ADHD Medication List
Finding the right medication to treat ADHD can be an experiment of trial and error. Talk to your doctor about any side effects that are bothersome and ask if you are able to modify the dosage or try a different medication.
Some people may be prescribed long acting stimulants, such as atomoxetine or guanfacine. These drugs are slowly absorbed into bloodstreams and lower the chance of rebound effects 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 called dopamine, norepinephrine, as well as serotonin. This improves focus, reduce anxiety and impulsivity, and keep people awake. It also suppresses appetite in certain people. Methamphetamine is a member of a class of medications called central nervous system stimulants. It is only available on prescription from a physician.
Methamphetamine use can result in addiction and serious physical side effects. The drug can cause damage to the heart, brain and kidneys. It may also increase your risk of having strokes, seizures, or high blood pressure. People who use methamphetamine can develop a tolerance to the drug, meaning they require more and more of it to feel its effects. It can also trigger psychological problems such as depression and paranoid thoughts.
Methamphetamine can be found in three forms: smoked, swallowed or injected. Its effects are felt within three to five minutes when you smoke or snort it; however, it takes between 15 and 20 minutes when swallowed or injectable. Snorting methamphetamine produces the "rush" or euphoria quicker than smoking. Methamphetamine can be found in combination with alcohol or other illegal substances. These combinations can result in an overdose or toxic effect, which can be fatal.
Regular methamphetamine usage can cause severe dental issues, chronic fatigue, skin picks and infections, and a wide range of health issues, including increased risk of hepatitis or HIV which is transmitted via sexual contact or sharing needles. It also makes men less able to get or keep an erection, and increases the risk that they suffer from rough or unprotected sex that causes bleeding and increases the risk of spreading or catching an STD.
Using methamphetamine while pregnant can result in abnormal fetal development or a life-threatening rupture of the placenta which is why it's essential to talk to your doctor before you become pregnant or plan to conceive. It may also pass into breast milk and harm a nursing infant. It's also against the law to sell or distribute methamphetamine to anyone younger than 18.
A doctor may prescribe medication that can aid in your recovery from an ADHD treatment or meth addiction. These medications can stop or reduce withdrawal symptoms, and they can also assist in addressing the root causes of your problem. They can be used by themselves or with other treatments, including behavioral therapy.
Professional treatment is the best choice for those suffering with meth addiction. A comprehensive program includes family and individual counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other forms of treatment to aid in healing and recovery from your addiction. The treatment program must also deal with any mental health issue or co-occurring disorders that contribute to 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 to manage your relationship with meth. With the right support you can live a lifetime free of addiction.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a kind of stimulant that boosts activity in areas of the here brain that regulate behavior and attention. It is believed that it increases the levels of chemicals in the brain that are known as dopamine and noradrenaline. Methylphenidate can be purchased on prescription only. It can be taken on its own or in conjunction with other treatments for ADHD and narcolepsy. The medication has been shown to be effective at alleviating symptoms for those suffering from both conditions. This is particularly relevant when it is used in conjunction with nonpharmacologic treatments (such as social skill training for ADHD or sleep hygiene for narcolepsy).
Methylphenidate comes in a variety of forms such as tablets, capsules, chewable tablets or extended-release tablets (Ritalin IR, Adhansia XR) as well as a liquid medicine and a long acting orally disintegrating tablet. (Cotempla XR - ODT or Quillichew ER). It is usually taken orally, either with or without food. Based on the type of methylphenidate you take, it is important to follow the prescription of your doctor exactly. Do not crush or break extended-release capsules. Take them whole. Measure liquid medicines using an instrument that is specially designed for measuring instead of a spoon. Before swallowing chewable tablets they should be cheated. The extended-release and orally disintegrating tablets should be allowed to dissolve in the mouth before being taken in. It is not recommended to drink alcohol-based beverages while taking the long-acting orally disintegrating tablet or ER chewable tablet.
It is not known whether methylphenidate is absorbed into breast milk, so it is important to tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding. Methylphenidate may increase the risk of seizure in some people. Consult your physician if you have any previous history of seizures or mental health issues such as Tourette's syndrome or bipolar disorder. Methylphenidate could cause mental health issues to become worse or worsen in certain adolescents or children. These symptoms include manic or psychotic behavior. It can also exacerbate depression or tics in certain people.
Methylphenidate may interact with other medications, such as antidepressants as well as certain anticholinergic drugs and reduce the effectiveness of anticholinergics. It also increases blood pressure and heart rate in certain people.
Speak to your doctor if you are using methylphenidate along with any other medication. This includes anxiety medications depression, depression, herbal remedies, and vitamins. Inform your doctor if you or 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, linezolid, methylene blue, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine. MAOIs may increase the level of methylphenidate in your body, resulting in dangerous adverse reactions. Also inform your doctor whether you are allergic to aspirin or tartrazine dye (a yellow dye found in some processed foods and medicines and if you are taking Adhansia XR), or in case you suffer from any other allergies.