<a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.com/adult-adhd-medication">I Am Psychiatry</a> and Over the Counter ADHD Medication<br /><br />There are a variety of prescription ADHD medications that help improve the ability to focus, attention and impulsivity. The majority of these medications are in the methylphenidate and amphetamine drug categories. These include Adderall, Ritalin and Vyvanse. They can cause negative side effects like sleepiness and appetite loss.<br /><br />Strattera (atomoxetine) is a non-stimulant medication that can be helpful. It works by boosting norepinephrine, which is a chemical in the brain. A healthy diet, exercise and enough sleep are also vital.<br /><br />1. Methylphenidate<br /><br />Ritalin (also known as Methylphenidate) is one of the most frequently prescribed medications to treat ADHD in children and adolescents. This stimulant medication increases activity in brain areas that are involved in focusing. It has been used for over 50 years and many studies have found it to be effective.<br /><br />Methylphenidate works by blocking the reuptake of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine which increase their concentration in the neural synapse. It is a racemic mix, with the d'isomer having higher pharmacological activity. Methylphenidate is available in capsule, tablet, the ER (extended release) and oral disintegration forms. It is a Schedule II controlled drug with an extremely high danger of abuse and addiction.<br /><br />Studies have demonstrated that methylphenidate improves hyperactivity, hyperactivity and inattention in children with ADHD. However, methylphenidate can have some negative side effects like weight loss and sleep disturbances. These side effects, while not a major issue but can be a hassle for parents.<br /><br />Fortunately, these negative effects usually diminish as time passes. It is important to know that methylphenidate may increase blood pressure or heart rate in some people. This is the reason the methylphenidate drug is classified as a Schedule II controlled drug. It is not recommended to use methylphenidate during pregnancy because it could harm the unborn child and long-term effects on development in the breastfed infant.<br /><br />Methylphenidate usually is taken in the morning. It should be taken on an empty stomach, which is why it's recommended to avoid eating and drinks that will hinder its absorption. For extended-release tablets and capsules read the leaflet for directions on how to swallow them whole or to open them up and mix the contents with a small amount of soft food items like honey or yogurt and then swallow.<br /><br />2. Ritalin<br /><br />Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is a central nervous system stimulant that alters the chemical balance of the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity, attention deficit disorder and impulse control. The FDA has approved Ritalin to treat ADHD in children aged 6 or older, and also to treat adults suffering from narcolepsy. It can also be used off-label for the treatment of a variety of other ailments, including major depressive disorder as well as terminal cancer.<br /><br />The most commonly 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 improve concentration and increase motivation. They also play an important role in the fight or flight response. If used correctly stimulants can greatly reduce symptoms of ADHD.<br /><br />As with any medication, methylphenidate may cause adverse side effects. The loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping are the most frequent adverse effects. Some people experience jitteriness and mood swings. They might also experience stomachaches or headaches. These effects usually disappear after several weeks.<br /><br />Ritalin may be abused as stimulant, even though it is prescribed to treat ADHD. The abuse occurs when people take more than the prescribed dose or mix it with other stimulants. It can be dangerous when it is combined with alcohol or other drugs. Abuse also involves crushing or dissolving the tablets into an insoluble powder that is taken in a snort. It is possible to overdose on Ritalin.<br /><br />The FDA has approved a few non-stimulant ADHD medications. They are primarily norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. These drugs don't address the primary symptoms of ADHD, but they can be beneficial when combined with stimulants to lessen their negative effects. Medications like these are often effective when accompanied with therapy for behavior.<br /><br /><br /><br />3. Vyvanse<br /><br />Vyvanse is the brand name of Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, an amphetamine used to boost focus and attention among ADHD patients. This medication also helps to reduce the episodes of excessive eating that can be a sign of eating disorders such as binge-eating (BED). Vyvanse works on specific brain pathways to increase levels of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. It is typically used as part of a holistic treatment program for ADHD and BED. Vyvanse as with other stimulant drugs, can trigger negative side effects, like jitteriness and anxiety. These side effects usually diminish over time as your body adjusts to the medication. Consult your doctor if you experience any problems.