ADHD OTC Medication
ADHD medication can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for children or an adult. However, it's important to be aware of side effects that come with medication.
Stimulants increase the communication between the nerves of the brain. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Due to their potential for misuse, they are considered controlled substances.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a drug that can be used to treat both attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the condition known as narcolepsy. It is available as an ordinary tablet, extended-release tablet or capsule, oral suspension and a transdermal patch. It is a controlled substance listed in Schedule II and should not be given to children. It is harmful to share this medication even with a child who has ADHD. It should be kept in a cool, dry area.
Methylphenidate may interact with certain medications. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, herbal supplements, nutritional supplements, or illicit substances. It is also essential to inform your doctor if Tourette's syndrome motor or facial tics or verbal tics that are difficult to control. In some people methylphenidate can trigger hallucinations or psychotic thinking. These symptoms should be treated right immediately.
Methylphenidate raises blood pressure and can be dangerous to people who have an history of heart disease or high blood pressure. It can also cause issues in the fingers and toes. It is not recommended to use it during pregnancy. Before starting treatment, it is important to discuss with your doctor the potential risks and benefits with this medication. It should not be used by those who have a history of seizures or glaucoma. This drug is not recommended for use by teens. It can cause suicidal and depression in some teens, especially those who have a family history or bipolar disorder.
Amphetamines
Different medications for ADHD control symptoms in different ways. Your doctor will prescribe the drug that is suitable for you, as well as a dosage and schedule. The medication can also help you manage your emotions. Some medications, called stimulants boost the levels of dopamine in the brain. Others, such as antidepressants or clonidine, take longer to start working but can improve your ability to pay attention and control impulses.
Stimulants are the most commonly used ADHD treatment, and can help decrease symptoms by increasing the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine released in the brain. They are available in immediate-release and extended-release versions, as well as chewable tablets. These are controlled substances by the Drug Enforcement Administration and require a prescription.
These medicines can cause negative side effects, like reduced appetite, weight loss, and difficulty sleeping. They may also raise your blood pressure, heart rate and pulse. If you suffer from cardiovascular disease, glaucoma, or have severe high blood pressure, these medicines are not recommended. These medicines are not to be taken within 14 days following taking an inhibitor of monoamine oxidese such as phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine, (Parnate).
Antidepressants are not approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but certain doctors take them off-label in order to treat the condition. These drugs, such as Wellbutrin (bupropion), work by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. You may also be prescribed them by your physician if you are unable to take stimulants, or if depression or anxiety is present.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is part of a group known as central nervous stimulants. It alters the amounts of certain natural substances that are present in the brain. It has been proven to be effective in the treatment of ADHD for children and adults aged 6 years or older. It can also be used to treat moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults.
It is a long acting medication that can be taken twice or even once a day. It is only available on prescription and is available in capsule form. Before prescribing you this medication, your doctor will test your kidney function and blood pressure. It is not recommended for patients who have high blood pressure or heart disease. It is not recommended to take it with other psychiatric medicines, such as mood stabilizers or antidepressants. It can increase your heart rate and blood pressure and could cause side effects, such as dizziness or stomach upset.
Lisdexamfetamine is a habit-forming drug and should not be taken in higher doses or for longer than prescribed by a physician. It could be abused, so it should not be taken by people who have any previous history of alcohol or drug abuse. It is not recommended for children under 6. This medication can cause some children to grow slower than normal when used for a long time. It can cause circulation issues in the feet and fingers including numbness and pain.
Bupropion
Most medications used to treat ADHD are classified into one of two classes: non-stimulants or stimulants. Stimulants raise the levels of dopamine as well as other brain chemicals. They are available in extended-release and immediate-release tablets and are available as methylphenidates (Ritalin Concerta, Ritalin) amphetamines (Adderall, Vyvanse), and the lisdexafetamine (Vyvanse). Stimulant medications should only be taken with a prescription from a physician. It may take some time to determine the right dosage and schedule.
Non-stimulant drugs can be used in cases where stimulants don't work or cause too many adverse negative effects. Certain non-stimulant medicines include atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as Guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay). They can boost concentration, focus and attention impulses by boosting the levels of norepinephrine within the brain. They may also help to reduce the symptoms of insomnia and agitation. They are less likely to be at a high risk of abuse, but they do carry certain risk.
Make sure adhd medication names inform your healthcare provider about any other medicines, herbs, vitamins or supplements you or your child are taking. They could affect your medication. It is also important to inform your doctor whether your child smokes, drinks alcohol or consumes caffeinated beverages. You should contact your doctor immediately in the event of any serious side effects, such as swollen lips, swollen face or tongue or throat, sores on the throat or mouth or red or swollen eyes. These signs could indicate an extremely serious reaction known as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. It can cause serious health problems and even death.
Tricyclic antidepressants
ADHD is treated with medications however not all of them are effective for everyone. Your doctor will work with you to find the right medication and dosage for your condition and will closely monitor your progress to make sure the drug is effective. There may be side effects such as the loss of appetite or trouble sleeping, but the majority of these are mild and will go away with time. If your symptoms are serious, talk to your doctor or consider a different medication.
The most frequently prescribed ADHD medications are stimulants, which increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to improve concentration and control impulses. The FDA has approved a number of brand-name stimulants such as methylphenidates, amphetamines and other. These drugs are available as short-acting (immediate-release) pills and extended-release tablets. Many people who take these medicines experience a sharp decrease in energy after taking them, which is called the "crash" effect. It can last for up to four hours.
Nonstimulants are medications that don't affect the dopamine system, and can reduce symptoms of ADHD, such as low motivation and difficulty paying attention. These drugs take longer to take effect and can lead to sleep problems. They are typically prescribed off-label for ADHD however, they may be used in conjunction with stimulants. Examples of antidepressant drugs that are used off-label for ADHD include bupropion (Wellbutrin) and selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine). Monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as phenelzine, (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) are also effective in treating ADHD. However, they have been largely replaced with newer drugs.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that functions differently than stimulants. It's a noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor which increases the amount of noradrenaline available in your brain. This chemical is used to transmit messages between nerve cell and a higher concentration can improve concentration. It also works against anxiety, which is a common occurrence in the presence of ADHD in children. Studies both in the short-term and the long-term have demonstrated that atomoxetine can be safe and well-tolerated.
It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children or adolescents as well as adults. It can be used as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with other treatments such as educational, psychological and social. Atomoxetine can also be used to reduce impulsive behaviors and fidgeting. It is usually prescribed in lower doses than methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine. It is available in capsule form, and is usually taken once or twice a day with food. It is essential to take this medication exactly according to the prescription of your doctor.
Anomoxetine may cause nausea stomachaches, vomiting and sleeplessness. In certain instances atomoxetine can trigger children to have suicidal and aggressive thoughts. If these reactions are severe, consult your doctor immediately. You should also seek emergency care if your child has dark urine or a yellowish color to the skin and the whites of the eyes tenderness on the right side of the stomach just below the ribs, or other flu-like symptoms.