Medications For ADHD
Stimulants are medications that increase levels of chemicals in the brain to help control symptoms. The majority of doctors recommend stimulants as the first line of treatment.
The treatment for ADHD usually includes counseling, medication and lifestyle modifications.
Adults with ADHD are often prescribed guanfacine (Strattera), viloxazine, or atomoxetine. They are a different class from stimulants, and are less likely to addiction and abuse.
Stimulants
The effects of stimulants increase the levels brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which make it easier for those with ADHD to focus and control their impulse-driven behavior. They also help improve the quality of alertness and memory. These medications are typically prescribed by doctors to children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD. But, they cannot solve the problem. non stimulant adhd medication must be used regularly for them to work properly. They are not a substitute for therapy, skills training and healthy lifestyle modifications.
Ritalin Concerta Focalin and Ritalin are all methylphenidates. Amphetamines, which are more potent than methylphenidates, comprise Adderall and Vyvanse. Long-acting versions of these medications are available, such as Daytrana which is a patch that dries on the skin of children and lasts for between 10-12 hours and Adzenys XR-ODT, which dissolves in the mouth, without having to be swallowed and produces a result that can last up to 16 hours.
Both types of medications can cause adverse effects such as headaches, anxiety, or jitters. They can also impact growth and development which is why doctors take care to monitor their use. Doctors typically give patients a period of time to try out different medications in order to determine which is suitable for them. They might ask teachers, parents and the patient to fill out behavioral rating scales, watch the patient's progress toward specific goals and notice any adverse reactions.
Non-stimulants can take longer to take effect and may not completely relieve symptoms. However, they can improve concentration and attention, as well as impulsivity. Since they aren't controlled substances, there is less chance of them being misused or develop into addiction. They are prescribed by a doctor to teenagers and children who have ADHD and depression or anxiety. They can reduce the severity of these disorders.
Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine) belong to a class of antidepressants referred to as selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitors, also known as SNRIs. They have been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however they were initially prescribed "off-label" for the disorder because they were approved to lower high blood pressure. Viloxazine and atomoxetine, unlike stimulants that increase dopamine levels, boost norepinephrine levels. This is a different brain chemical which transmits messages between nerve cell.
In some cases doctors may suggest other SNRIs like bupropion (Wellbutrin) or mirtazapine (Zyban), to treat ADHD. Sometimes, they are prescribed to children with ADHD and a co-existing tic disorder like Tourette Syndrome.
Many people with ADHD benefit from a combination treatment with therapy, medication, and other methods. Some patients can stop taking their medication, but others will continue to take it for the rest of their lives. Symptoms usually return when the medication is gone and some individuals have better results on low doses than on higher ones. Certain medications can worsen health conditions, like depression or heart issues and should be monitored closely by medical professionals. Some people may feel uneasy initially after taking an unfamiliar medication, but this feeling usually disappears within several days. Some medications can also affect certain foods, drinks and vitamins.