ADHD Medication and Over the Counter ADHD Medication
There are several prescription ADHD medication that aid in improving attention, focus and impulsivity. Most fall under the amphetamine or methylphenidate drug classes. Adderall Ritalin, and Vyvanse are among the most popular. They can cause adverse effects, such as sleepiness and appetite loss.
A non-stimulant medicine like Strattera (atomoxetine), can also be beneficial. It helps by increasing the brain chemical norepinephrine. A healthy diet, exercise routine and adequate sleep are important too.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, commonly known as Ritalin, is one of the most well-known medications used to treat ADHD in adolescents and children. This stimulant medication enhances the activity in brain regions that are involved in attention. It has been used for over 50 years and many studies have found it to be effective.
Methylphenidate works by blocking the reuptake of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine which increases their concentration in the neuronal synapse. uk adhd medication is a racemic mix with the d'isomer exhibiting a greater pharmacological effect. Methylphenidate comes in tablet, capsule extended release (ER) and orally disintegrating form. adhd uk medication is a Schedule II controlled drug with the highest risk of abuse and addiction.
Research has shown that methylphenidate can improve hyperactivity, hyperactivity and inattention for children with ADHD. However, methylphenidate may cause certain side effects, such as loss of appetite and trouble sleeping. These side effects, although not a major issue but can be a hassle for parents.
Fortunately, most of these adverse effects will diminish over time. It is important to be aware that methylphenidate could increase blood pressure or heart rate in a few people. This is the reason it is classified as a Schedule II controlled drug. It is not recommended to take methylphenidate while pregnant as it could harm the unborn baby and long-term developmental effects on the breastfed infant.
Methylphenidate can be taken in the morning. It is advised to avoid foods and drinks that could affect its absorption. For extended-release capsules and tablets, read the leaflet for directions on how to take them whole, or open them up and mix the contents with some soft food such as yogurt or honey and then take them in.
2. Ritalin
Methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin, is a centrally controlled stimulant. It affects chemicals and nerves in the brain, which cause attention deficit disorder (ADD), hyperactivity and poor impulse control. Ritalin is approved by the FDA to treat ADHD and the narcolepsy of children and adults aged 6 and over. Off-label, it's used to treat major depressive disorder, terminal cancer and other conditions.
The most frequently prescribed medication used by healthcare providers to treat ADHD is stimulants. They work by increasing the levels of certain brain chemicals called dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters enhance concentration and boost motivation. They also play an important role in the fight or flight response. If used correctly stimulants can greatly reduce symptoms of ADHD.
As with all medications methylphenidate could cause adverse effects. Loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping are the most common adverse effects. There are also people who experience jitteriness, mood swings as well as stomachaches and headaches. These symptoms usually disappear after a few days.
Ritalin is often misused as stimulant, even though 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 in conjunction with other stimulants. It can be dangerous to mix it with alcohol or other narcotics. Abuse also involves crushing or dissolving the tablets to produce the powder which is later taken in a snort. It is possible to overdose on Ritalin.
There are a few non-stimulant ADHD drugs that the FDA has approved. They are primarily norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. These medications do not treat the core symptoms, but can be helpful when coupled with stimulants to decrease their adverse effects. These medications are typically effective if used in conjunction with behavioral therapy.
3. Vyvanse
Vyvanse, the brand name used for Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate is an amphetamine used to increase focus and attention among ADHD patients. This medication also helps to reduce the symptoms of eating disorder that accompany binge-eating disorder (BED). Vyvanse works on specific brain pathways to increase levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. It is usually prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for ADHD and BED. Vyvanse, like other stimulant drugs, can trigger negative side effects, like anxiety and jitteriness. These effects tend to diminish as the body adjusts to the medication. If they persist, speak with your doctor about them.
It is crucial to keep up with regular visits to your doctor to ensure you receive the best treatment. They can monitor your progress and make adjustments to your treatment plan. They might also suggest alternative treatments to ease the symptoms of ADHD. These may include herbal supplements and dietary changes. However, certain herbal supplements and dietary supplements are not backed by scientific research to prove their effectiveness as ADHD treatments. This includes pycnogenol (an extract from maritime pine bark).
Other commonly used stimulant medications to treat ADHD include methylphenidate-based forms and dextroamphetamine. These include Ritalin and Adderall. In addition, these drugs are available in extended-release versions, which provide more consistent symptoms control throughout the day. Your doctor can prescribe stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or guanfacine. These medications are known as nootropics and have been proven to improve memory retention and mental clarity. However, they aren't meant to substitute for prescription ADHD medications.
4. Focalin
Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) is an anti-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 every day, to increase the effectiveness of the drug. It is available as an immediate-release or extended-release medication, depending on the dosage prescribed by your doctor. Focalin, a stimulant made by man, is comparable to methylphenidate. However it is not as a result of side effects. It doesn't contain harmful methylphenidate isomers like other medications. Focalin increases the availability of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, by preventing their reuptake and encouraging their release. This helps to reduce symptoms of ADHD like hyperactivity, impulsivity, as well as inattention.
Although many find ADHD medicines help reduce their symptoms, it's crucial to talk to your doctor about the ways they can help you or your child. It's not uncommon for doctors to try various doses and medications to find the best one that fits each individual patient. They may prescribe non-stimulant medication to improve attention span and reduce impulsive behaviors, too.
You must always follow your doctor's instructions carefully and not give your Focalin XR prescription with anyone else, including an individual with ADHD. This could lead to serious and potentially fatal drug interactions. It is also not recommended to take Focalin XR while pregnant or breastfeeding since animal studies suggest that it can cause harm to a fetus. Focalin XR could cause side effects that are more severe if you are taking alcohol, sedatives or any other illegal drugs.
5. Intuniv
Guanfacine is the principal active ingredient in Intuniv, is an alpha 2-adrenergic agonist, which has been demonstrated to improve ADHD symptoms through activation of the prefrontal cortex. This can help control impulsivity and attention. It also treats other impairments that are associated with ADHD, such as emotional sensitivity and rejection sensitivity. Intuniv isn't a stimulant, so it doesn't have the same negative effects similar to stimulants like Adderall. However, guanfacine has some serious dangers, such as a slow heart rate, blood pressure that is low, and the effects of sedation. Additionally, those who suffer from depression or an history of addiction may not be good candidates for this drug.
While stimulants work fast to combat ADHD symptoms but they can also be intoxicating and cause many adverse negative effects. Intuniv is a non-stimulant medicine that takes longer to take effect. However, it is less likely to have negative side effects. Consult your physician regarding the best treatment option for you.
Intuniv has FDA approval to treat children aged six to seventeen years old. However it hasn't been studied on adults or people older than these age groups. It is not a controlled substance, which means it is not at risk of the same risk for dependence or abuse as stimulants. However, guanfacine is addictive and should only be used under the care of a physician or nurse practitioner.
Intuniv is recommended to be taken on a regular basis and simultaneously in order to maintain an even amount of the drug in the bloodstream. It should be crushed between two spoons, inside a plastic bag, or on folded paper and mixed with a small amount of soft food such as applesauce chocolate syrup, ice cream, jelly, or yogurt. The child is then required to swallow the entire dose to prevent it from being spit out.