ADHD Medication List
Finding the right medication to treat ADHD is often an experiment of trial and error. Be sure to discuss any troublesome side effects with your doctor and inquire about adjusting the dosage or trying another medication.
Some people may be prescribed long-acting stimulants such as Guanfacine (Intuniv) or atomoxetine (Strattera). These drugs build up slowly in the bloodstream, which means they can reduce the risk of symptoms of rebound and high blood pressure.
Methamphetamine
This medication is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It raises levels of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain and on nerves. This improves focus, decreases the tendency to be impulsive and restless, and helps people stay awake. It also suppresses appetite in certain people. Methamphetamine belongs in the class of central nervous stimulants. It can only be purchased with a doctor's prescription.
Methamphetamine use can cause addiction and have serious side effects. The drug may cause damage to the kidneys as well as the heart and brain. It can also increase the risk of seizures, strokes, and high blood pressure. Users of methamphetamine can develop a tolerance to the drug. This means they need to take increasing amounts of it in order to feel its effects. It can also cause psychological issues, such as depression and paranoid thinking.
Methamphetamine is available in three forms that are smoked, swallowed or injectable. When smoked, snorted or injectable, the effects are experienced in a matter of three to five minutes. Snorting methamphetamine causes the "rush" or euphoria more quickly than smoking. Methamphetamine is often combined with alcohol or illegal substances. These combinations can result in a toxic or overdose effect, which can be fatal.
Regular methamphetamine use can also cause severe dental problems such as chronic fatigue, skin picks and infections, as well as various health issues including heightened risk of contracting hepatitis and HIV, which can be transmitted through sexual contact or sharing needles. It can also make men less likely to have or maintain an erection and it makes them more likely to have rough or unprotected sex which can cause bleeding and increases the risk of spreading or catching an STD.
Methamphetamine consumption during pregnancy can lead to abnormal fetal growth, or a life-threatening rupture of the placenta. It is essential to talk with your doctor before you plan to become pregnant. It can also enter breastmilk and harm a nursing child. It's also illegal to sell or distribute methamphetamine to anyone under age 18.
A doctor may prescribe medication that can help you recover from an ADHD treatment or meth addiction. These medications can lessen or eliminate withdrawal symptoms, and can also help with root causes. They can be used by themselves or with other treatments, including behavioral therapy.
If you're struggling with meth addiction, getting professional help is the best method to get rid of it. A comprehensive treatment program will include family and individual counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other forms of treatment to aid you in recovering from your addiction. A treatment program should also address any mental disorder, or co-occurring disorders, that may have contributed to your addiction. Therapy for behavioral disorders can help you discover better ways to handle stress and triggers that lead to addiction. It will also help you learn to manage your relationship with meth. With the right help, you can lead a life free of addiction.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a type of stimulant that stimulates activity in parts of the brain that regulate behavior and attention. It is believed that it increases the levels of brain chemicals known as dopamine and noradrenaline. Methylphenidate is only available with a prescription. It can be used as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with other treatments for ADHD and the condition of narcolepsy. The medication has been shown to be effective at reducing symptoms for people with both conditions. This is particularly applicable when it is combined with nonpharmacologic treatments (such as social skill training for ADHD or sleep hygiene for Narcolepsy).
Methylphenidate can be found in a variety of forms: capsules, tablets extended-release tablets, chewable tablets (Ritalin IR or Adhansia XR) liquid medicine, and a long-acting disintegrating orally disintegrating tablet (Cotempla XR-ODT or Quillichew ER). It is typically taken orally, either with or without food. Depending on the type of methylphenidate you take it is crucial to follow the instructions of your doctor precisely. Do not crush or break extended-release capsules. Take them whole. Measure liquid medicines using an instrument specifically designed for measuring, not a regular spoon. Before swallowing chewable tablets they should not be cheated. Let the extended-release tablets as well as the orally disintegrating tablet to dissolve in your mouth prior to taking them in. You should not drink alcohol while taking either the ER chewable or the long-acting oral disintegrating tablet.
It isn't known whether methylphenidate can pass through breast milk, which is why it is important to tell your doctor if you're nursing. Methylphenidate may increase the risk of having seizures in certain people. Tell your doctor whether you have a history of seizures or other mental health issues like Tourette's syndrome or bipolar disorder. Methylphenidate may cause mental health problems to become worse or develop in some adolescents or children. These symptoms can include manic or psychotic behaviors. It can also cause a rise in tics or depression in some people.
Methylphenidate interacts with other medications such as antidepressants, certain anticholinergic drugs, and can decrease their effectiveness. It may also increase blood pressure and heart rates in certain individuals.
Speak to adhd anxiety medication when you are taking methylphenidate along with any other medication. This includes medicines for anxiety depression, depression, herbal treatments and vitamins. Tell your doctor if your family history includes of sudden deaths, heart problems or high blood pressure.
Do not take methylphenidate in conjunction with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as isocarboxazid and linezolid, methylene blue rasagiline and selegiline or tranylcypromine. MAOIs may increase the level of methylphenidate in your body and can cause dangerous adverse effects. Also inform your doctor if you are allergic to aspirin or tartrazine dye (a yellow dye in some processed foods and medications and if you are taking Adhansia XR), or if you have any other allergies.