ADHD Medication and Over the Counter ADHD Medication
There are many prescription ADHD medications that help improve focus, attention and impulsivity. Most of these drugs fall into the methylphenidate and amphetamine drug classes. Adderall Ritalin, and Vyvanse are among the most common. They can have negative side effects like loss of appetite and insomnia.
A non-stimulant medication like Strattera (atomoxetine), can also be beneficial. It helps by increasing the brain chemical norepinephrine. A healthy diet, exercise and adequate sleep are important too.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate also referred to as Ritalin is among the most commonly used medications to treat ADHD in children and adolescents. This stimulant medication is effective by increasing activity in areas of the brain that are involved in the process of focusing. It has been in use for over 50 years, and numerous studies have demonstrated that it is effective.
Methylphenidate is a drug that blocks the reuptake process of neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine, which increases their concentration in the neuronal synapse. It is a racemic combination with the d-isomer being more active pharmacologically. Methylphenidate can be found in capsule, tablet, ER (extended release) and oral disintegration forms. It is a Schedule II controlled drug with an extremely high danger of abuse and addiction.
Studies show that methylphenidate can improve inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity in children with ADHD. However, methylphenidate may cause some negative side effects like the loss of appetite and sleep disturbances. These side effects, while not a major issue however, can be difficult to deal with for parents.
Fortunately, these side effects usually diminish over time. It is also important to remember that methylphenidate can increase blood pressure and heart rate in some people and that's why it is a Schedule II controlled substance. It is not recommended that methylphenidate be consumed during pregnancy, because it could cause harm to a unborn child or long-term effects on the breastfed baby.
Methylphenidate should be taken in the morning. It is best taken with an empty stomach, and it is recommended to avoid eating and drinks that could affect the absorption of the drug. For extended-release tablets and capsules read the leaflet for directions on how to swallow them whole, or open them and mix the contents with a small amount of soft food items like honey or yogurt and then swallow.
2. Ritalin
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is a stimulant for the central nervous system 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 years or older, and also to treat adults suffering from narcolepsy. It is also used off-label to treat a variety of other conditions such as major depressive disorder as well as terminal cancer.
Stimulants are the most common type of prescription medication that healthcare providers utilize to treat ADHD. They work by increasing levels of certain brain chemicals known as dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters aid in improving concentration and boost motivation. They also play a significant role in the fight or flight response. When used correctly stimulants can help reduce ADHD symptoms.
Like any other medication, methylphenidate can have adverse effects. The most commonly reported are loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. adhd medication list have mood swings, jitteriness as well as stomachaches and headaches. These symptoms typically disappear after a few weeks.
Ritalin is a drug that can be used to stimulate the mind, even when it's prescribed for ADHD. The abuse occurs when people take more than the prescribed dosage or mix it with other stimulants. Using it with other drugs or alcohol is particularly hazardous. Abuse can also involve crushing or dissolving tablets to create a powder, which is then taken in a snort. It is possible to overdose on Ritalin.
There are a few non-stimulant ADHD medications 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, but can be beneficial when combined with stimulants to reduce the adverse effects. These medications are typically effective if used in conjunction with behavioral therapy.
3. Vyvanse
Vyvanse is the brand name of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, an amphetamine that enhances focus and attention in ADHD patients. This medication also curbs the episodes of excessive eating that accompany eating disorders such as binge-eating (BED). Vyvanse affects specific brain pathways to increase levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. It is usually prescribed as part of a holistic treatment plan for ADHD and BED. Like other stimulant drugs, Vyvanse can trigger adverse effects like jitteriness, loss of appetite, and anxiety. These effects tend to diminish with time as the body adjusts to the medication. Speak to your prescribing doctor if they continue to bother you.
It is vital to keep track of regular visits with your doctor to ensure you are receiving the best treatment. They will monitor your progress and make adjustments to your treatment plan. They may also recommend alternative treatments to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. These may include herbal supplements, dietary changes, and cognitive enhancement supplements. There isn't enough scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of certain supplements to diet and herbs as ADHD treatments. These include pycnogenol, an extract from maritime pine bark.
Ritalin, Adderall and other stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine as well as methylphenidate are frequently used to treat ADHD. These medications are also available in extended-release forms, which provide more consistent symptom control throughout the day. Your doctor may prescribe stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and guanfacine. These are referred to as nootropics and have been proven to improve memory retention and mental clarity. However, they are not meant to substitute for prescription ADHD medication.
4. Focalin
Focalin is a stimulant drug used to treat ADHD in both children and adults. It is typically taken in the morning, with or without food at the same time each day, to increase the effectiveness of the medication. It can be taken as an immediate-release or extended-release medication, based on the dosage recommended by your doctor. Focalin is a stimulant created by man, is comparable to methylphenidate. However, it has fewer side-effects. It does not contain harmful methylphenidate metabolites, as do other medications. Focalin increases the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, by preventing their reuptake and encouraging their release. This can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD, such as hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention.
Although many are able to see ADHD medicines help reduce their symptoms, it's crucial to talk with your doctor about how they are helping you or your child. It's not unusual for doctors to test various doses and medications to determine the most effective one that fits each individual patient. They can also prescribe non-stimulant medications to boost the ability to focus and control impulsive behavior.
You should always follow your doctor's instructions carefully and do not give your Focalin XR prescription with anyone else, not even someone else who suffers from ADHD. This could lead to dangerous and potentially fatal drug interactions. It is not recommended to take Focalin XR while pregnant or breastfeeding since animal studies suggest that it may cause harm to a foetus. Focalin XR could cause side effects that are more severe when you are taking alcohol, sedatives, or other illegal substances.
5. Intuniv
Guanfacine is the primary active ingredient in Intuniv, is an alpha 2-adrenergic receptor agonist, which has been demonstrated to alleviate ADHD symptoms by acting on the prefrontal cortex. This helps control impulsivity, and attention. It also treats other issues that are related to ADHD like emotional sensitivity and rejection sensitivity. Intuniv is a non-stimulant, so it doesn't suffer from the same side effects as stimulants such as Adderall. Guanfacine can cause serious side effects, including sedation, low blood pressure and a slower heart rate. People suffering from depression or with the history of addiction are not good candidates for the medication.
While stimulants are effective in helping combat ADHD symptoms but they can also be intoxicating and cause many negative side effects. Intuniv, a non-stimulant medication takes longer to take effect. However, it is less likely to cause adverse side effects. Talk with your doctor to determine what type of treatment is the best for you.
Intuniv has FDA approval for treating children ranging from six to seventeen years. However it hasn't been tested on adults or individuals older than these age groups. It is not a controlled substance, so it does not have the same danger of dependency or abuse as stimulants. However, guanfacine is addictive and should be taken under the supervision of a nurse or doctor practitioner.

adhd no medication must be taken frequently and at the same time in order to maintain an even amount of the drug in the bloodstream. It must be crushed in a plastic bag or folded paper, and placed between two spoons. Then it can be mixed with a small amount of soft food like applesauce or chocolate syrup. Then, the entire dose must be taken in by the child to prevent it from being spit out.