ADHD Medication and Over the Counter ADHD Medication There are several prescription ADHD medication that aid in improving concentration, impulsivity and attention. Most fall into the amphetamine or methylphenidate classes. Adderall Ritalin and Vyvanse are some of the most common. They can have negative side effects like loss of appetite and insomnia. A non-stimulant drug like Strattera (atomoxetine) could be beneficial. It works by boosting norepinephrine, a brain chemical. A healthy diet, exercise and adequate sleep are important too. 1. Methylphenidate Ritalin (also called Methylphenidate) is among the most frequently prescribed medications to treat ADHD in children and adolescents. This stimulant medication increases activity in brain areas that are involved in attention. It has been used for over 50 years, and numerous studies have shown that it works. Methylphenidate is effective in blocking the reuptake neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. This increases the amount of these neurotransmitters in the neural synapses. It is a racemic mixture with the d-isomer being more active pharmacologically. Methylphenidate comes in capsule, tablet, ER (extended release) and orally disintegrating forms. It is a Schedule II controlled drug with an extremely high danger of abuse and addiction. Studies show that methylphenidate can improve impulsivity, inattention and hyperactivity in children with ADHD. However, methylphenidate may cause some negative side effects like the loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. These side effects aren't usually serious but can be difficult for parents to deal with. Fortunately, these adverse effects tend to diminish with time. It is important to know that methylphenidate may increase blood pressure or heart rate in certain people. over the counter adhd medication is the reason why methylphenidate is listed as a Schedule II controlled drug. It is not recommended that methylphenidate is consumed during pregnancy, because it could cause harm to a unborn child, or have long-term consequences on the infant who is breastfed. Methylphenidate is usually taken in the morning. It is best taken on an empty stomach, and it is best to avoid food and drinks that can 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 need to open them and mix them with a bit of soft food like yogurt or honey. 2. Ritalin Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is a central nervous system stimulant that affects the chemicals in the brain and nerves that are responsible for hyperactivity, attention deficit disorder and impulse control. The FDA has approved Ritalin to treat ADHD in children aged 6 years and older, and to treat adults suffering from narcolepsy. Off-label, it's used to treat major depressive disorder and terminal cancer as well as other disorders. The most commonly prescribed medication used by healthcare providers to treat ADHD is stimulants. They function by increasing levels of certain brain chemicals known as norepinephrine and dopamine. These neurotransmitters help improve concentration and increase motivation. They also play a crucial role in the fight or flight response. When used correctly stimulants can help reduce ADHD symptoms. Like all medications, methylphenidate may have side effects. The most commonly reported are a loss of appetite and trouble sleeping. Some people experience jitteriness or mood swings. They may also have stomachaches or headaches. These symptoms typically disappear after a few weeks. Ritalin can be misused as stimulant, despite the fact that it is prescribed to treat ADHD. Abuse occurs when people take more than the prescribed dosage or mix it with other stimulants. It could be risky when it is combined with alcohol or other drugs. Abuse can also involve crushing or dissolving tablets into a powder, which is then snorted. Dosing too much on Ritalin can be a possibility. There are some 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 primary symptoms of ADHD, but they can be useful when combined with stimulants to decrease their side effects. These types of medications are usually effective when accompanied with behavioral therapy. 3. Vyvanse Vyvanse is the brand name for lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, an amphetamine that enhances focus and attention in ADHD patients. This medication also curbs episodes of eating too much that are associated with binge-eating disorders (BED). Vyvanse is a drug that works on specific brain pathways to increase levels of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. It is prescribed as part of the holistic treatment plan for ADHD and BED. Vyvanse as with other stimulant drugs, can trigger side effects, such as jitteriness and anxiety. These effects typically diminish as the body adjusts to the medication. If they are persistent, talk to your prescriber about them. To ensure that you receive the best possible care, it's important to keep regular appointments with your doctor. They can monitor your progress and make adjustments to your treatment plan. They may also recommend alternative treatments to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. These include herbal supplements and diet changes. However, a few supplements and herbs are not backed by scientific research to support their effectiveness as ADHD treatments. This includes the pycnogenol (an extract from the bark of the maritime pine). Other commonly used stimulant medications to treat ADHD include methylphenidate forms and dextroamphetamine, such as Ritalin and Adderall. In addition, these drugs are available as extended-release versions that provide consistent symptoms control throughout the day. It is also possible for your doctor to prescribe other stimulant medications, such as Guanfacine or atomoxetine. These medications are known as nootropics and have been shown to increase mental clarity and memory retention. However, they aren't intended to replace the need for prescription ADHD medication. 4. Focalin Focalin is a stimulant medication used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. It is typically taken without or with food, in the morning, and at the same time each day to increase the effectiveness of the medication. Depending on the dosage prescribed it is taken either as an immediate-release or extended-release drug. Focalin is a stimulant produced by man, is similar to methylphenidate. However it is not as a result of 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 promoting their release. This reduces the symptoms of ADHD like hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. Although many are able to see ADHD medications can help ease their symptoms, it's important to talk to your doctor about how they are helping you or your child. It's not unusual for doctors to test several different medicines and doses to determine the most effective one for each patient. They can prescribe non-stimulant medication to improve attention span and reduce impulsive behaviors, too. You must always adhere to the doctor's recommendations and never give your Focalin XR prescription with anyone else, including another person who suffers from ADHD. This can cause serious and potentially fatal drug interactions. It is also not recommended to take Focalin XR while pregnant or breastfeeding as animal studies indicate that it could cause harm to a pregnant fetus. Focalin XR may cause adverse effects that are more severe if you are taking alcohol, sedatives or any other illegal substances. 5. Intuniv Guanfacine is the principal active ingredient in Intuniv, is an alpha 2-adrenergic agonist that has been shown to improve ADHD symptoms through activation of the prefrontal cortex. This can control impulsivity and also the ability to pay attention. It also addresses other issues that are related to ADHD like emotional sensitivity and rejection sensitivity. Intuniv is not a stimulant, so it does not have the same side effects as stimulants like Adderall. Guanfacine, however, has some serious risks including slow heart rate, blood pressure that is low, and the effects of sedation. People suffering from depression or with an addiction history are not good candidates for the medication. While stimulants are effective in treating ADHD symptoms however, they can trigger dependence and adverse effects. Non-stimulant drugs like Intuniv take longer to work but are less likely to trigger negative adverse effects. Talk with your doctor about which type of treatment is right for you. Intuniv has FDA approval for treating children ranging from six to seventeen years. However, it has not yet been tested on adults or people older than these age groups. It is not a controlled substance, therefore it doesn't carry the same risk for dependency or abuse as stimulants. However, guanfacine is habit-forming and should only be taken under the supervision of a physician or nurse practitioner. Intuniv is required to be administered frequently at the same time to ensure an even amount in the bloodstream. It should be crushed between 2 spoons, inside an plastic bag, or in folded paper and mixed with some soft food like applesauce, chocolate syrup, ice cream yogurt, or jelly. The child must then swallow the entire amount to avoid it from being spit out.
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