ADHD Medication and Over the Counter ADHD Medication There are several prescription ADHD medications that help improve attention, focus and impulsivity. The majority of these drugs belong to the methylphenidate or amphetamine drug categories. Adderall Ritalin and Vyvanse are a few of the most popular. Some of the side effects include sleepiness and a loss of appetite. Strattera (atomoxetine) is an unstimulant medication that could be helpful. It works by increasing norepinephrine which is a brain chemical. Exercise, a healthy diet and enough sleep are also important. 1. Methylphenidate Ritalin (also called Methylphenidate) is one of the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD in adolescents and children. 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 many studies have proven that it works. Methylphenidate is effective in blocking the neurotransmitters that reuptake norepinephrine and dopamine. This increases the concentration of these neurotransmitters in the neural synapses. It is a racemic mix, with the d'isomer having a greater pharmacological activity. Methylphenidate is available in tablet, capsule, the ER (extended release), and orally disintegrating forms. It is a Schedule II controlled substance with the potential for addiction and abuse. Studies have shown that methylphenidate could increase impulsivity, inattention and hyperactivity among children with ADHD. However, methylphenidate has certain side effects, such as loss of appetite and trouble sleeping. These side effects, while not severe but can be a hassle for parents. Fortunately, these adverse effects typically subside with time. It is important to be aware that methylphenidate can increase blood pressure or heart rate in certain people. This is the reason methylphenidate is listed as a Schedule II controlled drug. It is not recommended to use methylphenidate during pregnancy because it could cause harm to the unborn baby as well as long-term developmental effects on the infant who is breastfed. Methylphenidate is usually taken in the morning. It is advised to avoid drinking and eating foods that may interfere with the absorption of the drug. For extended-release tablets and capsules, look up the leaflet to find instructions on how to take them whole, or open them and mix the contents with a small amount of soft food such as honey or yogurt and then take them in. 2. Ritalin Methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin, is a centrally-controlled system stimulant. It affects the chemical and nerves in the brain, which cause attention deficit disorder (ADD) hyperactivity, ADD and insufficient impulse control. The FDA has approved Ritalin to treat ADHD in children aged 6 years or older, as well as to treat adults suffering from Narcolepsy. Off-label, it is used to treat major depression disorder, terminal cancer and other disorders. Stimulants are the most common type of prescription medication that healthcare professionals use to treat ADHD. They work by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. These neurotransmitters improve concentration and boost motivation. They also play a crucial role in the fight or flight response. When used properly, stimulants can significantly reduce symptoms of ADHD. Like any other medication, methylphenidate may have negative side effects. Loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping are the most frequent side effects. People may experience jitteriness and mood swings. They may also have stomachaches or headaches. These effects usually disappear after several weeks. Ritalin can be misused to stimulate the mind even though it's prescribed for ADHD. The abuse occurs when people take more than the prescribed dose or mix it with other stimulants. Using it with other drugs or alcohol is particularly dangerous. It also involves crushing or dissolving tablets to create an insoluble powder that is taken in a snort. Dosing too much on Ritalin is a possibility. The FDA has approved a few non-stimulant ADHD medications. They are primarily norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. These drugs do not address the core symptoms, but can be beneficial when combined with stimulants to reduce the effects of their side effects. how does medication for adhd work like these are often effective when accompanied with therapy for behavior. 3. Vyvanse Vyvanse is the brand name of Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, an amphetamine that enhances focus and attention in ADHD patients. This medication also helps to reduce the instances of eating disorders that accompany binge-eating disorder (BED). Vyvanse affects specific brain pathways to increase the levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. It is usually prescribed as a part of a holistic treatment plan for ADHD and BED. Like other stimulant medications, Vyvanse can trigger adverse effects like anxiety, jitteriness and anxiety. These side effects usually diminish as your body adjusts to the medication. Speak to your prescribing doctor if they continue to bother you. It is essential to keep up with regular visits to your doctor to ensure that you are receiving the best treatment. They can monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. They may also recommend alternative treatments to help ease the symptoms of ADHD. These may include herbal supplements and changes to your diet. However, certain herbs and dietary supplements have not been studied in depth to prove their effectiveness as ADHD treatments. This includes the pycnogenol (an extract of maritime pine bark). Other popular stimulant medicines used to treat ADHD include methylphenidate-based forms and dextroamphetamine. These include Ritalin and Adderall. These medications are also available in extended-release forms, that provide more consistent symptom control throughout the day. It is also possible for your doctor to prescribe other types of stimulant medications, including Guanfacine or atomoxetine. These nootropics have proven to boost memory and clarity. They are not intended to replace prescription ADHD medications. 4. Focalin Focalin is a stimulant medicine used to treat ADHD for children and adults. It is usually taken in the morning, with or without eating at the same time each day to increase the effectiveness of the drug. It can be used as an immediate-release or extended-release medication, depending on the dosage recommended by your physician. Focalin is a stimulant produced by man, is similar to methylphenidate. However, it has fewer side-effects. It is not contaminated with harmful methylphenidate isomers, like other drugs. Focalin increases the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain by preventing their reuptake and encouraging their release. This helps reduce symptoms of ADHD such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. It is important to discuss with your healthcare professional what ADHD medicines are helping you or if they are helping your child. Doctors often test a variety of dosages and medications to figure the best one for each patient. They can prescribe non-stimulant drugs to improve attention span and reduce impulsive behaviors, too. Don't divulge your Focalin prescription with anyone, not even a person with ADHD. This could result in serious and possibly fatal drug interactions. Focalin XR is not recommended for use by women who are pregnant or nursing due to animal studies that have proven that it could harm the foetus. Focalin XR can cause adverse effects that are more severe if you take alcohol, sedatives or other illegal drugs. 5. Intuniv Guanfacine is the main active ingredient in Intuniv is an alpha 2adrenergic receptor agonist, which has been demonstrated to reduce ADHD symptoms by acting on the prefrontal cortex. This helps control impulsivity, and also attention. It also treats other issues associated with ADHD like emotional sensitization, rejection sensitivity and hyperarousal by reducing levels of adrenaline back to normal. Intuniv does not cause stimulation, so it doesn't have the same negative effects like stimulants such as Adderall. However, guanfacine has some serious risks including slow heart rate, blood pressure that is low, and sedation. People with depression or an addiction history are not a good candidate for the drug. While stimulants are effective in treating ADHD symptoms but they can also cause addiction and side effects. Intuniv, a non-stimulant medication is more time-consuming to use. However it is less likely to trigger adverse side effects. Talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment for you. Intuniv has FDA approval to treat children ranging from between six and seventeen years old. However it hasn't yet been studied on adults or people younger than these age groups. It is not a controlled drug, so there is no chance of dependence or abuse. Guanfacine, however become a habit-forming substance. It should only be used under the supervision of a doctor or nurse practitioner. Intuniv must be given regularly at the same time to keep a constant amount of it in the bloodstream. It must be crushed between two spoons, placed in a plastic bag, or inside folded paper and mixed with small amounts of soft food like applesauce, chocolate syrup, ice cream jelly, or yogurt. The child is then required to swallow the entire amount to stop it from being spit out.
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