Types of Over the Counter ADHD Medication
Medicines help treat ADHD by targeting brain chemicals that influence attention and impulse control. The medications come in many forms, including tablets that can be swallowed or chewed as well as patches and liquids.
Stimulants, such as methylphenidate often referred to by the brand names Ritalin or Concerta boost activity in brain areas that control attention. They're also available in long-acting versions that release medication throughout the day to reduce fluctuations in symptoms.
Non-stimulant drugs
Many people take medication to enhance their attention and impulse control. The most effective medications are stimulants that increase the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, but these drugs have the potential to be addictive. If your doctor thinks that stimulants aren't effective or have unpleasant side effects, they may suggest switching to non-stimulant medications. These drugs require longer to work, but can alleviate symptoms. These drugs can also be more effective when they are combined with other treatments.
Non-stimulant and stimulant drugs are the two major categories of ADHD medication. The stimulants most commonly used to treat ADHD are methylphenidate and amphetamines. These drugs come in various forms including immediate-release ones and long-acting ones. Immediate-release stimulants may be taken at any time and are usually taken at the beginning of the day. Long-acting stimulants are taken once each morning and typically last from six to 16 hours. Most people who use these medications combine long-acting medication with immediate-release medications to manage their symptoms during the day.
There are two types of non-stimulant medications that are used to treat ADHD such as norepinephrine modulators and alpha agonists. Norepinephrine modulators include atomoxetine (Stattera) and Guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv). The alpha agonists used to treat ADHD are clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay) and guanfacine (Tenex and intuniv). Stimulant medication can be risky for teenagers with drug addiction issues or an history of substance abuse. Non-stimulant medications can be an alternative for this type of person because it doesn't have the risk of addiction or adverse negative effects.
Many people find that their first ADHD medication isn't working or causes adverse side effects that can be uncomfortable. It's crucial to talk to your doctor and experiment with different medications if you need to. Your doctor can help you figure out if your current medication is having an effect by examining for specific side effects, such as heart rate fluctuations, ringing in the ears or an increase in blood pressure. It is also important to discuss any other supplements or medications that you or your child are taking, regardless of whether they are prescribed or available over the counter.
Antidepressants
The most common medication used to treat ADHD is stimulant medications. They activate the central nervous system, thereby increasing alertness and reducing distractibility. They can also improve concentration, and they have the added benefit of helping people feel more at ease with their behavior and emotions. They are generally tolerated by the majority of people, however there are some adverse effects. Some individuals may experience a decrease in appetite or drowsiness, while others may develop an increased heart rate or experience insomnia. People who have a history of depression or bipolar disorders are more likely to develop psychosis when taking stimulant medication.
Certain stimulant medications can cause people to feel unusually angry or aggressive, particularly when they first begin to take the drug. If these symptoms continue, patients should consult their physician to alter the dosage or consider an alternative medication. Stimulants can also increase blood pressure, and higher doses of the drug can cause seizures in certain people. Some people may experience a reduction in sexual desire or delayed ejaculation after taking the medications.
Additionally, certain antidepressants can boost the activity of certain neurotransmitters, like serotonin. these drugs may affect the effectiveness of certain ADHD medications. This could result in the loss of effectiveness, so it's important for those suffering from both conditions to discuss their treatment requirements with their doctor.
Many children and adults with ADHD also suffer from anxiety or depression and these disorders can interact negatively with certain ADHD medications. People with both conditions should be able to have an open discussion with their doctor, as they might be able to discover medications that treat all of their symptoms.
Antidepressants are often well-tolerated by adolescents and teens, but they should be monitored for suicidal thoughts. If you experience severe suicidal thoughts or persistent, contact a medical professional immediately. Contact 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255.
Some antidepressants can increase feelings of anxiety, guilt and hopelessness. This is particularly true for tricyclics such as imipramine, Tofranil and nortriptyline, (Aventyl or Pamelor). These drugs are typically prescribed for ADHD off-label, but can be beneficial if other treatments have not worked.
Blood pressure medication
Medicines that lower blood pressure can also aid in controlling symptoms of ADHD such as sleep issues and aggression. Clonidine (Catapres) Guanfacine long-acting (Intuniv) and atomoxetine(Atomoxetine) are part of the class of medications known as alpha-agonists. These medications are approved for treating high blood pressure, however they have been used to treat ADHD "off label" since many years. These drugs reduce anxiety, improve sleep and increase the level of attention. They can also lower heart rate and blood-pressure, making them safer than stimulants.
It's unclear whether these medications have a long-term impact on the development of brain cells in children and adolescents. Some experts are also unsure whether these drugs have a long-term impact on heart issues in children and teenagers. Certain individuals may be at increased risk of seizures when they are taking these drugs. The American Heart Association recommends people who have a history of heart disease, stroke or other cardiovascular conditions to undergo a cardiac evaluation prior to starting these medication.
Stimulant ADHD medication is habit-forming and can increase heart rate and blood pressure. It can also adversely affect the appetite and sleep. In addition it's not recommended for infants and young children. medication adhd adults can also have negative effects on the brains of children, which could lead to addiction to drugs.
The FDA warns adults and teens with ADHD, who are suffering from anxiety or depression but have not received treatment, should avoid stimulant medications. They need to seek psychosocial therapy. This includes a behavioral therapy that helps develop positive coping skills and helps improve social interactions.
Most prescription ADHD medicines can cause adverse effects, including headaches, stomach upset and trouble sleeping. If the side effects are severe, a doctor may reduce your dose or switch to another medication. If you have a serious side-effect like heart palpitations or hallucinations, call your doctor right away.
Even if they claim they do that they are, most over-the-counter medications and supplements aren't effective in treating ADHD. Many vitamins and minerals do not have a scientific basis and some are able to interact with certain medications. It is important to inform your doctor about all the supplements and medications you take, including the over-the-counter ones.
Other medication
Most clinical guidelines recommend stimulant medications as the first choice for treatment for ADHD. Non-stimulant medications are equally effective in certain cases. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) are FDA-approved non-stimulant ADHD medication, as are Guanfacine ER and Clonidine are both available to children ages 6 to 17. These drugs boost certain brain chemicals that improve attention span, working memory, and impulse control.
In addition to these medicines, many doctors prescribe other treatments for ADHD. They are usually antidepressants or other medications that affect brain chemicals. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is an antidepressant which can help patients with ADHD and tetrahydrozoline methylphenidate (Adderall XR) is a stimulant drug often used off-label to treat the condition.
The medications are available in capsules, liquids, patches, or tablets. It's important to study the labels carefully so that you can be sure you or your child are taking the correct dose. Inform your doctor if are taking any other medication or supplements, such as herbal remedies or over-the-counter medications. Some can interact with ADHD medication and cause unwanted adverse side effects.
Natural treatments for ADHD can help a small number of people but they don't have the same scientific backing as medications approved by the FDA. For example, the herb DMAA (1,3-dimethylamylamine) is sometimes sold as an over-the-counter ADHD treatment, but the FDA warns that it can increase blood pressure and heart rate, which can lead to serious health problems. St. John's wort is another herbal supplement that people suggest for ADHD but the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says there is little evidence that it can be used as treatment.
Over-the-counter ADHD medication isn't a replacement for medical care. Speak to your doctor if you or your child exhibits symptoms of the disorder. Then, if you decide that prescription medication is right for you or your child, ask your doctor about the best treatment options. They will look at your family's lifestyle, other medication your child is taking, as well as your medical history to find the right medication.