Non Prescription ADHD Medication
Stimulant medication is the first option for treating ADHD. Your doctor will work with you to find the proper dosage and type of medication to meet your needs.
Both adults and children can use non-stimulant drugs. These medications treat a variety of conditions but can also help with ADHD symptoms. These include antidepressants such as phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and venlafaxine. They can be combined with stimulants to improve the effects.
Stimulants
Stimulant medicines like Ritalin and Adderall can help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD in a large number of children and adults. These medications improve communication between nerves as well as areas of the brain that control behavior, concentration and impulsivity. They can cause negative physical and mental effects if they are misused or used over a long period of time. People with a history or addiction to drugs, depression or bipolar disorders should avoid taking stimulant medications unless under the care and supervision by a medical professional.
Stimulants are medications that boost the activity of certain neurotransmitters that are found in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. They also raise the heart rate and blood pressure, which can cause cardiovascular problems and heart rhythm issues in some individuals. Some sufferers also experience a change in personality when taking stimulants, becoming withdrawn and sluggish or less enthusiastic and talkative. Others may become more irritable, angry or aggressive and may even develop obsessive compulsive symptoms.
The most commonly prescribed stimulants for ADHD are methylphenidate (MPH; Ritalin and Concerta) and dextroamphetamine-AMP (d-AMP; Adderall). Because they can be crushed or snorted to create an increase in energy, they are classified as controlled substances. The dosage, distribution and use of these drugs are controlled to prevent misuse and abuse.
There are many non-stimulant medications that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. Certain are specifically designed to treat the disorder and are FDA-approved for that reason, while others such as blood pressure medications have similar effects on ADHD symptoms and are able to be used in conjunction with stimulants, or even on their own.
Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is a good antidepressant. It is an effective treatment for both children and adults with ADHD. It does not affect sleep or appetite which are the two most common negative side effects that are associated with stimulants. It also helps reduce the severity of depression, anxiety and other mental disorders.
Other antidepressants, such as atomoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa) and sertraline (Zoloft) are also effective well to control ADHD symptoms in adults and children. The antidepressants don't appear to interact with stimulant medications however some researchers think they could interfere with the positive effects of the drug.
In addition, many people suffering from ADHD also have other conditions such as Tourette's syndrome or anxiety, which can influence how the medication performs for them. In these cases it is possible that a different antidepressant would be a better choice.
Lifestyle changes can boost the capacity of an adult or child of concentration, manage their impulsivity and manage their emotions. iampsychiatry.com , regular exercise and enough sleep can all be helpful. In certain situations a doctor might suggest dietary supplements to ease the adverse effects of ADHD medication or help supplement the current treatment regimen. These supplements should always be administered under a doctor's supervision, and the patient must avoid certain foods and drinks that may cause an adverse impact. For example, foods that are rich in tyramine should be avoided because they may increase the body's reaction to methylphenidate or amphetamine. These include poultry, red meat fish, dairy, and red meat. In addition, alcoholic beverages and nicotine should be avoided because they can affect concentration.