ADHD Medication and Over the Counter ADHD Medication
There are many prescription ADHD medications that aid in improving attention, focus and impulsivity. The majority of these medications are in the methylphenidate and amphetamine drug classes. Adderall Ritalin and Vyvanse are some of the most commonly used. Some of the side effects include the loss of appetite and insomnia.
A non-stimulant medication, such as Strattera (atomoxetine) can also be helpful. It works by boosting norepinephrine, which is a chemical in the brain. A healthy diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep are important too.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is also known as Ritalin is one of the most commonly used medications to treat ADHD in adolescents and children. This stimulant medication increases the activity in brain regions that are involved in attention. It has been used for more than 50 years, and a number of studies have shown it to be effective.
Methylphenidate is a drug that blocks the reuptake of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine which increases their concentrations in the neural synapse. It is a racemic mixture, with the d'isomer exhibiting a higher pharmacological activity. Methylphenidate comes in capsule, tablet, ER (extended release) and oral disintegration forms. It is a Schedule II controlled substance with the potential for addiction and abuse.
Research has shown that methylphenidate may improve inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity in kids with ADHD. However, methylphenidate can have some side effects such as loss of appetite and sleep disturbances. These side effects aren't typically serious, but they can be difficult for parents to deal with.
Fortunately, these side effects tend to diminish with time. It is important to note that methylphenidate could increase blood pressure or heart rate in some people. This is why the methylphenidate drug is classified as a Schedule II controlled drug. It is not recommended to take methylphenidate while pregnant as it may cause harm to the unborn child and long-term effects on development in the breastfed infant.
Methylphenidate is usually taken in the morning. It is best to avoid eating and drinking that could affect the absorption of the drug. Read the leaflet to find out whether you can swallow extended-release tablets or capsules in their entirety or if you require to open them and mix them with a small amount of soft food, such as yogurt or honey.
2. Ritalin
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is a stimulant for the central nervous system that alters the chemical balance of the brain and nerves that cause attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity and impulse control. The FDA has approved Ritalin to treat ADHD in children aged 6 or older, and also to treat adults suffering from Narcolepsy. It can also be used off-label for the treatment of a variety of other ailments such as major depressive disorder and terminal cancer.
The most commonly prescribed medication prescribed by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD is stimulants. They function by increasing levels of certain brain chemicals called norepinephrine and dopamine. These neurotransmitters aid in improving concentration and increase motivation. They also play a role in the fight-or-flight reaction. If used properly stimulants can lessen ADHD symptoms.
Like any medication, methylphenidate has adverse effects. Insomnia and sleeplessness are among the most common adverse effects. People may experience jitteriness and mood swings. They may also have headaches or stomachaches. These effects typically go away within a few days.
Ritalin can be misused as stimulant, despite the fact that it is prescribed to treat ADHD. visit my homepage is most likely when individuals take more than their prescribed dose or take the drug along with other stimulants. Combining it with other drugs or alcohol is particularly dangerous. Abuse can also involve crushing or dissolving tablets to form powder, which is then consumed. The overdose of Ritalin is a possibility.
The FDA has approved a few nonstimulant ADHD drugs. They are primarily norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. These medications do not treat the primary symptoms, but can be beneficial when coupled with stimulants to decrease the adverse effects. These types of medications are usually efficient when they are accompanied by therapy for behavior.
3. Vyvanse
Vyvanse is the brand name for Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, an amphetamine used to boost focus and attention among ADHD patients. It also reduces symptoms of eating disorder that can be a sign of binge-eating disorder (BED). Vyvanse works on specific brain pathways to increase the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. It is typically prescribed as part of a holistic treatment plan for ADHD and BED. Vyvanse, like other stimulant medications can cause side effects, such as jitteriness and anxiety. These effects tend to diminish as the body adjusts to the medication. If they persist, speak to your prescriber about them.
It is vital to keep up with regular appointments with your doctor to ensure that you receive the best treatment. They will be able to track your improvement and make any necessary changes to your medication regimen. They can suggest alternative treatments to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. These may include herbal supplements, dietary changes, and cognitive enhancement supplements. However, certain herbs and dietary supplements are not backed by scientific research to prove their effectiveness as ADHD treatments. This includes pycnogenol, which is an extract of the bark of maritime pine.
Other common stimulant medications used to treat ADHD include forms of methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine, such as Ritalin and Adderall. Additionally, these medications are available as extended-release versions to provide more consistent symptoms control throughout the day. It is also possible for your doctor to prescribe other stimulant medications, including atomoxetine or guanfacine. These medications are known as nootropics, and have been shown to improve memory retention and mental clarity. However, these are not intended to replace prescription ADHD medications.
4. Focalin
Focalin is a stimulant medication used to treat ADHD, both in adults and children. It is typically taken with or without food in the morning, and at the same time throughout the day to increase the effectiveness of the medication. It can be used as an extended-release or immediate-release medication, depending on the dosage prescribed by your doctor. Focalin is a man-made stimulant that is similar to methylphenidate, but has less adverse negative effects. It is also free of harmful isomers like some other methylphenidate drugs. Focalin increases the availability of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain by blocking their reuptake and encouraging their release. This reduces the symptoms of ADHD like hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.
Although many find ADHD medications can help ease their symptoms, it's important to speak with your healthcare provider about the ways they can help you or your child. It's not unusual for doctors to test various dosages and medicines to find the best one that fits each individual patient. They can prescribe non-stimulant medication to help improve attention span and reduce impulsive behavior as well.
You must always adhere to the doctor's recommendations and do not give your Focalin XR prescription with anyone else, even an individual suffering from ADHD. This can cause dangerous and possibly fatal drug interactions. Focalin XR is not recommended for women who are nursing or pregnant as animal studies have shown that it can harm a pregnant fetus. Focalin XR can cause adverse reactions that are more severe if you take alcohol, sedatives or other illegal drugs.
5. Intuniv
Guanfacine is the primary ingredient in Intuniv. It is an antagonist of the alpha-2-adrenergic receptor that has been proven by studies to reduce ADHD symptoms through its action on the prefrontal cortex. This aids in controlling impulsivity and attention. It also treats other impairments associated with ADHD such as emotional sensitivity, rejection sensitivity, and hyperarousal, by reducing levels of adrenaline back to normal. Intuniv is a non-stimulant so it does not have the same negative effects as stimulants such as Adderall. However, guanfacine does have some serious risks including slow heart rate, low blood pressure and sedation. People suffering from depression or with the history of addiction are not suitable candidates for the drug.
While stimulants work fast to combat ADHD symptoms but they can also be addictive and can cause a variety of side negative effects. Intuniv is a non-stimulant drug that, takes longer to work. However it is less likely to trigger negative side effects. Talk to your doctor regarding the best treatment option for you.
Intuniv has FDA approval for treating children ranging from six to seventeen years old. However it hasn't been studied on adults or individuals older than these age groups. It is not a controlled substance, which means it does not have the same risk of dependency or abuse as stimulants. Guanfacine, however be a habit-forming drug. It should only be used under the supervision of a physician or a nurse practitioner.
Intuniv is required to be administered frequently at the same time to ensure an even amount in the bloodstream. It must be crushed between 2 spoons, inside an plastic bag, or inside folded paper and mixed with small amounts of soft food items like applesauce, chocolate syrup, ice cream, jelly, or yogurt. The child is then required to swallow the entire dose to prevent it being spit out.