ADHD OTC Medication
The majority of children and adults who take ADHD medication will experience some side effects. These include heartbeat changes, loss of appetite and upset stomachs. These side effects can be reduced by a balanced diet and enough sleep.
Stimulant drugs increase the signaling between brain cells that helps children manage their impulses and focus. They can also trigger an increase in blood pressure or tics. These drugs are controlled substances that can be crushed or inhaled to create illegal substances.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is one of the main medicines used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is part of a class of medicines known as stimulants. It increases the activity in the brain, particularly in areas that help control attention and behaviour. It can also help improve memory. Methylphenidate is only available on prescription from a physician. It is available as standard (immediate-release) caps and tablets, as well slow-release caps and tablets. It is important to follow the doctor's prescriptions exactly when taking methylphenidate.
Methlphenidate can cause side effects, such as dry mouth and loss of appetite. These symptoms typically subside as your child becomes accustomed to the medication. If you notice that your child is losing weight, talk to your doctor.
Inform your doctor if other medications are being taken, such as monoamine oxidase inhibiters like isocarboxazid and linezolid. Methlphenidate can interact with these medicines. Tell your doctor if either you are nursing or pregnant. It is not known if this medication passes through breast milk, but it could harm your baby.
Methlphenidate is a Schedule X drug, meaning it is only available by a doctor's prescription. It is illegal to possess 2 grams of this medication without a prescription from a physician. This is punishable with six months in jail and up to a $50,000 fine. It is not recommended for children under the age of or teens, since it can increase blood pressure and heart rate. It's also not recommended for people who have a history of heart disease or high blood pressure. It is also not recommended for people with a history of depression or anxiety.
Amphetamines
Stimulants boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This allows people to concentrate and pay attention better. They can ease ADHD symptoms in 70 to 80% of adults and children. Suggested Reading can help reduce the amount of interruptions, hyperactivity, and fidgeting. They can also improve interpersonal relationships and help people complete tasks. The drugs can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as counseling or skill training.
There are a variety of stimulant drugs, including methylphenidate (Ritalin and Concerta) and dextroamphetamine and lisdexamfetamine (Adderall and Vyvanse). They are mostly pills, however they may also be available in a patch or liquid. Most are taken twice or daily. The doctor will prescribe a lower dosage to determine how it affects the patient, and then may increase the dosage gradually. Medication can cause side effects, such as trouble sleeping or stomachaches. These should go away within several weeks. If they do not, talk to the doctor.
The effects of stimulants can exacerbate or trigger other psychiatric disorders in some people. This is more likely in people who have an history of bipolar disorder or depression. Before taking any medication, it is important to get a complete medical history and an exhaustive psychiatric examination.
Stimulant medications can trigger a fast blood pressure or heart rate and are therefore not recommended for anyone with heart disease or high blood pressure. They can also cause an increase in appetite which can lead to weight loss. Some people also experience psychosis when taking these medications. However, these symptoms go away when the medication is stopped. Doctors should closely monitor people with psychosis prior to taking the medication. The medication may also aggravate symptoms of bipolar disorder or depression in certain individuals.
Bupropion
Bupropion, an antidepressant can help treat ADHD symptoms among adults. It increases dopamine levels in the brain and slightly increases norepinephrine levels as well aiding in reducing ADHD symptoms as well as treating depression. It comes in a regular tablet, as well as a sustained-release formulation (Wellbutrin SR and Zyban). Bupropion may take several days to produce results, and may require up to six weeks to find the right therapeutic dose. Women should not get pregnant when taking this medication, because it is unclear whether it can harm the unborn baby.
The use of stimulants is often the first option of treatment for people suffering from ADHD. However they might not work for everyone. They can also have serious adverse effects. For this reason, doctors frequently look to non-stimulant medication for ADHD as a third line of treatment. Antidepressants, such as tricyclic or atypical antidepressants and blood pressure medications such as Wellbutrin and Intuniv are among these. These drugs have a calming effect and are less likely than stimulants to cause agitation and insomnia. However, they do come with their own risks, including changes in blood pressure and heart rhythm.
Behavioral therapy is also effective in treating ADHD. It helps patients learn new skills to cope better with their symptoms and improve their behavior. It can help teach teens and children how to control an impulsive behaviour. The cost of a behavioral therapy session can be high however, BetterHelp provides a no-cost online assessment and appointment with a therapist who can help people manage their ADHD symptoms. Exercise is also believed to boost dopamine levels, which can help in managing ADHD symptoms.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Stimulants are typically the first treatment option for ADHD, but they don't work in the same way for all children. If stimulants aren't helping you or your child or cause adverse side effects that bother you, speak to your doctor about changing the dosage or experimenting with different treatments. It could take some time to determine the best one for you.
Many people with ADHD also suffer from depression or anxiety. These disorders can be treated using antidepressants that haven't been approved by the FDA for treating ADHD, but they can aid in controlling symptoms in certain people. Your doctor may prescribe nonstimulant drugs to help with attention and impulse control.
The most widely used antidepressant for ADHD is bupropion (Wellbutrin). This drug is part of the class of drugs called norepinephrine- or dopamine-reuptake inhibitors. It increases these neurotransmitters which enhance concentration. It is also available in long-acting or extended release formulations, which accumulate slowly in the bloodstream, and then wear off more slowly. This reduces the peaks in dosages of medication that can cause unpleasant adverse effects.
Tricyclic antidepressants are a different kind of medication that can be used to treat ADHD. They are older and be prone to adverse side effects, but they can be helpful in certain situations. Your doctor might prescribe them if stimulants are ineffective or their adverse effects are too severe. The most common is Tofranil (imipramine) however, your doctor could also recommend nortriptyline or Amitriptyline.
Other antidepressants are also available to treat ADHD, but have not been extensively studied. If other medications do not work, or you have a history with substance abuse, your doctor may recommend these.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (at-a-moks-a-teen) is an FDA-approved, non-stimulant ADHD medication used to improve concentration and decrease hyperactivity as well as impulsiveness. It is effective by blocking the protein that removes norepinephrine from the brain's nerve cells. This helps decrease symptoms of ADHD and also has a lower risk of abuse than stimulants. It has a longer duration. Atomoxetine is available as a capsule form. It is taken orally, generally every morning, or two times a day, in the afternoon and in the late evening. It should be taken according to the instructions of your doctor, and do not take more or less than prescribed.
The medication could take up to six weeks before reaching its maximum effectiveness. It is important to continue to administer the medication as directed, even if your child's symptoms improve. Follow the instructions on the prescription label for your child and ask your doctor or pharmacy to explain any part that you don't understand. It should be given at the same time every day to maintain a steady level in your child's bloodstream.
The drug is prescribed in combination with educational, psychological and social methods. Adults and children of all ages can use it, but the most beneficial results are obtained when it is introduced at a younger age. It can be used in conjunction with other ADHD medications. However it is not recommended that it be taken with MAO inhibitors like phenelzine. Combining MAO-inhibitors and atomoxetine may cause serious side effects. These include extreme rigidity and agitation myoclonus, as well as autonomic instability. It is possible to experience psychotic symptoms, such as hearing voices and believing things which aren't the truth.