8 Tips To Improve Your Over The Counter ADHD Medication Game
Types of Over the Counter ADHD Medication
Medications are used to treat ADHD by targeting brain chemicals that influence the ability to focus and impulse control. The drugs come in a variety of forms, including tablets that can either be swallowed or chewed, along with patches and liquids.
Stimulants like methylphenidate, often referred to by the brand names Ritalin or Concerta stimulate activity in brain areas that control attention. They're also available in long-acting versions that release medication throughout the day to limit fluctuations in symptoms.
Non-stimulant medications
Many people take medication to improve their attention and impulse control. These medications are addictive but they are also the most efficient. If you find that stimulants don't work or have undesirable adverse effects, your doctor may suggest switching to a non-stimulant drug. These medications can aid in reducing symptoms, but they take longer to start working. They can also be effective when used in conjunction with other treatment methods.
Non-stimulant and stimulant drugs are the two primary categories of ADHD medications. The stimulants most commonly used to treat ADHD are methylphenidate and amphetamines. These drugs come in different forms, including immediate-release versions and long-acting ones. Immediate-release stimulants may be taken whenever needed and are typically administered at the beginning of the day. Long-acting stimulants can be taken each morning and typically last from six to 16 hours. The majority of people who take these drugs combine long-acting medications with immediate-release medications to manage their symptoms throughout the day.
Alpha agonists and norepinephrine moderators are both non-stimulant drugs that can be used to treat ADHD. Norepinephrine moderators include atomoxetine (Stattera) and guanfacine, (Tenex or Intuniv). The alpha agonists used to treat ADHD are clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay) and guanfacine (Tenex and intuniv). Teenagers with substance abuse issues or addiction to drugs could be at risk of taking stimulant medication. Non-stimulant drugs are a viable alternative for this group because they don't carry the same danger of addiction or side effects.
Many people discover that their initial ADHD medication doesn't work or has undesirable adverse effects. It's important that you speak to your doctor and experiment with different medications if you need to. Your doctor will be able to tell you whether the medication you're taking is effective by looking for specific side effects such as heart rate changes as well as ringing in your ears or a change in your blood pressure. It's also an excellent idea to discuss the other supplements and medications that you or your child is taking whether they are prescription or 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 decreasing distractibility. They can also boost concentration, and they have the added benefit of helping people feel more at ease with their emotions and behaviors. Most people can tolerate these medications well, however there are some negative side effects. Some individuals may experience a decrease in appetite or drowsiness, while others may develop an increased heart rate or sleepiness. People with an history of bipolar or depression disorder are more at chance of developing psychosis taking stimulant medication.
Some stimulant medications can cause people to feel unusually angry or aggressive, especially when they first begin to take the drug. If these symptoms persist, they should talk to their doctor about changing the dosage or attempting an alternative medication. Stimulants may also increase blood pressure and cause seizures in a few people. The drugs can also affect sexual function, with some experiencing delayed ejaculation and a reduced desire for sex.
Certain antidepressants, like serotonin-boosting drugs, can also interfere with the efficacy of certain ADHD medication. This could result in a loss of efficacy, so it is important for people with both ailments to discuss their prescription needs closely with their doctor.
Many children and adults with ADHD also suffer from anxiety or depression and these conditions may interact negatively with certain ADHD medications. It is important to discuss these conditions with your doctor, since you may be able find the right medication to treat all your symptoms.
Antidepressants are generally well-accepted by adolescents and teens, but suicidal thoughts should be closely monitored. If suicidal feelings are severe or persistent, consult a physician immediately. This can be done by dialing 911 or calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Some antidepressants may increase feelings of guilt and despair. This is especially true of tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil) and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor). These medications are often prescribed for ADHD off-label, but can be helpful when other treatments have not worked.
Blood pressure medication
The medications that reduce blood pressure may also help control ADHD symptoms, such as sleep problems and aggression. Clonidine (Catapres) and guanfacine's long-acting (Intuniv) and atomoxetine(Atomoxetine) are part of a group of medications called alpha agonists. These medications are approved for treating high blood pressure, but have been used to treat ADHD "off label" for many years. These medications reduce the tics, improve sleep and increase concentration. medications for adhd can also lower heart rate and blood-pressure which makes them more secure than stimulants.
It's not clear if these medications will have a lasting effect on the development of brain cells among children and teens. Researchers are also unsure whether they will have a long-lasting effect on heart-related issues in these people, and some experts are wary of their use. Certain people could be at a higher risk of seizures when they are taking these drugs. The American Heart Association recommends that people with a history of stroke, heart disease or other cardiovascular issues have an evaluation of their heart before beginning the medication.
Stimulant ADHD medication is habit-forming and can raise the heart rate and blood pressure. It can also have negative effects on sleep and appetite. It's also not recommended for babies or young children. It can have long-term negative effects on youngsters' brains and brains, which could result in drug abuse.
The FDA warns teens and adults with ADHD, who are suffering from anxiety or depression, but have not received treatment, should avoid stimulant medications. People with these conditions should seek psychosocial treatment. This involves behavioral therapy that helps develop positive coping skills and assists in improve social interactions.
Some prescription ADHD medications may cause negative side effects, such as stomach upset, headaches and difficulty sleeping. If side effects are severe, a doctor might reduce your dosage or switch to another medication. If you have a serious side-effect, such as hallucinations or heart palpitations consult your physician immediately.
Even if they claim to be that they are, most over-the-counter medications and supplements are not effective in treating ADHD. A lot of vitamins and supplements have no scientific basis and may even interact with certain medications. Discuss with your doctor all supplements and medications you take, including those that are available over the counter.
Other medicines
Most clinical guidelines recommend stimulant drugs as the first option for treatment for ADHD. But they're not for everyone, and there is evidence that non-stimulant medicines can be equally effective for certain individuals. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) are FDA-approved nonstimulant ADHD medication, as are clonidine ER and guanfacine is ER are available for children aged 6 to 17. These medications boost certain brain chemicals that improve the ability to focus, impulse control, and working memory.
Many doctors prescribe additional medications to treat ADHD in addition to these drugs. Most often, these are antidepressants or other medications that alter brain chemical. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is an antidepressant that can help people suffering from ADHD and tetrahydrozoline-methylphenidate (Adderall XR) is another stimulant medication often used off-label to treat the condition.
These medications may be available in tablets, capsules, liquid, or patches. It is essential to read the labels carefully to be sure that you or your child are taking the right dose. Also, be sure to inform your doctor about any other drugs or supplements you are taking, including over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies. Some can interact with ADHD medication and cause undesirable adverse side effects.
Natural treatments for ADHD could help a small number of people, but they don't have the same scientific backing of FDA-approved medicines. 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 some people suggest for ADHD however, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says there is little evidence that it works as a treatment for ADHD.
Over-the-counter ADHD medications aren't a substitute for medical treatment. Consult your physician in the event that you or your child is showing symptoms of the disorder. Ask your doctor for the best treatment options should you or your child decide that prescription medication is right. The doctor will take into consideration your family's lifestyle, other medications you or your child takes, and your medical history to identify the right medication.