ADHD OTC Medication
ADHD medication can help manage symptoms and improve a child or adult's quality of life. It is essential to know the adverse effects of medications.
types of adhd medication improve the communication between nerves of the brain. They also reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Because of their potential for abuse, they are classified as controlled substances.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate can be used to treat both ADHD and narcolepsy. It comes in a variety of forms, such as a traditional capsule or tablet, an extended-release tablet, an oral suspension, and even transdermal patches. It is a controlled substance listed in Schedule II and should not be given to children. It can be harmful to share this medication even with a child suffering from ADHD. It should be kept in a cool, dry place.
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, diet supplements, or other illegal substances. It is also important to inform your doctor if you have Tourette's syndrome motor or facial tics, or verbal tics that are hard to manage. In some individuals, methylphenidate may trigger hallucinations or psychotic thoughts. These symptoms should be treated immediately.
Methylphenidate may increase blood pressure, which could be harmful for those who have a history of high blood pressure or heart disease. It can also worsen circulation issues in the feet and hands. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It is essential to discuss the potential risks and benefits of this drug with your physician prior to starting treatment. Patients who have a history of seizures or glaucoma ought to stay clear of this drug. This medication is not recommended for use in teenagers. It may increase the risk of suicidal ideas and depression in a few adolescents, particularly those with a the family history of suicide or bipolar disorder.
Amphetamines
Different medicines for ADHD manage symptoms in various ways. Your physician will prescribe the appropriate medication, as well as dosage and schedule. Medication may also help you manage your emotions. Certain medications are known as stimulants, and they increase the levels of dopamine as well as norepinephrine in the brain. Certain medications, like antidepressants and clonidine, require longer time to work, but can improve your ability concentrate and control impulses.
Stimulants, which are the most commonly used ADHD medication, can help decrease symptoms by boosting dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. These drugs are available in extended-release, immediate-release and chewable tablet formats. These drugs are a controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration, and you'll need an authorization from the agency to purchase them.
These medicines can have side effects such as a reduced appetite, weight loss and trouble sleeping. They can also increase your blood pressure, heart rate, and pulse. These medications are not recommended if you have severe high blood pressure or glaucoma. These medicines should not be taken within 14 days following taking an inhibitor of monoamine oxidese such as phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine, (Parnate).
The FDA has not approved antidepressants for treating ADHD. However, certain doctors use them to treat the condition off-label. These medications, like bupropion (Wellbutrin) are effective in increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to improve concentration. Your doctor might also prescribe them if you cannot tolerate stimulants or have depression or anxiety.
Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is part of a class known as central nerve stimulants. It affects the amount of certain natural substances within the brain. It has been proven to be effective in treatment of ADHD in adults and children 6 years of age or older. It is also used for the treatment of severe-to moderate binge eating disorder among adults.

It is a lengthy-acting medication that can be taken twice or once daily. It is only available by prescription and comes in capsule form. Your doctor will examine your kidney function and blood pressure before recommending it to you. Patients with high blood pressure and heart disease should not use it. It is also not a good idea to combine it with other psychiatric medications such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers. It may cause dizziness and stomach upset, and also an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
Lisdexamfetamine can be habit-forming therefore it is not recommended to take it in larger doses or for longer than prescribed by your doctor. It could be abused therefore it is not recommended for people who have an previous history of alcohol or drug abuse. It is not recommended for children younger than six years old. This medication may cause some children to grow slower than normal when used for a long time. It may cause circulation issues in the fingers and feet including numbness and pain.
Bupropion
The majority of medications used to treat ADHD fall into one of two drug classes: non-stimulants or stimulants. Stimulants increase the levels of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. They are available as immediate-release or extended-release tablets, and are also available as methylphenidates amphetamines, and lisdexafetamine, (Vyvanse). Stimulant medication is only to be used with a doctor's prescription, and it may take time to determine the appropriate dosage and schedule.
Non-stimulant medicines can be utilized in cases where stimulants don't work or cause too many adverse consequences. Certain non-stimulant medicines include atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay). They can enhance concentration, focus and attention impulses by boosting the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. They may also help to reduce the symptoms of insomnia and agitation. They have a lower abuse risk but still carry some risk.
Be sure to inform your doctor about any other medicines such as vitamins, herbs or supplements that you or your child are taking. They may interfere with your medication. It is also important to inform your doctor whether your child is a smoker, drinks alcohol or uses caffeinated products. Make sure to contact your doctor immediately when you experience any serious adverse effects, like swelling of your face, lips or tongue; sores in the throat or mouth; or swollen or red eyes. These could be indicators of a more serious reaction known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome. It can lead to serious health issues, including death.
Tricyclic antidepressants
ADHD is treated with medication however not all of them are effective for everyone. Your doctor will work with you to determine the right medication and dosage to treat your disorder. They will also monitor you to ensure that the medication is still effective. There are some mild side effects such as loss of appetite or difficulty sleeping. These will usually subside over time. If the symptoms are severe then you should consider a different medicine or consult your doctor about other treatments.
The most frequently used ADHD drugs prescribed are stimulants. These medications increase the levels dopamine and norepinephrine to enhance concentration and impulse control. The FDA has approved dozens of brand-name stimulants including amphetamines and methylphenidates. These medications are available in short-acting (immediate-release) pills as well as extended-release tablets. A lot of people who take these medications experience a sudden drop in energy after taking them, which is known as the "crash" effect. It can last for up to four hours.
Nonstimulants are medications that do not affect the dopamine system and can help alleviate symptoms of ADHD like inability to focus and lack of attention. They are more difficult to use than stimulants, and can cause sleep problems. They're typically prescribed off-label to treat ADHD however, they may be used in conjunction with stimulants. Examples of antidepressant medicines that are prescribed off-label to treat 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 able to be beneficial in treating ADHD, but have been mostly substituted by newer drugs.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that functions differently than stimulants. It is a noradrenaline-reuptake inhibitor which increases the amount available of noradrenaline within your brain. This chemical passes messages between nerve cells, and a higher amount is able to improve your concentration. It also helps in treating anxiety, which is frequently associated with ADHD. Both short-term and long-term studies have demonstrated that atomoxetine can be safe and well tolerated.
It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, adolescents, and adults. It can be used alone or in conjunction with other treatments such as psychological, educational and social. Atomoxetine may also be used to decrease fidgeting and impulsive behavior. Atomoxetine is usually prescribed in smaller dosages than methylphenidate and Lisdexamfetamine. It is available in capsule form and is usually taken once or twice a day and in conjunction with food. Use this medication as directed by your physician.
Anomoxetine can cause nausea stomachaches, vomiting, stomach cramps and difficulty sleeping. In certain instances atomoxetine can trigger a child's suicidal or aggressive thoughts. If the reactions are severe, consult your doctor immediately. You should seek emergency medical care if your child's urine is dark or has a yellowish tint or when the whites of their eyes and skin are yellow.