Non Prescription ADHD Medication
Medication is the first step for many suffering from ADHD in their treatment. Medication can aid in improving focus and decrease impulsivity.
The most commonly used medication for ADHD is stimulants. They increase the levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They are available in short-acting and longer-acting versions.
1. Stimulants
Many people with ADHD take stimulant medications, which increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels within the brain. These drugs improve their ability to concentrate, pay attention and manage impulses. They can also lessen the symptoms of anxiety or depression. They are prescribed in many forms, including liquids or chewables to capsules with a 16-hour extended release. Long-lasting medicines can help reduce "ups and downs" during the day, but some people find they require supplementation with a shorter-acting medication in the afternoon or evening.
Stimulants can cause side effects like heart palpitations changes in vision and hearing ringing. They can also raise blood pressure and cause a decrease in appetite. They can also have long-term effects on the developing brains of adolescents and children, which is why doctors are cautious when prescribing them.
Amphetamines are an type of stimulant which can be legally prescribed as ADHD medication and can aid people suffering from ADHD concentrate better. They are available in the form amphetamines, which can be consumed by mouth as powders or tablets. However, they are be smoked or injected. They have a higher risk of abuse, and those who do not have ADHD may take them to boost energy levels or lose weight. Certain people with eating disorders are also using them.
The NSDUH survey only asks if the person has ever been involved in non-medical use of prescription ADHD stimulants, rather than seeking specific brands or types of drugs. This may underestimate the number of people who used drugs other than those prescribed for ADHD. It also does not capture information on the motivation behind drug use that is essential to understand.
Some people suffering from ADHD are able to cut down their nonmedical stimulant usage by adjusting the way they manage their time and activities and making sure they make time for relaxation and family. Others find relief by exploring natural alternatives to medications, such as oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs). adhd medication side effects can be found in plant extracts like green tea, pine bark and grape. Greenblatt has seen patients regain their ability to write after taking OPC supplements.
2. Ritalin
Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a central nerve system stimulant that is prescribed to treat attention-deficit disorder among children and adults. It does this by increasing levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain that aid people to concentrate and focus their attention. The medication is typically taken orally but can be injected. In the wrong hands, the drug can cause an extreme addiction, both psychological and physical. Users of injections face a variety of complications, including bloodborne diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B and C due to insoluble fillers which can block small blood vessels. The use of this medication is also linked to psychotic episodes.
In general, ADHD medications alter the way that neurotransmitters (such as norepinephrine and dopamine) are utilized by the brain to reduce symptoms of the disorder such as impulsivity or hyperactivity. They can also help improve concentration and focus, reduce fidgeting, and other distracting behaviors and increase the capacity to follow a plan or task. Doctors may prescribe a variety of medication to treat ADHD and work with patients to determine the appropriate dosage and schedule for each patient.
Many sufferers experience adverse effects due to the use of stimulants to treat ADHD. These side effects are typically moderate, but they can also include headaches, stomach upset and rapid heartbeats, difficulty sleeping and changes in bloodpressure. The symptoms usually disappear on their own or after a couple of days as the body gets used to the medication. Some people may develop a tolerance to the drugs, which means that they require a higher dose for the same effect. This could lead to addiction and withdrawal symptoms when the dose is suddenly reduced or eliminated altogether.
It is essential to inform your doctor about any other medications you take specifically those for treating depression and sleep disorders. They may interact with stimulants. You should also keep a record of all the foods, drinks and herbal remedies you use. This information will allow your doctor to choose a medication which won't interfere with your current treatment.
3. Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are man-made drugs that cause mild to severe depress of the nerves within the brain (central nervous system) and the feeling of sedation. They work by increasing the effects of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is neurotransmitter that neurons in the brain to communicate. Enhancing the effects of GABA reduces your brain's activity, and benzodiazepines can help with seizures and anxiety.
Medications that fall under this category include alprazolam (Xanax) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium) diazepam (Valium), and Clobazam (Onfi, Sympazane). These are highly addictive and can cause breathing problems that can result in coma or even death, especially if you combine them with alcohol or other depressants, such as opioid painkillers. If you stop taking them prematurely, they can also cause severe withdrawal symptoms. Due to their potential for misuse, you should keep benzodiazepines locked in a cabinet and only use them as prescribed by your doctor.
These drugs are used "off-label" which means that they're not FDA approved to treat ADHD. Studies have shown that these medications can be effective for those who cannot tolerate stimulants or are unable get relief. They don't cause or exacerbate the tics associated with Tourette syndrome. They can be administered to children as young to 6 years old.
Be aware that benzodiazepines may increase suicidal feelings or thoughts in some children, teens and adults shortly after or during treatment. Speak to your provider about any concerns you might have or if there is an history of suicide within your family. In addition, be sure to tell your provider about all medications you or your child take, including over-the-counter supplements and vitamins. Some may interact with benzodiazepines, and can cause dangerous adverse effects. Your doctor will recommend the best medication and treatment plan for your child or you. Follow the schedule and be patient. It might take time to see changes. Some patients require benzodiazepines for long periods of time. They are frequently employed in conjunction with other treatments for symptom relief. This is especially common for those who are not able to tolerate stimulants.
4. Atomoxetine
This is a selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor that works by increasing the amount of this brain chemical to regulate impulses and increase concentration. It is usually prescribed as part of a treatment program for ADHD and can be utilized in conjunction with other medications. It is also effective for patients suffering from co-morbid disorders such as anxiety or depression. Atomoxetine is available in liquid or capsule form and should be taken each day with a glass of water. Children and adolescents can suffer mild side effects, such as headaches or abdominal pain. If you experience a more severe reaction like suicidal thoughts or an allergic reaction seek immediate medical care.
It can take up to two weeks for atomoxetine to begin working, and it could be several months before the full effect becomes noticeable. It is usually prescribed to children at high risk of abuse of stimulants as well as adults with comorbid conditions. According to a study this medication has been proven to be particularly effective for people who suffer from the inattentive form of ADHD.
It is not effective in all patients with adolescent onset ADHD, or those with comorbid tics and/or anxiety. It should not be taken by those with a family history for pheochromocytoma which is a tumor that affects the adrenal glands or glaucoma. It is important to tell your doctor about any other health concerns that might be present prior to taking atomoxetine.
Nonstimulant drugs are a choice for people who cannot take stimulant drugs because of glaucoma or heart conditions. According to the Child Mind Institute, these medications work by changing chemicals in specific parts of the brain. These medications are approved for children and teenagers from the age of 6. Clonidine ER (Kapvay), and guanfacine (Intuniv) are two of these medications.
These medications may cause adverse effects, including increased blood pressure or sinus tachycardia (irregular or fast heartbeat), or they can interfere with other medicines your child is taking. These medications may also negatively interact with certain drugs used to treat depression and anxiety.