ADHD Medication and Over the Counter ADHD Medication
There are many prescription ADHD drugs available to aid in improving focus, attention and impulsivity. Most of these drugs are in the methylphenidate and amphetamine drug categories. Adderall Ritalin and Vyvanse are among the most common. Some of the side effects are insomnia and loss of appetite.
A non-stimulant medication like Strattera (atomoxetine) could also be helpful. It works by boosting norepinephrine, which is a chemical in the brain. A healthy diet, exercise and adequate sleep are essential.
1. Methylphenidate
Ritalin (also known as Methylphenidate) is one of the most frequently prescribed drugs to treat ADHD in children and adolescents. This stimulant medication increases activity in brain areas that are involved in attention. It has been used for over 50 years and a number of studies have demonstrated that it's effective.
Methylphenidate acts by blocking the reuptake of neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine which increases their concentration in the neuronal synapse. It is a racemic mixture with the d-isomer being the most active pharmacologically. Methylphenidate comes in tablet, capsule, extended release (ER) and oral disintegrating form. It is a Schedule II controlled substance with the potential for addiction and abuse.
Studies have demonstrated that methylphenidate improves hyperactivity and hyperactivity in children with ADHD. However, methylphenidate could cause some side effects such as weight loss and trouble sleeping. These side effects are not usually serious but can be difficult for parents to deal with.
Fortunately, the majority of side effects will subside as time passes. It is important to note that methylphenidate could increase blood pressure or heart rate in certain people. This is the reason the methylphenidate drug is classified as a Schedule II controlled drug. It is not recommended to take methylphenidate while pregnant as it could cause harm to the unborn baby as well as long-term developmental effects on the infant who is breastfed.
Methylphenidate can be taken in the morning. It should be taken with a full stomach, which is why it's recommended to avoid eating or drinks that can interfere with its absorption. Examine the leaflet to determine if you can swallow the extended-release tablets or capsules in their entirety or if you have to open them and mix them with a bit of soft food such as honey or yogurt.
2. Ritalin
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is a central nervous system stimulant that affects the chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity, attention deficit disorder and impulse control. The FDA has approved Ritalin to treat ADHD in children aged 6 years or older, and also to treat adults with Narcolepsy. Off-label, it's being used to treat major depressive disorder, terminal cancer and other disorders.
The most commonly prescribed medication used by healthcare providers to treat ADHD is stimulants. They work by increasing the levels of certain brain chemicals known as norepinephrine and dopamine. These neurotransmitters improve concentration and increase motivation. They also play an important role in the fight-or-flight response. If used properly, stimulants can reduce ADHD symptoms.
Like any medication, methylphenidate can have side effects. The loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping are the most common side effects. Some people also experience jitteriness, mood swings, stomachaches and headaches. These symptoms usually disappear after a few days.
Ritalin is a drug that can be used to stimulate the mind even although it's prescribed to treat ADHD. It is more likely to be abused when people take more than their prescribed dose or take the drug with other stimulants. It can be dangerous to combine it with alcohol or other narcotics. Abuse can also involve crushing or dissolving the tablets to produce the powder which is later consumed. It is possible to overdose on Ritalin.
The FDA has approved a number of nonstimulant ADHD medications. They are primarily norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. These drugs do not address the core symptoms, but can be helpful when combined with stimulants to reduce the side effects. These types of medications are usually effective when accompanied by behavioral therapy.
3. Vyvanse
Vyvanse is the brand name of Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate is an amphetamine which is used to boost focus and attention in ADHD patients. It also reduces the frequency of excessive eating associated with eating disorders that cause binge eating (BED). Vyvanse acts on specific brain pathways to boost the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. It is usually prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for ADHD and BED. Like other stimulant medications, Vyvanse can cause adverse effects like jitteriness, loss of appetite and anxiety. These side effects usually lessen as the body adjusts to the medication. If they persist, speak with your doctor about them.
To ensure you receive the highest quality treatment, it is essential to keep regular appointments with your doctor. They will be able to monitor your progress and make any needed changes to your medication regimen. They may also recommend alternative treatments to help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. These include herbal supplements, dietary modifications and cognitive enhancement supplements. There is a lack of scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of some supplements and herbs as ADHD treatments. This includes pycnogenol, which is an extract from maritime pine bark.
Ritalin, Adderall and other stimulant drugs like dextroamphetamine as well as methylphenidate are commonly used to treat ADHD. They are also available in extended-release versions, which offer more consistent symptoms control throughout the day. Your doctor might prescribe stimulant drugs like atomoxetine and Guanfacine. These medications are known as nootropics and have been proven to increase memory retention and mental clarity. However, these are not meant to replace the need for prescription ADHD medications.
4. Focalin
Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) is an stimulant drug that is used to treat ADHD in adolescents and children as well as adults. It is typically taken in the morning, with or without food at the same time every day to increase the effectiveness of the medication. Based on the dosage that is prescribed, it can be taken as an immediate-release or extended-release drug. Focalin, a stimulant made by humans, is similar to methylphenidate. However it is not as a result of side effects. It also does not contain harmful isomers as do other methylphenidate drugs. Focalin increases the amount of norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain by blocking their reuptake as well as promoting their release. This reduces the symptoms of ADHD, such as hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention.
While many people discover that ADHD medicines help reduce their symptoms, it's important to talk with your doctor about how they're helping you or your child. It's not common for doctors to try several different medicines and doses to determine the most effective one that fits each individual patient. They may prescribe non-stimulant drugs to increase attention span and improve impulsive behavior as well.
You should always adhere to the doctor's recommendations and not share your Focalin XR prescription with anyone else, even another person suffering from ADHD. This can lead to grave and possibly fatal drug interactions. Focalin XR is not recommended for use by women who are pregnant or nursing due to animal studies that have shown that it can harm the fetus. Focalin XR can cause side effects that are more severe if you are taking alcohol, sedatives or any other illegal substances.
5. Intuniv
Guanfacine, which is the primary active ingredient in Intuniv, is an alpha 2-adrenergic receptor agonist that has been shown to reduce ADHD symptoms by acting on the prefrontal cortex. This helps control impulsivity, and attention. It also treats other disorders that are associated with ADHD like emotional sensitiveness, rejection sensitivity and hyperarousal by reducing levels of adrenaline to a normal. Intuniv is a non-stimulant therefore it doesn't have the same negative effects as stimulants such as Adderall. Guanfacine, however, has certain serious risks, including a slow heart rate, low blood pressure and sedation. In addition, people who have depression or an history of addiction might not be suitable candidates for this drug.
While stimulants are effective in treating ADHD symptoms, they can cause addiction and other side effects. Non-stimulant medications like Intuniv take longer to work but are less likely to cause negative adverse effects. Talk with adhd medication ritalin to determine what type of treatment is right for you.
Intuniv is FDA approved to treat children from six through 17 years old. However, it hasn't been studied in children older than this age group or in adults. It is not a controlled substance, which means it doesn't carry the same risk of dependence or abuse as stimulants. Guanfacine, however become habit-forming. It is best to take it under the supervision of a doctor or nurse practitioner.
Intuniv is recommended to be taken on a regular basis and simultaneously to ensure a constant 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 like applesauce or chocolate syrup. The child must then swallow the entire dose to prevent it being spit out.