ADHD Medication and Over the Counter ADHD Medication
There are a variety of prescription ADHD medication that aid in improving the ability to focus, attention and impulsivity. The majority of these drugs belong to the methylphenidate or amphetamine drug classes. These include Adderall, Ritalin and Vyvanse. They can have negative side effects like sleepiness and appetite loss.
A non-stimulant medicine like Strattera (atomoxetine), can also be beneficial. It is a brain stimulant that increases the chemical norepinephrine. A healthy diet, exercise and enough sleep are also vital.
1. Methylphenidate
Ritalin (also called Methylphenidate) is among the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD in adolescents and children. This stimulant medication works by increasing activity in the parts of the brain that are involved in attention. It has been in use for more than 50 years and many studies have found it to be effective.
Methylphenidate is a drug that blocks the reuptake process of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, which increases their concentration in the neural synapse. It is a racemic mix with the d-isomer being the most active pharmacologically. Methylphenidate is available in capsule, tablet, ER (extended release), and orally disintegrating forms. It is a Schedule II controlled substance with an increased risk of addiction and abuse.
Research has shown that methylphenidate boosts hyperactivity and hyperactivity, as well as inattention in children with ADHD. However, methylphenidate can 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, Read the Full Report tend to diminish as time passes. It is also important to note that methylphenidate can raise blood pressure and heart rate in certain people, which is why it is a Schedule II controlled substance. It is not recommended to take methylphenidate during pregnancy as it could harm the unborn baby as well as long-term developmental effects in the infant who is breastfed.
Methylphenidate can be taken in the morning. It is best taken with a full stomach, which is why it's recommended to avoid eating and drinks that can hinder its absorption. Read the leaflet to find out whether you are able to swallow the 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 like honey or yogurt.
2. Ritalin
Methylphenidate is also known as Ritalin is a centrally controlled stimulant. It affects the chemical and nerves in the brain that cause attention deficit disorder (ADD) hyperactivity, ADD and a lack of impulse control. Ritalin is approved by the FDA to treat ADHD and narcolepsy in adults and children aged 6 and over. It is also prescribed off-label to treat a number of other conditions such as major depressive disorder as well as terminal cancer.
Stimulants are the most common kind of prescription medication healthcare professionals utilize to treat ADHD. They work by increasing the levels of certain brain chemicals called dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters aid in improving concentration and increase motivation. They also play a crucial role in the fight or flight response. If used properly, stimulants can reduce ADHD symptoms.
As with all medications, methylphenidate can cause adverse effects. The most commonly reported are loss of appetite and trouble sleeping. Some people also feel jittery, mood swings as well as stomachaches and headaches. These symptoms typically disappear after several weeks.
Ritalin is often misused as stimulant, even though it is prescribed to treat ADHD. The most likely cause of abuse is when people exceed the recommended dosage or mix the drug along with other stimulants. Combining it with other substances or alcohol could be risky. The abuse can also involve crushing or dissolving tablets to create the powder that is then consumed. Overdosing on Ritalin is a possibility.
The FDA has approved a few nonstimulant ADHD medications. They are primarily norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. These drugs do not address the underlying symptoms, but can be helpful when coupled with stimulants to decrease the effects of their side effects. These medications are usually effective if combined with behavioral therapy.
3. Vyvanse
Vyvanse is the brand name for Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, an amphetamine that is used to boost focus and attention among ADHD patients. It also reduces the frequency of eating disorders that are a result of binge-eating disorders (BED). Vyvanse affects specific pathways in the brain to raise the levels of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. It is prescribed as part an overall treatment plan for ADHD and BED. Like other stimulant drugs, Vyvanse can trigger side effects such as anxiety, jitteriness, and anxiety. These effects typically diminish with time as the body adjusts to the medication. Consult Read the Full Report if they persist.
It is essential to keep up with regular appointments with your doctor to ensure that you are receiving the best care. They can track your progress and make adjustments to your treatment plan. They might suggest alternative treatments to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. These include herbal supplements, dietary changes, and cognitive enhancement supplements. However, certain herbal supplements and dietary supplements are not backed by scientific research to support their effectiveness as ADHD treatments. For instance, pycnogenol is an extract of maritime pine bark.
Ritalin, Adderall and other stimulant drugs like dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others are commonly used to treat ADHD. Additionally, these medications are available in extended-release versions, which provide more regular control of symptoms throughout the day. Your doctor may prescribe stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or guanfacine. These nootropics have proven to increase memory and mental clarity. However, they aren't meant to replace prescription ADHD medication.
4. Focalin
Focalin is a stimulant medication used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. It is typically taken with or without food, in the morning, and at the same time every day to optimize the effectiveness of the medication. Based on the dosage recommended it is taken as an immediate-release or extended-release medication. Focalin is a stimulant produced by humans, is similar to methylphenidate. However it is less prone to side-effects. It doesn't contain harmful methylphenidate isomers, like other drugs. Focalin works by increasing the availability of two monoamines in the brain, norepinephrine as well as dopamine, by encouraging their release from neurons and blocking their reuptake. This helps to reduce the symptoms of ADHD like hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.
Although many find ADHD medicines help reduce their symptoms, it's important to talk with your doctor about the ways they can help you or your child. Doctors often test a variety of dosages and medications to find the one that works best for each patient. They may also prescribe nonstimulant medications to boost attention span and impulsive behavior.
Always adhere to the doctor's recommendations and not share your Focalin XR prescription with anyone else, including an individual who suffers from 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 a foetus. It is also important to stay away from alcohol, sedatives and other illegal drugs while taking Focalin XR as they can make it more difficult to treat adverse effects.
5. Intuniv
Guanfacine is the principal ingredient in Intuniv. It is an alpha-2-adrenergic antagonist that has been shown by research to improve ADHD symptoms through its action on the prefrontal cortex. This can help control the intensity of impulsivity and attention. It also treats other issues that are a result of ADHD, such as emotional sensitivity and rejection sensitivity. Intuniv isn't a stimulant the brain, therefore it doesn't have the same adverse effects as stimulants such as Adderall. However, guanfacine does have some serious dangers, such as a slow heart rate, blood pressure that is low, and the effects of sedation. Additionally, those with depression or an history of addiction might not be suitable candidates for this drug.
While stimulants work fast to combat ADHD symptoms however, they can become intoxicating and cause many adverse consequences. Intuniv, a non-stimulant medication is more time-consuming to use. However, it is less likely to have negative side effects. Talk with your doctor to determine which 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 for people younger than this age group or in adults. It is not a controlled substance, so there is no chance of abuse or dependence. Guanfacine, however become habit-forming. It is best to take it under the supervision of a doctor or nurse practitioner.
Intuniv is required to be administered frequently at the same time to keep a steady amount in the bloodstream. It should 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 like applesauce or chocolate syrup. The child is then required to swallow the entire dose to prevent it being spit out.