<br /><br />To ensure that you receive the highest quality care, it's important to maintain regular appointments with your doctor. They will be able to track your improvement and make any necessary adjustments to your medication plan. They can also suggest alternative treatments to help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. These options include herbal supplements, dietary modifications and cognitive enhancement supplements. There is a lack of scientific evidence to support the efficacy of certain herbs and dietary supplementation as ADHD treatments. This includes the pycnogenol (an extract of the bark of the maritime pine).<br /><br />Ritalin, Adderall and other stimulant drugs like dextroamphetamine as well as methylphenidate are frequently used to treat ADHD. In addition, these drugs are available in extended-release versions, which provide more regular control of symptoms throughout the day. Your doctor may prescribe stimulant medication such as atomoxetine and guanfacine. These nootropics have been proven to boost memory and clarity. These are not meant to replace prescription ADHD medications.<br /><br />4. Focalin<br /><br />Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) is an stimulant drug that is used to treat ADHD in adolescents and children as well as adults. It is usually taken in the morning, with or without eating at the same time throughout the day, to increase the effectiveness of the medication. Based on the dosage recommended, it can be used as an immediate-release or extended release medication. Focalin is a man-made stimulant that is similar to methylphenidate however has fewer adverse effects. It also does not contain harmful isomers as do other methylphenidate medicines. Focalin increases the availability of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, by preventing their reuptake and promoting their release. This can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD including hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.<br /><br />Although many find ADHD medications can help ease their symptoms, it's crucial to talk to your doctor about how they are helping you or your child. Doctors frequently test different dosages and medications to figure the best one for each patient. They may prescribe non-stimulant medication to improve attention span and impulsive behaviors, too.<br /><br />Never ever share your Focalin prescription with anyone, not even someone with ADHD. This can cause serious and possibly fatal drug interactions. It is not recommended to take Focalin XR while pregnant or nursing as animal studies suggest that it may cause harm to a fetus. It is also important to avoid alcohol, sedatives, and other illegal substances while taking Focalin XR as they can increase the severity of its adverse effects.<br /><br />5. Intuniv<br /><br />Guanfacine, which is the main active ingredient in Intuniv is an alpha 2-adrenergic receptor agonist that has been shown to reduce ADHD symptoms by acting on the prefrontal cortex. This can control impulsivity and attention. It also addresses other impairments related to ADHD such as emotional sensitivity, rejection sensitivity, and hyperarousal by reducing levels of adrenaline back to normal. Intuniv is a non-stimulant so it doesn't suffer from the same adverse effects as stimulants such as Adderall. Guanfacine can cause serious side effects, like the effects of sedation, low blood pressure and slow heart rate. Additionally, those who have depression or an addiction history are not the best candidates for this drug.<br /><br />While stimulants are effective in helping combat ADHD symptoms however, they can become intoxicating and cause many side consequences. Intuniv, a non-stimulant medication is more time-consuming to use. However, it is less likely to have harmful side effects. Talk with your doctor to determine which treatment option is right for you.<br /><br />Intuniv has FDA approval to treat children ranging from six to seventeen years. However it hasn't been tested on adults or individuals who are younger than this age group. It is not a controlled substance, therefore it doesn't carry the same risk of dependency or abuse as stimulants. Guanfacine, however be a habit-forming drug. It is best to take it under the supervision of a doctor or nurse practitioner.<br /><br />Intuniv is recommended to be taken on a regular basis and simultaneously to ensure an adequate amount of drug in the bloodstream. It should be crushed between two spoons, inside the plastic bag, or in folded paper and mixed with a small amount of soft food items like applesauce, chocolate syrup, ice cream yogurt, or jelly. Then, the entire dose must be swallowed by the child in order to stop it from being thrown out.<br /><br />