ADHD Medication and Over the Counter ADHD Medication
There are a variety of prescription ADHD medications that help improve the ability to focus, attention and impulsivity. Most fall into the amphetamine or methylphenidate classes. Adderall Ritalin, and Vyvanse are among the most common. Some of the side effects are insomnia and loss of appetite.
A non-stimulant medicine like Strattera (atomoxetine) can also be beneficial. It works by boosting norepinephrine, a brain chemical. A healthy diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep are essential.
1. Methylphenidate
Ritalin (also called Methylphenidate) is one of the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD in children and adolescents. This stimulant medication is effective by increasing activity in areas of the brain involved in attention. It has been in use for over 50 years, and numerous studies have shown that it is effective.
Methylphenidate acts by blocking the reuptake of neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine, which increases their concentrations in the neural synapse. It is a racemic combination with the d-isomer more pharmacologically active. Methylphenidate is available in tablet, capsule, ER (extended release), and orally disintegrating forms. It is a Schedule II controlled drug with an extremely high risk of abuse and addiction.
Research has shown that methylphenidate may improve inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity among children with ADHD. However, methylphenidate can have some side effects such as weight loss and trouble sleeping. These side effects are not typically serious, but they can be difficult for parents to manage.
Fortunately, the majority of side effects will subside as time passes. It is also important to note that methylphenidate may increase heart rate and blood pressure in some individuals and that's why it is a Schedule II controlled substance. It is not recommended to use methylphenidate during pregnancy because it could harm the unborn baby as well as long-term developmental effects on the infant who is breastfed.
Methylphenidate is typically taken in the morning. It should be taken on an empty stomach, so it is best to avoid food and drinks that could interfere with its absorption. For extended-release tablets and capsules look up the leaflet to find instructions on how to swallow them whole, or open them up and mix the contents with some soft food items like honey or yogurt and then swallow.
2. Ritalin
Methylphenidate is also known as Ritalin, is a centrally nervous system stimulant. It affects the chemical and nerves in the brain that cause attention deficit disorder (ADD) hyperactivity, ADD and poor impulse control. Ritalin is approved by the FDA to treat ADHD and narcolepsy in adults and children aged 6 and over. Off-label, it is used to treat major depressive disorder and terminal cancer as well as other ailments.
The most commonly prescribed medication prescribed by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD is stimulants. They work by increasing levels of certain brain chemicals called norepinephrine and dopamine. These neurotransmitters help improve concentration and increase motivation. They also play a role in the fight or flight response. When used correctly stimulants can lessen ADHD symptoms.
As with any medication methylphenidate could cause side effects. Loss of appetite and sleeplessness are among the most common adverse effects. Some people experience jitteriness or mood swings. They might also experience headaches or stomachaches. These symptoms typically disappear after a few weeks.
Ritalin may be abused as stimulant, despite the fact that it is 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. Combining it with other drugs or alcohol is particularly risky. adhd medications for adults can also involve crushing or dissolving the tablets into the powder which is later consumed. Overdosing on Ritalin can be a possibility.
The FDA has approved a few non-stimulant ADHD drugs. They are primarily norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. These medications don't treat the main symptoms of ADHD, but they can be helpful when used in conjunction with stimulants to lessen the effects of their adverse effects. These medications are typically effective when accompanied by therapy for behavior.
3. Vyvanse
Vyvanse is the brand name used for Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate is an amphetamine that is used to boost focus and attention among ADHD patients. This medication also curbs episodes of excessive eating associated with eating disorders that cause binge eating (BED). Vyvanse affects specific brain pathways to increase levels of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. It is prescribed as part the holistic treatment plan for ADHD and BED. Similar to other stimulant medications Vyvanse may cause negative side effects, such as jitteriness, loss of appetite, and anxiety. These side effects usually diminish as your body adjusts to the medication. If they continue to bother you, talk with your doctor about them.
It is crucial to maintain regular appointments with your doctor to ensure you receive the best treatment. They will be able to track your progress and make any needed changes to your medication regimen. They may also suggest alternative treatments to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. These include herbal supplements and diet changes. However, some herbal supplements and dietary supplements are not backed by scientific research to support their effectiveness as ADHD treatments. For instance, pycnogenol is an extract from the bark of maritime pine.
Other commonly used stimulant medications to treat ADHD include methylphenidate forms and dextroamphetamine, such as Ritalin and Adderall. They are also available in extended-release versions which provide more consistent symptom control throughout the day. It is also possible for your physician to prescribe other stimulant medications, including the atomoxetine and guanfacine. These are known as nootropics, and have been shown to enhance memory retention and mental clarity. These are not meant to replace prescription ADHD medications.
4. Focalin
Focalin is a stimulant medication used to treat ADHD, both in adults and children. It is usually taken in the morning with or without food at the same time every day, to increase the effectiveness of the drug. Based on the dosage that is prescribed, it can be taken as an immediate-release or extended release medication. Focalin, a stimulant made by man, is similar to methylphenidate. However it is less prone to side-effects. It also doesn't contain harmful isomers as do other methylphenidate drugs. Focalin works by increasing the availability of two monoamines in the brain, norepinephrine as well as dopamine, by promoting their release from neurons and preventing their reuptake. This reduces the symptoms of ADHD like hyperactivity, impulsivity, as well as inattention.
It is important to discuss with your healthcare professional how ADHD medicines help you or helping your child. It's not unusual for doctors to test various doses and medications to find the best one that fits each individual patient. They may also prescribe nonstimulant medications to boost the ability to focus and control impulsive behavior.
You must always follow your doctor's instructions carefully and do not share your Focalin XR prescription with anyone else, even another person with ADHD. This could 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 may cause harm to the pregnant fetus. Focalin XR may cause side effects that are more severe when you are taking alcohol, sedatives, or other illegal drugs.
5. Intuniv
Guanfacine, which is the main active ingredient in Intuniv, is an alpha 2-adrenergic receptor agonist that has been shown to alleviate ADHD symptoms by acting on the prefrontal cortex. This aids in controlling impulsivity and attention. It also addresses other issues that are related to ADHD, such as emotional sensitivities and rejection sensitivity. Intuniv isn't a stimulant the brain, therefore it doesn't have the same side-effects as stimulants such as Adderall. Guanfacine is known to cause serious side effects, like the effects of sedation, low blood pressure and a slower heart rate. People suffering from depression or with the history of addiction are not good candidates for the drug.
While stimulants are effective in helping combat ADHD symptoms but they can also be habit-forming and have many negative side effects. Non-stimulant drugs like Intuniv take longer to work, but are less likely to trigger negative adverse effects. Talk with your doctor about which treatment option is the best for you.
Intuniv has FDA approval to treat children ranging from six to seventeen years. However it hasn't been tested on adults or people younger than these age groups. It is not a controlled drug therefore there is no risk of dependence or abuse. However, guanfacine is habit-forming and should only be administered under the supervision of a doctor or nurse practitioner.
Intuniv is recommended to be taken on a regular basis and at the same time in order to maintain an adequate amount of drug in the bloodstream. It must be crushed between two spoons, placed in the plastic bag, or in folded paper and mixed with a small amount of soft food such as applesauce chocolate syrup, ice cream, jelly, or yogurt. The child should then ingest the entire amount to avoid it from being spit out.