ADHD Medication List
Finding the appropriate medication to treat ADHD is often a trial-and-error process. Ask your doctor about any adverse effects that bother you and ask if you can modify the dosage or try a different drug.
Certain people might be prescribed long-acting stimulants, such as Guanfacine (Intuniv) or atomoxetine (Strattera). These medications are slowly absorbed in the bloodstream, and they reduce the chance of experiencing symptoms of rebound and high blood pressure.
Methamphetamine
This medication is used to treat ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is effective by increasing the levels of the chemicals in the brain and nerves, namely dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. This improves focus, decreases the tendency to be impulsive and restless and helps people stay alert. It also reduces appetite in certain people. Methamphetamine is in a class of medications called central nervous system stimulants. It is only available on the prescription of a physician.
Taking methamphetamine can lead to addiction and serious physical adverse effects. The drug may cause damage to the heart, brain, and kidneys. It can also increase the possibility of having a stroke, seizures and high blood pressure. Methamphetamine users can develop tolerance to the drug. This means that they have to take more and more of it to feel its effects. It can also lead to mental issues such as anxiety and depression.
Methamphetamine can be found in three forms which include smoked, swallowed, or injectable. If it is smoked, snorted, or injected, the effects are experienced in a matter of three to five minutes. Snorting methamphetamine produces the euphoria, or "rush" feeling faster than smoking. It is not unusual to mix methamphetamine use with other drugs, such as alcohol and other illegal substances. These combinations can have an adverse effect on the body or lead to an overdose, which could be deadly.
Regular methamphetamine usage can cause serious dental problems, chronic fatigue, skin picking and infections, and a wide range of health issues including heightened risk of contracting hepatitis and HIV which is transmitted through sexual contact or by sharing needles. Men may also have difficulty getting or keeping an erection. They are more likely to engage in rough or unprotected sexual activities, which could result in bleeding or an STD.
Using methamphetamine while pregnant can cause abnormal fetal development or a life-threatening rupture of the placenta which is why it's essential to talk to your doctor prior to becoming pregnant or are planning to conceive. It can also get into breast milk and harm a nursing infant. It's also illegal to sell or distribute methamphetamine to anyone under age 18.
A doctor can prescribe medication to help you overcome meth addiction or ADHD treatment. These medications can reduce or prevent withdrawal symptoms. They can also address the root causes. They can be combined alongside other treatments, such as behavioral therapy, or by themselves.
Professional treatment is the best choice for those suffering with meth addiction. A comprehensive program will include family and individual counseling, as in addition to cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as other forms to help you overcome your addiction. The treatment program must be able to address any mental health issue, or co-occurring disorders, which may have influenced your addiction. Behavioral therapy can teach you healthier ways to cope with stress and manage the triggers that lead to your addiction. It can also help you learn how to manage your relationship with the drug. With the right support you can live your life free of addiction.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a type of stimulant that boosts activity in areas of the brain that regulate attention and behavior. It is believed to increase the levels of chemicals in the brain that are known as dopamine and noradrenaline. Methylphenidate is available by prescription only. It may be used alone or in combination with other treatments for ADHD and the condition of narcolepsy. The medication has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of people with both conditions, especially when used in conjunction with nonpharmacologic treatments (such as social skills training for ADHD and sleep hygiene for the treatment of narcolepsy).
Methylphenidate comes in many forms: tablets, capsules, extended-release tablets or chewable tablets (Ritalin IR or Adhansia XR) as well as liquid medicine and a long-acting orally disintegrating tablet (Cotempla XR-ODT or Quillichew). It is typically taken orally, either with or without food. Depending on the form of methylphenidate that you take it is crucial to follow your doctor's instructions precisely. Do not crush or break extended-release capsules. Swallow them whole. Measure liquid medicines with a special measuring tool instead of a spoon. Before swallowing chewable tablets, they should be cheated. The extended-release and oral disintegrating tablets should be allowed to dissolve in the mouth before being swallowed. You should not drink alcohol when taking either the ER chewable or the oral disintegrating long-acting tablet.
It is not known if methylphenidate passes through the breast milk, so it is crucial to inform your doctor if breastfeeding. Methylphenidate can increase the risk of seizures in some people. Tell your doctor if there is any history of seizures or any other mental health problems like Tourette's syndrome or bipolar disorder. Methylphenidate may cause mental health issues to get worse or develop in some children or teenagers. These symptoms include manic or psychotic behaviors. It can also cause a rise in depression or tics in certain people.
Methylphenidate is a drug that interacts with other medicines like antidepressants and certain anticholinergic drugs and can reduce their effectiveness. It can also increase heart rate and blood pressure in some people.
Talk to add in adults medication if you are using methylphenidate with other medication. This includes anxiety medications depression, depression, herbal treatments, and vitamins. Inform your doctor if your family history includes of sudden deaths, heart problems or high blood pressure.
Use methylphenidate only in conjunction with monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) for example, isocarboxazid or linezolid. Do not mix methylphenidate and MAOIs like rasagiline or Methylene Blue, Selegiline, or Tranylcypromine. MAOIs can increase the amount of methylphenidate in your body and cause dangerous adverse effects. Also, let your doctor know whether you're allergic to tartrazine or aspirin dye (a yellow dye in some processed foods and medications when you take Adhansia XR), or in case you suffer from any other allergies.