ADHD Medication and Over the Counter ADHD Medication
There are a variety of prescription ADHD medications that help improve concentration, impulsivity and attention. The majority of these medications are in the methylphenidate and amphetamine drug categories. Adderall Ritalin, and Vyvanse are among the most commonly used. They can cause adverse effects, such as sleepiness and appetite loss.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an anti-stimulant drug that can be helpful. It works by boosting norepinephrine which is a brain chemical. A healthy diet, exercise and enough sleep are vital.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate also referred to as Ritalin is one of the most popular medications used to treat ADHD in adolescents and children. The stimulant medication increases activity in areas of the brain that are involved in attention. It has been in use for more than 50 years, and numerous studies have proven it to be effective.
Methylphenidate is a drug that blocks the reuptake of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine which increases their concentrations in the neural synapse. It is a racemic mix, with the d'isomer having higher pharmacological activity. Methylphenidate comes in tablet, capsule, extended release (ER) and orally disintegrating form. It is a Schedule II controlled drug with the highest chance of addiction and abuse.
Research has shown that methylphenidate boosts hyperactivity and hyperactivity among children suffering from ADHD. However, methylphenidate could cause certain side effects, such as the loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. These side effects are not generally serious, but they can be difficult for parents to deal with.
Fortunately, the majority of adverse effects will diminish as time passes. It is important to note that methylphenidate may increase blood pressure or heart rate in certain people. This is why methylphenidate is listed as a Schedule II controlled drug. It is not recommended that methylphenidate be taken during pregnancy, since it may cause harm to a unborn child, or have long-term consequences on the breastfed baby.
Methylphenidate should be taken in the morning. It should be taken with a full stomach, so it is recommended to avoid eating and drinks that can affect the absorption of the drug. For extended-release tablets and capsules look up the leaflet to find instructions on how to swallow them whole, or open them and mix the contents with a small amount of soft food items like honey or yogurt and then take them in.
2. Ritalin
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is a central nervous system stimulant that affects the chemicals in the brain and nerves that cause hyperactivity, attention deficit disorder and impulse control. Ritalin is approved by the FDA to treat ADHD and narcolepsy in children and adults aged 6 and older. Off-label, it is used to treat major depression disorder as well as terminal cancer, among other disorders.
Learn Additional 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 improve concentration and boost motivation. They also play a role in the fight-or-flight response. If used correctly stimulants can dramatically reduce symptoms of ADHD.
Like all medications methylphenidate could cause adverse side effects. Loss of appetite and sleeplessness are among the most frequent side effects. Some people experience jitteriness or mood swings. They might also experience headaches or stomachaches. These symptoms usually disappear after several days.
Ritalin can be misused to stimulate the mind even when it's prescribed for ADHD. The most likely cause of abuse is when people take more than the recommended dosage or mix the drug with other stimulants. Combining it with other substances or alcohol can be particularly hazardous. It can also mean crushing or dissolving tablets into a powder, which is then taken in a snort. It is possible to overdose on Ritalin.
The FDA has approved a number of nonstimulant ADHD drugs. They are primarily norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. These drugs do not address the primary symptoms, but they can be beneficial when combined with stimulants to reduce their adverse effects. These types of medications are usually effective when accompanied by therapy for behavior.
3. Vyvanse
Vyvanse, the brand name for lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, is an amphetamine used to increase focus and attention among ADHD patients. It also reduces the frequency 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 an overall treatment program for ADHD and BED. Vyvanse like other stimulant drugs, can trigger negative side effects, like anxiety and jitteriness. These side effects usually lessen with time as the body adjusts to the medication. If they continue to bother you, talk to your doctor about them.
It is crucial to keep up with regular appointments with your doctor to ensure you are receiving the best treatment. They can track your progress and make adjustments to your treatment plan. They can also suggest alternative treatments to ease the symptoms of ADHD. These include herbal supplements and diet changes. There is limited research-based evidence to support the effectiveness of certain supplements and herbs as ADHD treatments. This includes pycnogenol (an extract of maritime pine bark).
Ritalin, Adderall and other stimulant medications such as dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others are commonly used to treat ADHD. In addition, these drugs are available in extended-release versions, which provide more constant control of symptoms throughout the day. It is also possible for your doctor to prescribe other types of stimulant medications, such as the atomoxetine and guanfacine. These are known as nootropics, and have been shown to enhance memory retention and mental clarity. However, these are not meant to replace the need for prescription ADHD medication.
4. Focalin
Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) is a stimulant medication that is used to treat ADHD in children and adolescents as well as adults. 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 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 fewer side effects. It does not contain harmful methylphenidate metabolites, as do some other medications. Focalin works by increasing the availability of two monoamines within the brain, norepinephrine as well as dopamine, by promoting their release from neurons and blocking their reuptake. This reduces the symptoms of ADHD, such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.
It is important to discuss with your healthcare professional how ADHD medicines are helping you or if they are helping your child. Doctors often test a variety of dosages and medications to figure out which one works best for each patient. They may also prescribe non-stimulant medications to help improve attention span and impulsive behavior as well.
Never share your Focalin prescription with anyone, not even someone suffering from ADHD. This can cause dangerous 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 a fetus. Focalin XR can cause adverse reactions that are more severe when you are taking alcohol, sedatives, or other illegal drugs.
5. Intuniv
Guanfacine, which is the primary active ingredient in Intuniv, is an alpha 2-adrenergic receptor agonist, which has been demonstrated to improve ADHD symptoms by acting on the prefrontal cortex. This helps control impulsivity, and also attention. It also treats other issues that are related to ADHD, such as emotional sensitiveness and rejection sensitivity. Intuniv does not stimulate and therefore doesn't cause the same adverse effects as stimulants such as Adderall. However, guanfacine has some serious dangers, such as a slow heart rate, low blood pressure and the effects of sedation. Additionally, those who have depression or an history of addiction may not be good candidates for this drug.
While stimulants are effective in helping help treat ADHD symptoms, they can be intoxicating and cause many negative side effects. Non-stimulant medicines such as Intuniv take longer to take effect, but are less likely to trigger harmful side effects. Consult your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Intuniv is FDA approved to treat children from six to 17 years old, but it has not been studied for people older than this age group or in adults. It is not a controlled drug therefore there is no chance of dependence or abuse. However, guanfacine is habit-forming and should only be used under the care of a nurse or doctor practitioner.
Intuniv should be administered regularly at the same time to ensure a steady amount in the bloodstream. It must be crushed in a plastic bag or folded paper, placed between two spoons. Then it can be mixed with a small quantity of soft food such as applesauce or chocolate syrup. The entire amount must be taken in by the child to prevent it from being spit out.