Non Prescription ADHD Medication
Medication is the first step for many people suffering from ADHD in their treatment. Medication can increase focus and decrease the likelihood of being impulsive.
The most commonly used medication for ADHD is stimulants. They work by increasing levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain. They are available in short-acting as well as long-acting forms.
1. Stimulants
Many people suffering from ADHD take stimulant medications that increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels within the brain. These medications help them to concentrate, pay attention and control impulses. They can also reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Doctors prescribe them in various forms, from liquid chewable tablets to extended-release capsules that can last up to 16 hours. Long-lasting medication can help prevent "ups-and-downs" throughout the day. However, some people need to supplement it with a less-active medication at the end of the day or at night.
The stimulants can trigger adverse reactions like heart palpitations, changes to vision and ringing in the ear. They can also increase blood pressure and affect appetite. They can also have longer-term effects on the brain development of adolescents and children that is why doctors are careful about prescribing them to children and teenagers.
Amphetamines are an type of stimulant which can be legally prescribed as ADHD medications. They can also aid people suffering from ADHD concentrate better. They are available in the form amphetamines, that can be taken orally in the form of tablets or powders. However, they are be smoked or injected. They have a higher risk of abuse, and people with ADHD may use them to boost their energy levels or lose weight. Certain people with eating disorders are also using them.
The NSDUH survey only asks if someone has ever engaged in non-medical use of prescription ADHD stimulants, not asking for specific brands or types of drugs. This may underestimate the amount of people who have taken other drugs than the ones prescribed for ADHD. Also, it doesn't capture information on the motivation behind the use of drugs, which is important to know.
Some people with ADHD are able to reduce their nonmedical stimulant use by adjusting the way they manage their time and work, making sure to set aside time for relaxation and family. Some people experience relief when they learn about natural alternatives to medicines such as the oligomeric prosanthocyanidins. These biochemical compounds can be found in plant extracts, such as green tea, pine bark and grape. Greenblatt has helped patients regain their ability to write after taking OPC supplements.
2. Ritalin
Ritalin, methylphenidate, is a central nervous system stimulant that's prescribed to treat ADHD in children and adults. It works by increasing the levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain that help people concentrate and focus their attention. The medication is usually taken orally but can be injected. In the wrong hands, this drug can cause severe physical and mental addiction. Users of the drug are at risk of a range of complications, such as blood-borne illnesses such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C due to the insoluble fillers that block small blood vessels. The use of this drug has also been associated with psychotic episodes.
In general, ADHD medication works by altering the way that neurotransmitters (such as norepinephrine and dopamine) are used in the brain to lessen symptoms of the disorder such as impulsivity or hyperactivity. They can also improve concentration and focus, reduce fidgeting and other distracting behaviours, and increase the ability of following a plan or a task. Doctors may prescribe one or more types of medication to manage ADHD and collaborate with patients to determine the best dosage and timetable for each patient.
Many people experience side effects from the use of stimulants to treat ADHD. These are usually moderate, but they can also include headaches; stomach upset and a rapid heartbeat; difficulty sleeping, dry mouth and changes in blood pressure. These symptoms generally disappear on their own or after a couple of days as the body gets used to the medicine. Some people develop tolerance to drugs, which means that a higher dose is needed to achieve the same effects. This can cause withdrawal symptoms and addiction when the dose is suddenly reduced or eliminated altogether.
It is essential to inform your doctor about any other medications you take particularly those that treat sleep disorders and depression. They may interact with stimulants. Also, you should provide a list of all drinks, foods and herbal remedies you take. This information will help your doctor to select a medication which won't interfere your current treatment.
3. Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are synthetic drugs that cause mild to extreme depression of the nerves within the brain (central nervous system) and sedation. They work by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid, a neurotransmitter neurons in your brain use to transmit messages to one another. Enhancing the effects of GABA reduces the activity of your brain and benzodiazepines may help with anxiety and seizures.
The medications that fall under this category include alprazolam (Xanax) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium) and Clobazam (Onfi, Sympazane). These drugs can be extremely addictive and can cause a slow breathing, which may result in a coma, or even death. This is especially the case when they are combined with alcohol or other depressants, such as opioid painkillers. They also can cause severe withdrawal symptoms in the event that you stop taking them too quickly. Due to their potential for abuse, you should keep benzodiazepines in a locked box and only take them when prescribed by your physician.
These drugs are used "off-label" which means they're not FDA approved to treat ADHD. However, studies have shown that they may be effective for certain people who are unable to get relief from stimulants or take these drugs well. They don't cause or worsen the tics that are associated with Tourette syndrome and can be given to children as young as six years old.
Be aware that benzodiazepines could increase suicidal thoughts or actions in children, teens and adults in the course of treatment or within a short time after beginning treatment. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns or a family history of suicide. Tell your provider all medications that you or your child are taking, including vitamins and over-the-counter supplements. Some medications can have dangerous adverse effects and can interact with benzodiazepines. Your doctor will recommend an appropriate treatment and medication that's right for you or your child. Follow the prescribed schedule and be patient. It could take some time to see improvements. Some individuals require taking benzodiazepines over a long time. They are frequently used in conjunction with other treatments for relief from symptoms. This is especially common for those who are not able to tolerate stimulants.
4. Atomoxetine
This medication is a selective reuptake of norepinephrine inhibitor. It helps by increasing this chemical in the brain that helps manage impulses and improve focus. It is typically used as a part of a treatment plan for ADHD and may be employed on its own or in conjunction with other drugs. It can also be effective for people with co-morbid disorders, such as depression, anxiety or tics. Atomoxetine can be found in capsule or liquid form and is recommended to take it every throughout the day along with a glass of water. The side effects are usually moderate, but they may include headaches and abdominal pain in adolescents and children. If you experience a more severe reaction such as suicidal feeling or an allergic reaction seek immediate medical care.
It can take as long as two weeks for atomoxetine begin to work and it could be several months before the full effect is noticeable. It is typically recommended for children at risk of using stimulants as well as for adults suffering from comorbid disorders. According to a study this medication has been shown to be particularly effective for those with the inattentive type of ADHD.
However, it isn't effective for all patients with adolescent onset ADHD or those suffering from an anxiety disorder or tics that are comorbid. This drug is not recommended for those with a family history Pheochromocytoma, which is a tumor of the adrenal glands or glaucoma. Before taking atomoxetine, it is essential to inform your doctor of any other health conditions you may be suffering from.
Nonstimulant drugs are a choice for those who are unable to take stimulant medications due to heart disease or glaucoma. According to the Child Mind Institute, these medications alter the way that chemicals are produced in specific regions of the brain. They are approved for children as young as 6, teenagers and adults. Some of these medicines include clonidine ER (Kapvay) and guanfacine ER (Intuniv).
adhd depression medication may cause side effects, such as increased blood pressure and sinus tachycardia (irregular and rapid heartbeat) or interfere with other medicines your child is taking. They can also interact with some medications for depression and anxiety.