ADHD Medication and Over the Counter ADHD Medication
There are a variety of prescription ADHD medications that help improve attention, focus and impulsivity. The majority of these medications fall into the methylphenidate and amphetamine drug categories. They include Adderall, Ritalin and Vyvanse. They can cause negative side effects like loss of appetite and insomnia.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an anti-stimulant drug that can be beneficial. It works by increasing the brain chemical norepinephrine. A healthy diet, exercise and enough sleep are also important.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate also referred to as Ritalin is among the most well-known medications used to treat ADHD in adolescents and children. The stimulant medication boosts the activity of brain regions involved in attention. It has been used for over 50 years, and many studies have shown that it works.
Methylphenidate is effective in blocking the neurotransmitters that reuptake norepinephrine and dopamine, which increases the amount of these neurotransmitters in the neural synapses. It is a racemic mix with the d-isomer being more active pharmacologically. Methylphenidate can be found in tablet, capsule, ER (extended release) and oral disintegration forms. It is a Schedule II controlled drug with an extremely high chance of addiction and abuse.
Studies show that methylphenidate can improve inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity in children with ADHD. However, methylphenidate can have some side effects such as loss of appetite and sleep disturbances. These side effects, although not a major issue however, can be a hassle for parents.
Fortunately, the majority of these adverse effects will diminish as time passes. It is important to be aware that methylphenidate could increase blood pressure or heart rate in certain people. This is the reason it is classified as a Schedule II controlled drug. It is not recommended that methylphenidate is consumed during pregnancy, as it can cause harm to an unborn baby or have long-term effects on the breastfed baby.
Methylphenidate is usually taken in the morning. It is recommended to avoid eating and drinking that can affect its absorption. Check the leaflet to see whether you can swallow extended-release capsules or tablets whole, or if you need to open them and mix them with a small amount of soft food such as honey or yogurt.
2. Ritalin
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is a stimulant for the central nervous system that alters the chemical balance of the brain and nerves that cause hyperactivity, attention deficit disorder and 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 being used to treat major depression disorder, terminal cancer and other disorders.
Stimulants are the most common type of prescription medication healthcare professionals utilize to treat ADHD. They function by increasing levels of certain chemicals in the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. These neurotransmitters improve concentration and boost motivation. They also play a crucial role in the fight or flight response. If used properly stimulants can lessen ADHD symptoms.
Like all medications, methylphenidate may have negative side effects. The loss of appetite and sleeplessness are among the most common adverse effects. People may experience jitteriness and mood swings. They might also experience headaches or stomachaches. These symptoms typically disappear after several days.
Ritalin may be abused as stimulant, even though it is prescribed to treat ADHD. The abuse occurs when people take more than the prescribed dosage, or combine it with other stimulants. It could be risky to combine it with alcohol or other substances. adhd medication can also involve crushing or dissolving tablets to form powder, which 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 medications don't treat the core symptoms of ADHD however they can be helpful when paired with stimulants to reduce the effects of their adverse effects. These medications are often efficient when combined with behavioral therapy.
3. Vyvanse
Vyvanse is the brand name of Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, an amphetamine that improves attention and focus in ADHD patients. It also reduces the frequency of eating disorders that are a result of eating disorders that cause binge eating (BED). Vyvanse works on specific brain pathways to boost the levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. It is prescribed as part a holistic treatment program for ADHD and BED. Vyvanse as with other stimulant medications, can cause adverse effects, including jitteriness and anxiety. These side effects usually lessen with time as the body adjusts to the medication. Talk to your doctor if you experience any problems.
It is vital to keep up with regular visits with your doctor to ensure you are receiving the best treatment. They will be able monitor your progress and make any necessary changes to your medication regimen. 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 a lack of evidence from research to prove the effectiveness of certain supplements and herbs as ADHD treatments. These include pycnogenol, an extract from the bark of maritime pine.
Ritalin, Adderall and other stimulant medications such as dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others are frequently used to treat ADHD. In addition, these drugs are available in extended-release versions to provide more constant control of symptoms throughout the day. It is also possible for your physician to prescribe other types of stimulant medications, including Guanfacine or atomoxetine. These are referred to as nootropics and have been shown to enhance memory retention and mental clarity. These are not meant to replace prescription ADHD medication.
4. Focalin
Focalin is a stimulant drug used to treat ADHD for adults and children. click this link now is typically taken with or without food in the morning, and at the same time every day to optimize the effectiveness of the medication. It can be used as an immediate-release or extended-release medication, based on the dosage prescribed by your doctor. Focalin is a synthetic stimulant that is similar to methylphenidate however has less adverse effects. It also doesn't contain harmful isomers like some other methylphenidate medications. Focalin increases the availability of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, by preventing their reuptake and promoting their release. This can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD, such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, as well as inattention.
It's important to discuss with your healthcare provider what ADHD medications help you or if they are helping your child. Doctors frequently test different dosages and medications to figure out which one works best for each patient. They can also prescribe non-stimulant medications to boost attention span and impulsive behavior.
Do not share your Focalin prescription with anyone, not even a person with ADHD. This could lead to dangerous and possibly fatal drug interactions. Focalin XR is not recommended for use by women who are pregnant or nursing as animal studies have shown that it can harm the foetus. It is also important to stay clear of alcohol, sedatives, and other illegal drugs when taking Focalin XR, as they could make it more difficult to treat side effects.
5. Intuniv
Guanfacine is the main active ingredient in Intuniv, is an alpha 2-adrenergic agonist, which has been demonstrated to reduce ADHD symptoms through activation of the prefrontal cortex. This helps control impulsivity, and also the ability to pay attention. It also addresses other impairments that are associated with ADHD like emotional sensitivity, rejection sensitivity, and hyperarousal by reducing levels of adrenaline to a normal. Intuniv does not cause stimulation, so it doesn't have the same negative effects like stimulants such as Adderall. Guanfacine can cause serious side effects, like sedation, low blood pressure and a slower heart rate. People who suffer from depression or a past of substance abuse 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 medicine that, takes longer to work. However, it is less likely to have harmful side effects. Talk with your doctor to determine what type of treatment is best for you.
Intuniv is FDA approved to treat children ranging from six through 17 years old. However, it has not been tested in children older than this age group or in adults. It is not a controlled substance, so it is not at risk of the same danger of dependency or abuse as stimulants. However, guanfacine could be habit-forming and should only be used under the care of a doctor or nurse practitioner.
Intuniv should be taken regularly and at the same time in order to maintain an adequate amount of drug in the bloodstream. It is to be crushed between two spoons, placed in an plastic bag, or inside folded paper and mixed with some soft food such as applesauce chocolate syrup, ice cream jelly, or yogurt. Then, the entire dose must be swallowed by the child to prevent it from being spit out.