ADHD Medication and Over the Counter ADHD Medication
There are a variety of prescription ADHD drugs available to help improve focus, attention and impulsivity. Most of these drugs are in the methylphenidate and amphetamine drug categories. These include Adderall, Ritalin and Vyvanse. They can cause negative side effects like loss of appetite and insomnia.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a non-stimulant medication that can be helpful. It works by boosting norepinephrine, which is a chemical in the brain. A healthy diet, exercise and sufficient sleep are also important.
1. Methylphenidate
Ritalin (also also known as Methylphenidate) is one of the most frequently prescribed medications 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 demonstrated that it works.
Methylphenidate works by blocking the reuptake of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine which increase their concentration in the neural synapse. It is a racemic mix with the d-isomer more active pharmacologically. Methylphenidate can be found in tablet, capsule, ER (extended release) and oral disintegration forms. It is a Schedule II controlled substance with an increased risk of abuse and addiction.
Studies have shown that methylphenidate could increase impulsivity, inattention and hyperactivity in kids with ADHD. However, methylphenidate could cause some side effects such as loss of appetite and sleep disturbances. These side effects are not usually serious but can be difficult for parents to manage.
Fortunately, these side effects typically subside over time. It is also 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 that methylphenidate is consumed during pregnancy, as it can cause harm to a unborn child, or have long-term consequences on the breastfed baby.
Methylphenidate is best taken in the morning. It is advised to avoid foods and drinks that could affect the absorption of the drug. Check the leaflet to see whether you can swallow extended-release tablets or capsules in their entirety, or if you need to open them and mix them with a small amount of soft food such as yogurt or honey.
2. Ritalin
Methylphenidate also referred to as Ritalin, is a centrally-controlled system stimulant. It affects the chemical and nerves in the brain, which cause attention deficit disorder (ADD) as well as hyperactivity and poor impulse control. The FDA has approved Ritalin to treat ADHD in children 6 years or older, as well as to treat adults suffering from the condition known as narcolepsy. Off-label, it's being used to treat major depressive disorder as well as terminal cancer, among other conditions.
The most common prescription medication used by healthcare providers to treat ADHD is stimulants. They function by increasing levels of certain brain chemicals called norepinephrine and dopamine. These neurotransmitters enhance concentration and boost 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 could cause adverse effects. The most frequent side effects reported are a loss of appetite and trouble sleeping. Some people experience jitteriness and mood swings. They may also have headaches or stomachaches. These symptoms usually disappear after a few days.
Ritalin can be misused as a stimulant, even though it is prescribed to treat ADHD. Abuse is most likely when people exceed the recommended dosage or mix the drug along with other stimulants. Combining it with other substances or alcohol is particularly hazardous. It also involves crushing or dissolving tablets to create a powder that is then consumed. The overdose of Ritalin is possible.
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 drugs do not address the core symptoms, but they can be helpful when combined with stimulants to reduce their adverse effects. Medications like these are often effective when accompanied with behavioral therapy.
3. adhd medication is the brand name of the amphetamine lisdexamfetamine dimesylate that improves attention and focus in ADHD patients. This medication also curbs episodes of eating too much that are associated with eating disorders that cause binge eating (BED). Vyvanse affects specific brain pathways to increase the levels of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. It is often used as part of a holistic treatment plan for ADHD and BED. Similar to other stimulant medications Vyvanse may cause side effects such as jitteriness, loss of appetite and anxiety. These effects typically diminish as the body adjusts to the medication. Talk to your doctor if you experience any problems.
To ensure that you receive the highest quality care, it is important to attend regular appointments with your physician. They will be able monitor your progress and make any necessary changes to your medication regimen. They may also recommend alternative treatments to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. These include herbal supplements and diet changes. There is a lack of research-based evidence to support the effectiveness of certain supplements to diet and herbs as ADHD treatments. This includes pycnogenol (an extract of the bark of the maritime pine).
Other common stimulant medications used to treat ADHD include methylphenidate forms and dextroamphetamine. Examples include Ritalin and Adderall. Additionally, these medications are available in extended-release versions, which provide more constant control of symptoms throughout the day. Your doctor may also prescribe stimulant medications such as atomoxetine and guanfacine. These are known as nootropics and have been shown to improve mental clarity and memory retention. However, these are not meant to substitute for prescription ADHD medications.
4. Focalin
Focalin is a stimulant medication used to treat ADHD for adults and children. It is typically taken without or with food, in the morning, and at the same time throughout the day to maximize the effectiveness of the medication. It can be taken as an extended-release or immediate-release medication, depending on the dosage recommended by your doctor. Focalin is a man-made stimulant that is similar to methylphenidate but has fewer adverse effects. It doesn't contain harmful methylphenidate isomers like other drugs. Focalin increases the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain by preventing their reuptake as well as promoting their release. This can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD, such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.
While many people discover that ADHD medications can help ease their symptoms, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider about the ways they can help you or your child. Doctors often try different dosages and medications to figure the best one for each patient. They can prescribe non-stimulant medication to help improve attention span and reduce impulsive behaviors as well.
You should always follow the instructions of your doctor and do not divulge your Focalin XR prescription with anyone else, not even an individual with ADHD. This could lead to serious and potentially fatal drug interactions. Focalin XR is not recommended for use by women who are nursing or pregnant due to animal studies that have shown that it can harm a fetus. Focalin XR may cause side effects that are more severe if you are taking alcohol, sedatives, or other illegal drugs.
5. Intuniv
Guanfacine, which is the principal active ingredient in Intuniv, is an alpha 2-adrenergic agonist that has been shown to alleviate ADHD symptoms by acting on the prefrontal cortex. This helps to control impulsivity and attention. It also addresses other disorders that are associated with ADHD such as emotional sensitivity, rejection sensitivity, and hyperarousal by reducing levels of adrenaline back to normal. Intuniv does not stimulate the brain, therefore it doesn't have the same side-effects like stimulants such as Adderall. Guanfacine is known to cause serious side effects, like low blood pressure, sedation and a slow heart rate. In addition, people with depression or an addiction history might not be suitable candidates for this drug.
While stimulants are effective in treating ADHD symptoms but they can also cause addiction and side effects. Intuniv is a non-stimulant drug that is more time-consuming to use. However it is less likely to have negative side effects. Talk with your doctor to determine which treatment option is best for you.
Intuniv is FDA approved to treat children ranging from six to 17 years old, however it hasn't been studied for people younger than this age group or in adults. It is not a controlled substance, so there is no risk of abuse or dependence. However, guanfacine could be habit-forming and should only be used under the care of a nurse or doctor practitioner.
Intuniv is recommended to be taken on a regular basis 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 quantity of soft food like applesauce or chocolate syrup. The entire amount must be swallowed by the child in order to stop it from being thrown out.