulant drugs, like Guanfacine or atomoxetine. These nootropics have been proven to improve memory and mental clarity. They are not intended to replace prescription ADHD medications.
4. Focalin
Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) is a stimulant medication that is used to treat ADHD in adolescents and children as well as adults. It is usually taken without or with food, in the morning, and at the same time every day to maximize the effectiveness of the medication. It can be taken as an immediate-release or extended-release medication, depending on the dosage recommended by your doctor. Focalin is a stimulant produced by man, is similar to methylphenidate. However it is not as a result of side effects. It is also free of harmful isomers like some other methylphenidate drugs. Focalin is a drug that increases the availability of two monoamines in the brain, norepinephrine and dopamine, by encouraging their release from neurons and preventing their reuptake. This reduces the symptoms of ADHD like hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity.
It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about what ADHD medicines can benefit you or helping your child. Doctors often try different medications and dosages to find the one that works best for each patient. They may also prescribe non-stimulant medications to help improve attention span and impulsive behaviors as well.
You should always adhere to the doctor's recommendations and not share your Focalin XR prescription with anyone else, including someone else with ADHD. This can lead to serious and possibly fatal drug interactions. It is not recommended to take Focalin XR while pregnant or nursing as animal studies suggest that it can cause harm to the foetus. Focalin XR can cause side effects that are more severe if you take alcohol, sedatives or other illegal substances.
5. Intuniv
Guanfacine is the primary ingredient in Intuniv. It is an antagonist of the alpha-2-adrenergic receptor that has been demonstrated by studies 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 impairments related to ADHD like emotional sensitiveness, rejection sensitivity and hyperarousal, by reducing levels of adrenaline to a normal. Intuniv is not a stimulant, so it doesn't suffer from the same side effects as stimulants such as Adderall. Guanfacine has some serious side effects, such as the effects of sedation, low blood pressure and a slower heart rate. In addition, people who have depression or an history of addiction may not be good candidates for this medication.
Although stimulants can be effective to help treat ADHD symptoms, they can be intoxicating and cause many negative side consequences. Intuniv is a non-stimulant drug that, takes longer to work. However it is less likely to have adverse side effects. Consult your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Intuniv has FDA approval to treat children aged between six and seventeen years old. However it hasn't yet been studied on adults or those older than these age groups. It is not a controlled substance, therefore it is not at risk of the same danger of dependence or abuse as stimulants. Guanfacine, however become a habit-forming substance. It should only be used under the supervision of a physician or a nurse practitioner.
Intuniv must be taken frequently and at the same time in order to maintain an even amount of the drug in the bloodstream. It is best to crush it in a plastic bag, or folded paper, and placed between two spoons. Then it can be mixed with a small amount of soft food such as applesauce or chocolate syrup. The child is then required to swallow the entire dose to prevent it from being spit out.