ADHD Medication and Over the Counter ADHD Medication
There are numerous prescription ADHD drugs available to help improve focus, attention and impulsivity. The majority of them fall under the amphetamine or methylphenidate classes. These include Adderall, Ritalin and Vyvanse. Some of the side effects include the loss of appetite and insomnia.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an anti-stimulant drug that can be helpful. It works by boosting norepinephrine, a brain chemical. Exercise, a healthy diet and adequate sleep are vital.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, commonly known as Ritalin is one of the most well-known medications used to treat ADHD in children and adolescents. This stimulant medication increases activity in brain areas that are involved in attention. It has been in use 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 dopamine and norepinephrine which increase their concentrations in the neural synapse. It is a racemic mix, with the d'isomer exhibiting a greater pharmacological activity. Methylphenidate comes in capsule, tablet, extended release (ER) and orally disintegrating form. It is a Schedule II controlled substance with a high potential for abuse and addiction.
Research has shown that methylphenidate boosts hyperactivity, hyperactivity and inattention in children with ADHD. However, methylphenidate may cause some side effects such as weight loss and sleep disturbances. These adverse effects, though not serious but can be a challenge for parents.
Fortunately, non prescription adhd medication uk subside with time. It is also important to remember that methylphenidate may increase blood pressure and heart rate in certain people and that's why it is a Schedule II controlled substance. It is not recommended that methylphenidate is used during pregnancy since it may cause harm to an unborn child or long-term effects on the infant who is breastfed.
Methylphenidate is best taken in the morning. It should be taken on an empty stomach, which is why it's recommended to avoid eating and drinks that will affect the absorption of the drug. Check the leaflet to see whether you are able to swallow the extended-release capsules or tablets whole or if you require to open them and mix them with a small amount 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 6 years or older, as well as to treat adults with narcolepsy. Off-label, it's being used to treat major depressive disorder, terminal cancer and other disorders.
The most common prescription medication used by healthcare providers to treat ADHD is stimulants. They work by increasing levels of certain brain chemicals called dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters improve concentration and boost motivation. They also play a role in the fight-or-flight reaction. When used properly, stimulants can significantly reduce symptoms of ADHD.
Like all medications, methylphenidate may cause adverse side effects. The most commonly reported are loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. Some people also feel jittery, mood swings stomachaches, headaches and mood swings. These symptoms usually go away after a few weeks.
Ritalin is a drug that can be used to stimulate the mind even though it's prescribed for ADHD. Abuse occurs when people take more than the prescribed dose, or combine it with other stimulants. Using it with other drugs or alcohol could be dangerous. It can also involve crushing or dissolving the tablets into a powder that is then taken in a snort. Dosing too much on Ritalin is possible.
The FDA has approved a number of nonstimulant ADHD medications. They are primarily norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. These medications do not treat the core symptoms of ADHD, but they can be helpful when used in conjunction with stimulants to decrease the adverse effects. These types of medications are usually effective when accompanied by behavioral therapy.
3. Vyvanse
Vyvanse is the brand name used for lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, is an amphetamine that is used to improve attention and focus in ADHD patients. It also reduces the frequency of eating disorders that are a result of eating disorders that cause binge eating (BED). Vyvanse is a drug that works on specific pathways in the brain to increase the levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. It is prescribed as part an overall treatment plan for ADHD and BED. Similar to other stimulant medications Vyvanse can trigger side effects such as anxiety, jitteriness and anxiety. These effects typically diminish as the body adjusts to the medication. Talk to your doctor if they continue to bother you.
To ensure you receive the best treatment, it is essential to keep regular appointments with your doctor. They will monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. They might suggest alternative treatments to lessen the symptoms of ADHD. These may include herbal supplements, diet changes and cognitive enhancement supplements. However, a few herbs and dietary supplements have not been studied in depth to support their effectiveness as ADHD treatments. These include pycnogenol, an extract from maritime pine bark.
Ritalin, Adderall and other stimulant drugs like dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others are commonly used to treat ADHD. These medications are also available in extended-release forms, which provide more consistent symptom control throughout the day. It is also possible for your physician to prescribe other stimulant medications, including Guanfacine or atomoxetine. These nootropics have proven to increase memory and mental clarity. These are not meant to replace prescription ADHD medications.
4. Focalin
Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) is a stimulant medication that can be used to treat ADHD in children and adolescents as well as adults. It is typically taken in the morning with or without eating, at the same time throughout the day, to increase the effectiveness of the drug. Depending on the dosage prescribed, it can be used as an immediate-release or extended-release medication. Focalin is a man-made stimulant that is similar to methylphenidate but has fewer side negative effects. It doesn't contain harmful methylphenidate metabolites, as do other 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 symptoms of ADHD such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.
Although a lot of people are able to see ADHD medications can help ease their symptoms, it's important to speak with your doctor about how they are helping you or your child. Doctors often test a variety of medications and dosages to find the one that works best for each patient. They may also prescribe non-stimulant medications to improve attention span and reduce impulsive behaviors, too.
Never share your Focalin prescription with anyone, even those who suffers from ADHD. This can lead to serious and possibly fatal interactions with drugs. It is also not recommended to take Focalin XR while pregnant or breastfeeding as animal studies indicate that it could cause harm to the foetus. Focalin XR can cause adverse reactions that are more severe if you are taking alcohol, sedatives or any other illegal drugs.
5. Intuniv
Guanfacine, which is the main active ingredient in the drug Intuniv is an alpha 2adrenergic receptor agonist, which has been demonstrated to alleviate ADHD symptoms through activation of the prefrontal cortex. This can control impulsivity and also attention. It also treats other issues that are related to ADHD, such as emotional sensitivities and rejection sensitivity. Intuniv does not stimulate, so it doesn't have the same negative effects as stimulants such as Adderall. However, guanfacine has some serious risks including slow heart rate, low blood pressure and sedation. In addition, people who have depression or an addiction history might not be suitable candidates for this drug.
While stimulants are effective in helping treat ADHD symptoms but they can also be intoxicating and cause many side consequences. Intuniv is a non-stimulant drug that takes longer to take effect. However, it is less likely to trigger harmful side effects. Talk to your doctor regarding the best treatment option for you.
Intuniv is FDA approved to treat children ranging from six through 17 years old. However, it hasn't been studied for people younger than this age group or adults. It is not a controlled substance therefore there is no risk of abuse or dependence. Guanfacine, however become a habit-forming substance. It should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor or nurse practitioner.
Intuniv must be given regularly at the same time to keep a steady amount in the bloodstream. It is best to crush it in a plastic bag, or folded paper, placed between two spoons. Then it can be mixed with a small amount of soft food such as chocolate syrup or applesauce. Then, the entire dose must be swallowed by the child in order to stop it from being thrown out.