Over The Counter ADHD Medication Tools To Help You Manage Your Everyday Life
ADHD Medication and Over the Counter ADHD Medication
There are several prescription ADHD medications that can help improve concentration, impulsivity and attention. Most fall into the amphetamine or methylphenidate classes. These include Adderall, Ritalin and Vyvanse. They can cause negative side effects like insomnia and loss of appetite.
A non-stimulant medication like Strattera (atomoxetine) could also be beneficial. It works by increasing norepinephrine, which is a chemical in the brain. Exercise, a healthy diet and adequate sleep are essential.
1. Methylphenidate
Ritalin (also also known as Methylphenidate) is one of the most frequently prescribed medications to treat ADHD in children and adolescents. The stimulant medication works by increasing activity in parts of the brain that are involved in attention. It has been in use for over 50 years, and numerous studies have demonstrated that it is effective.
Methylphenidate acts by blocking the reuptake of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine which increase their concentrations in the neural synapse. It is a racemic mixture, with the d'isomer having greater pharmacological activity. Methylphenidate is available in tablet, capsule extended release (ER) and oral disintegrating form. It is a Schedule II controlled drug with an extremely high chance of addiction and abuse.
Studies show that methylphenidate can improve impulsivity, inattention and hyperactivity in children with ADHD. However, methylphenidate does have some negative side effects, like eating disorders and trouble sleeping. These side effects are not generally serious, but they can be difficult for parents to handle.
Fortunately, these side effects typically subside as time passes. non stimulant adhd medication is important to be aware that methylphenidate can increase blood pressure or heart rate in a few people. This is the reason why the methylphenidate drug is classified as a Schedule II controlled drug. It is not recommended that methylphenidate is taken during pregnancy, because it could cause harm to an unborn child or long-term effects on the breastfed baby.
Methylphenidate usually is taken in the morning. It should be taken with an empty stomach, which is why it's best to avoid food and drinks that will affect the absorption of the drug. For extended-release capsules and tablets, check the leaflet for instructions on how to swallow the tablets whole or open them and mix the contents with some soft food items like honey or yogurt, and then take them in.
2. Ritalin
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is a central nervous system stimulant that affects the chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity and impulse control. The FDA has approved Ritalin to treat ADHD in children aged 6 or older, as well as to treat adults suffering from Narcolepsy. It is also used off-label to treat a variety of other disorders that include major depressive disorder and terminal cancer.
The most frequently prescribed medication prescribed by healthcare professionals to treat ADHD is stimulants. They function by increasing the levels of brain chemicals, including 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 greatly reduce symptoms of ADHD.
Like all medications, methylphenidate can cause adverse effects. The loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping are the most frequent adverse effects. People may experience jitteriness and mood swings. They may also have stomachaches or headaches. These effects usually disappear after a few weeks.
Ritalin may be abused as a stimulant, even though it is prescribed to treat ADHD. The abuse occurs when people take more than the prescribed dose, or combine it with other stimulants. It could be risky to mix it with alcohol or other drugs. The abuse can also involve crushing or dissolving tablets to form powder, which is then consumed. Overdosing on Ritalin is a possibility.
The FDA has approved a few nonstimulant ADHD drugs. They are primarily norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. These drugs don't address the primary symptoms of ADHD however they can be useful when used in conjunction with stimulants to lessen their side effects. These types of medications are usually efficient when they are accompanied by behavioral therapy.
3. Vyvanse
Vyvanse is the brand name for Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, an amphetamine that improves focus and attention in ADHD patients. It also helps to reduce the effects of eating too much that are associated with eating disorders that cause binge eating (BED). Vyvanse works on specific brain pathways to raise the levels of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. It is often used as part of a holistic treatment plan for ADHD and BED. Vyvanse as with other stimulant medications can cause side effects, such as jitteriness and anxiety. These effects tend to diminish with time as the body adjusts to the medication. If they are persistent, talk to your prescriber about them.
To ensure you receive the highest quality care, it's important to keep regular visits with your physician. They can track your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. They may also suggest alternative treatments to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. These options include herbal supplements, dietary changes and cognitive enhancement supplements. However, some herbs and dietary supplements have not been studied in depth to prove their effectiveness as ADHD treatments. This includes pycnogenol (an extract of maritime pine bark).
Ritalin, Adderall and other stimulant drugs like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate are also commonly used to treat ADHD. These medications are also available in extended-release versions which offer more consistent symptoms control throughout the day. It is also possible for your doctor to prescribe different types of stimulant medications, including atomoxetine or guanfacine. These nootropics have proven to improve memory and mental clarity. However, they aren't meant to replace the need for prescription ADHD medications.
4. Focalin
Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) is an stimulant drug that can be used to treat ADHD in children and adolescents as well as adults. It is usually taken without or with food, in the morning, and at the same time every day to increase the effectiveness of the medication. It can be used as an extended-release or immediate-release medication, depending on the dosage prescribed by your physician. Focalin is a synthetic stimulant that is similar to methylphenidate however has fewer side negative effects. It is not contaminated with harmful methylphenidate metabolites, as do other medications. Focalin is a drug that increases the availability of two monoamines within the brain, norepinephrine and dopamine by promoting their release from neurons and blocking their reuptake. This reduces the symptoms of ADHD like inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Although many find ADHD medicines help reduce their symptoms, it's important to talk to your doctor about the ways they can help you or your child. It's not uncommon for doctors to try various dosages and medicines to find the best one that fits each individual patient. They can prescribe non-stimulant medication to help improve attention span and impulsive behaviors as well.
You must always adhere to the doctor's recommendations and never share your Focalin XR prescription with anyone else, even an individual who suffers from ADHD. This can cause serious and potentially fatal drug interactions. It is not recommended to take Focalin XR while pregnant or breastfeeding as animal studies indicate that it can cause harm to the pregnant fetus. Focalin XR could cause adverse effects that are more severe if you take alcohol, sedatives or any other illegal substances.
5. Intuniv
Guanfacine is the primary active ingredient in the drug Intuniv is an alpha 2-adrenergic agonist that has been shown to reduce ADHD symptoms through activation of the prefrontal cortex. This helps to control the impulsivity and focus. It also treats other disorders related to ADHD like emotional sensitiveness, rejection sensitivity and hyperarousal by reducing adrenaline levels to normal. Intuniv isn't a stimulant the brain, therefore it doesn't have the same negative effects as stimulants such as Adderall. Guanfacine can cause serious side effects, such as the effects of sedation, low blood pressure and slow heart rate. Additionally, those who have depression or a history of substance abuse might not be suitable candidates for this medication.
While stimulants are effective in helping treat ADHD symptoms, they can be habit-forming and have many side consequences. Non-stimulant drugs such as Intuniv take longer to work but are less likely to cause negative side effects. Talk with your doctor to determine which treatment option is right for you.
Intuniv has FDA approval for treating children ranging from six to seventeen years old. However it hasn't yet been studied on adults or individuals younger than these age groups. It is not a controlled drug, so there is no risk of abuse or dependence. Guanfacine, however, can be a habit-forming drug. It should only be used under the supervision of a doctor or a nurse practitioner.
Intuniv must be given regularly at the same time to keep an even 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 quantity of soft food, such as chocolate syrup or applesauce. Then, the entire dose must be taken in by the child to prevent it from being spit out.