ADHD Medication and Over the Counter ADHD Medication<br /><br />There are many prescription ADHD drugs available to help improve focus, attention and impulsivity. Most of these drugs belong to the methylphenidate or amphetamine drug classes. These include Adderall, Ritalin and Vyvanse. Some of the adverse effects include sleepiness and a loss of appetite.<br /><br />A non-stimulant medicine, such as Strattera (atomoxetine), can also be beneficial. It works by increasing norepinephrine which is a brain chemical. A healthy diet, exercise and enough sleep are also important.<br /><br />1. Methylphenidate<br /><br />Ritalin (also called Methylphenidate) is one of the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD in children and adolescents. This stimulant medication is effective by increasing activity in the parts of the brain involved in the process of focusing. It has been in use for over 50 years and a number of studies have shown that it is effective.<br /><br />Methylphenidate is effective in blocking the reuptake neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, which increases the concentration of these neurotransmitters within the neural synapses. It is a racemic mix, with the d'isomer having a greater pharmacological effect. Methylphenidate comes in capsule, tablet, ER (extended release) and orally disintegrating forms. It is a Schedule II controlled substance with an increased risk of abuse and addiction.<br /><br />Studies have shown that methylphenidate could improve inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity among children with ADHD. However, methylphenidate does have some side effects, including loss of appetite and trouble sleeping. These side effects aren't typically serious, but they can be difficult for parents to manage.<br /><br />Fortunately, these negative effects usually diminish as time passes. It is important to note that methylphenidate may 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 to use methylphenidate during pregnancy because it could harm the unborn child and long-term developmental effects in the breastfed infant.<br /><br />Methylphenidate should be taken in the morning. It is best taken with a full stomach, and it is best to avoid food and drinks that can hinder its absorption. Check the leaflet to see whether you are able to swallow the extended-release tablets or capsules whole, or if you need to open them and mix them with a small amount of soft food, such as yogurt or honey.<br /><br />2. Ritalin<br /><br />Methylphenidate also referred to as Ritalin is a centrally controlled stimulant. It affects the chemical and nerves in the brain that cause attention deficit disorder (ADD), hyperactivity and a lack of impulse control. The FDA has approved Ritalin to treat ADHD in children aged 6 or older, and also to treat adults with Narcolepsy. It is also prescribed off-label to treat a variety of other ailments such as major depressive disorder and cancer.<br /><br />The most common prescription medication used by healthcare providers to treat ADHD is stimulants. They function by increasing the levels of certain brain chemicals known as dopamine, and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters help improve concentration and boost motivation. They also play an important role in the fight-or-flight response. If used properly, stimulants can reduce ADHD symptoms.<br /><br />Like all medications, methylphenidate can have negative side effects. Insomnia and difficulty sleeping are the most frequent side effects. Some people also experience jitteriness, mood swings stomachaches, headaches and mood swings. These symptoms typically disappear after a few days.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.com/adult-adhd-medication">see this website</a> can be abused to stimulate the mind, even although it's prescribed to treat ADHD. Abuse is most likely when people take more than the recommended dosage or mix the drug along with other stimulants. It is risky to combine it with alcohol or other drugs. The abuse can also involve crushing or dissolving tablets to form the powder that is then taken in a snort. The overdose of Ritalin is a possibility.<br /><br />The FDA has approved a handful of non-stimulant ADHD medications. 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 used in conjunction with stimulants to lessen their negative effects. These types of medications are usually effective when accompanied by therapy for behavior.<br /><br />3. Vyvanse<br /><br />Vyvanse is the brand name used for Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate is an amphetamine which is used to improve attention and focus among ADHD patients. This medication also curbs the episodes of excessive eating that can be a sign of eating disorders such as binge-eating (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 comprehensive treatment plan for ADHD and BED. Like other stimulant drugs, Vyvanse can cause negative side effects, such as nausea, jitteriness and anxiety. These effects typically diminish as the body adjusts to the medication. If they are persistent, talk with your doctor about them.<br /><br />To ensure that you receive the best possible care, it's important to maintain regular visits with your physician. They can track your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. They may also recommend alternative treatments to help reduce the symptoms of ADHD. These include herbal supplements, dietary changes and cognitive enhancement supplements. However, certain herbs and dietary supplements are not backed by scientific research to prove their effectiveness as ADHD treatments. These include pycnogenol, an extract of maritime pine bark.<br /><br />Other common stimulant medications used to treat ADHD include methylphenidate forms and dextroamphetamine. These include Ritalin and Adderall. These drugs are also available in extended-release versions which provide more consistent symptom control throughout the day. Your doctor might also prescribe stimulant medications such as atomoxetine and guanfacine. These medications are known as nootropics and have been shown to improve memory retention and mental clarity. However, they aren't meant to replace prescription ADHD medication.<br /><br />4. Focalin<br /><br />Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) is a stimulant medication that is used to treat ADHD in adolescents and children as well as adults. It is typically taken in the morning with or without food, at the same time throughout the day, to maximize the effectiveness of the medication. It can be used as an immediate-release or extended-release medication, based on the dosage prescribed by your doctor. Focalin, a stimulant made by man, is comparable to methylphenidate. However it is not as a result of side effects. It also does not contain harmful isomers, like other methylphenidate medications. Focalin increases the availability of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, by preventing their reuptake as well as promoting their release. This can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD like hyperactivity, impulsivity, as well as inattention.<br /><br />Although a lot of people find ADHD medications can help ease their symptoms, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider about how they are helping you or your child. Doctors often try different dosages and medications to find the one that works best for each patient. They may also prescribe nonstimulant medication to improve attention span and impulsive behavior.<br /><br />Do not share your Focalin prescription with anyone, not even someone who suffers from ADHD. This could result in serious and potentially fatal drug interactions. It is not recommended to take Focalin XR while pregnant or breastfeeding as animal studies indicate that it could cause harm to the pregnant fetus. Focalin XR could cause adverse reactions that are more severe if you take alcohol, sedatives or other illegal drugs.<br /><br />5. Intuniv<br /><br />Guanfacine is the main ingredient in Intuniv. It is an alpha-2-adrenergic antagonist that has been proven by research to improve ADHD symptoms through its action on the prefrontal cortex. This helps control impulsivity, and also attention. It also addresses other issues that are associated with ADHD such as emotional sensitiveness, rejection sensitivity and hyperarousal, by reducing adrenaline levels to normal. Intuniv is not a stimulant, therefore it doesn't 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 sedation. People who suffer from depression or the history of addiction are not a good candidate for the medication.<br /><br />While stimulants are effective in helping combat ADHD symptoms however, they can become habit-forming and have many side negative effects. Intuniv, a non-stimulant medication, takes longer to work. However it is less likely to have harmful side effects. Consult your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.<br /><br />Intuniv is FDA approved to treat children ranging from six to 17 years old, but it has not been tested in people younger than this age range or adults. It is not a controlled substance and therefore, there is no chance of abuse or dependence. Guanfacine, however, can become habit-forming. It is best to take it under the supervision of a doctor or nurse practitioner.<br /><br /><br /><br />Intuniv is recommended to be taken on a regular basis and at the same time to ensure an even amount of the drug in the bloodstream. It must be crushed between 2 spoons, placed in an plastic bag, or on folded paper and mixed with some soft food such as applesauce chocolate syrup, ice cream, yogurt, or jelly. The entire amount must be swallowed by the child to keep it from being spit out.<br /><br />