Non Prescription ADHD Medication
For many people with ADHD the first step towards treatment is taking medication. The use of medication can help increase focus and decrease the risk of impulsivity.
The most common medication used for ADHD is stimulants. They function by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They are available in short-acting and long-acting varieties.
1. Stimulants
Many people suffering from ADHD use stimulant drugs, which increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. These medications help them to focus, pay attention, and manage impulses. They can also help reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression. Doctors prescribe them in various forms, from liquid chewable tablets to extended-release capsules that can last for up to 16 hours. Long-lasting medications can help prevent "ups and downs" throughout the day, but certain people may require supplementation with a quick-acting medicine in the evening or afternoon.
Stimulants can cause adverse effects, like heart palpitations, changes in vision and ringing in the ear. They can also impact appetite and raise blood pressure. They also can have long-term effects on the developing brains of children and teens, which is why doctors should be cautious when prescribing them.
Amphetamines are a type of stimulant which can be legally prescribed as ADHD medication and can help some people with ADHD concentrate better. They are a form of amphetamines and are typically taken orally in tablet or powder form, but they can also be smoked or injected. People with ADHD can use them for weight loss or to boost their energy. They are more likely to be misused. Some people with eating disorders are also using them.
The NSDUH survey does not ask for specific brands or kinds, instead, it asks if a person has ever used prescription ADHD stimulants in a non-medical fashion. This could lead to an underestimation of the amount of people who use drugs other than those prescribed by doctors for ADHD. It also does not capture the motivation behind drug use that is essential to understand.
Some people suffering from ADHD can cut down on their non-medical stimulant use by managing their time and work tasks in a different way and ensuring that they are able to spend time with family and rest. Some people experience relief when they learn about natural alternatives to medications such as oligomeric prosanthocyanidins. These are biochemical substances found in plant extracts including 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 prescribed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder among children and adults. It works by increasing the levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain, which help people concentrate and focus their attention. Typically, the medication is taken orally, however it can also be administered. Misuse of this drug can result in a severe physical and mental addiction. Injection users face a number of complications, such as bloodborne diseases such as HIV, the hepatitis B and C due to insoluble fillers that can block small blood vessels. The use of this drug has been linked to psychotic episodes.
The majority of ADHD medications reduce symptoms like hyperactivity and impulsivity, by altering the way that neurotransmitters are utilized by the body. They can also help improve concentration and focus, reduce fidgeting, and other distracting behaviors and improve the ability to stick to the plan or task. Doctors may prescribe a variety of medications to treat ADHD. They will work with their patients to determine which dosage and frequency is appropriate for them.
Many sufferers experience adverse effects due to the use of stimulants to treat ADHD. They are typically minor, but may include headaches; stomach upset and a rapid heartbeat; difficulty sleeping; dry mouth; and changes in blood pressure. The symptoms typically go away by themselves or after a few days as the body gets familiar with the medication. Some people develop tolerance to the drug, which means that a higher dose is needed for the same effect. This can lead to withdrawal symptoms and addiction in the event that the dose is suddenly decreased or even stopped.
When taking stimulants it's important to tell your health care provider about any other medications you are taking, especially ones for treating sleep disorders or depression since they may interact with this class of drugs. It is also important to provide a list of all foods, drinks and herbal remedies you use. This information will help your doctor choose an appropriate medication that doesn't interfere with your current treatment.
3. Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, which are manufactured by man, trigger mild to severe nerve depression in the brain (central nervous systems) and sedation. They increase the effect of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), neurotransmitter that nerves in the brain to communicate. GABA can reduce brain activity, and benzodiazepines can be effective in treating seizures and anxiety.
Alprazolam (Xanax) diazepam Valium and clobazam are all drugs in this class. These drugs are extremely addictive and could cause slow breathing that may cause coma or even death, especially if mix them with alcohol or other depressants, such as opioid painkillers. If you stop taking them too soon they can cause severe withdrawal symptoms. Due to their possibility of abuse, it is recommended to keep benzodiazepines inside a locked box and only take them as prescribed by your doctor.
These medications are "off-label" which means they're not FDA approved to treat ADHD. Studies have shown that these drugs are effective for those who cannot tolerate stimulants or don't get relief. They do not 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 can increase suicidal thoughts or behaviors in children, teens and adults during treatment or shortly after treatment has begun. Discuss with your doctor if you have any concerns or an ancestry of suicide. Discuss with add adhd medication or your child is taking such as vitamins and over-the counter supplements. Certain medications may cause dangerous interactions with benzodiazepines. Your provider will recommend the right medication and treatment plan that is appropriate for you or your child. Follow the plan and be patient -- it could take some time to see improvement. Some patients must keep taking benzodiazepines for the course of a long time. These drugs are typically utilized in conjunction with other treatments to provide symptom relief. This is especially common for people who are not able to tolerate stimulants.
4. Atomoxetine
It is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that increases the amount of this chemical in the brain to regulate impulses and improve concentration. It is prescribed as part a treatment program for ADHD. It is a drug that can be used by itself or in combination with other medications. It can also be effective for those suffering from co-morbid disorders, such as anxiety, depression or tics. Atomoxetine can be found in liquid or capsule form and is recommended to take it every day with a glass water. Children and adolescents may experience mild side effects, such as headaches or abdominal pain. If you experience a more serious reaction such as suicidal feeling or an allergic reaction seek immediate medical attention.
It can take up to two months for atomoxetine's complete effect to be evident. It is typically prescribed to children who are at high risk of abuse of stimulants as well as adults with comorbid conditions. According to a review this medication is especially effective for those suffering from the inattention subtype of ADHD.
It is not effective in all patients suffering from adolescent-onset ADHD, or those with anxiety or tics that are co-morbid. Those who have a family history of glaucoma or pheochromocytoma (a tumor that affects the adrenal glands) should not use this drug. It is essential to inform your doctor about any other health issues that might be present prior taking atomoxetine.
Nonstimulant medications are a good alternative for those who are unable to take stimulant medications due to glaucoma or a heart condition or a Pheochromocytoma. According to the Child Mind Institute, these medications work by changing chemicals in specific parts of the brain. These medications are approved for adolescents and children as young as. Clonidine ER (Kapvay), and Guanfacine (Intuniv) are two of these medicines.
These medications could result in side effects, such as an increase in blood pressure and sinus tachycardia (irregular or fast heartbeat), or they can interfere with other medications your child is taking. They may also interact with some medications for anxiety and depression.