Medications For ADHD
Stimulants are medications which boost the levels of chemical in your brain, helping to control symptoms. Most doctors recommend stimulants as the first line of treatment.
The use of medication is usually part of an overall treatment program for ADHD that also includes counseling and lifestyle adjustments.
Adults with ADHD are usually prescribed Guanfacine (Strattera), viloxazine, or atomoxetine. They are in a different class of medications from stimulants and carry a lower risk of misuse and addiction.
Stimulants
Stimulants raise the levels of brain chemicals, norepinephrine as well as dopamine which help people with ADHD manage their impulsive behavior and focus. They also enhance memory and alertness. Doctors often prescribe these medications for children, adolescents, and adults suffering from ADHD. But, they cannot solve the problem. For medications to work they must be taken regularly. They are not intended to replace therapy, skill training and healthy lifestyle changes.
The majority of stimulants used to treat ADHD are in the methylphenidate group, including Ritalin, Concerta and Focalin. Adderall and Vyvanse are amphetamines with a stronger effect than methylphenidates. Long-acting versions of these drugs are available, such as Daytrana, which is a patch that dries on kids' skin and lasts for 10-12 hours; and Adzenys XR-ODT, which dissolves in the mouth without needing to be swallowed, and has an effect that can last up to 16 hours.
Both kinds of medicines can trigger side effects like headaches, jitters, or difficulty sleeping. They can also impact growth and developmental, so doctors must monitor their use carefully. Doctors typically offer their patients a trial period of various medications to determine the most suitable one for them. They may ask parents, teachers and the patient to fill out the behavioral rating scales, observe the patient's progress toward specific goals, and note any adverse reactions.
Non-stimulants take longer to begin working, and they may not eliminate all symptoms, but they do increase focus, attention and impulsivity. They are not controlled substances, therefore they are less likely to be misused or turn addictive. They are prescribed by doctors to teenagers and children who suffer from ADHD and depression or anxiety. They can lessen the severity of these conditions.
Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine) are part of a class of antidepressants referred to as selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitors, also known as SNRIs. adhd medications have been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however they were originally used "off-label" for the disorder due to them being approved to lower high blood pressure. Viloxazine and atomoxetine, unlike stimulants that increase dopamine levels, increase norepinephrine. This is another brain chemical which transmits messages between nerve cell.
In certain instances, doctors will prescribe other SNRIs to treat ADHD like mirtazapine or bupropion (Wellbutrin). Sometimes they are given to children with ADHD and an associated tic disorder such as Tourette Syndrome.
Many people with ADHD benefit from a combination treatment of medication, therapy, and other methods. Some sufferers are able to quit taking their medications however for others, it is a lifetime commitment. The symptoms usually return after the medication wears out and some individuals prefer taking a lower dose. Medications can also worsen certain ailments, like depression or heart problems which is why they must be monitored closely by medical professionals. A new medication can cause some people to feel anxious or anxious at first but this usually goes away after some time. Medications may also interfere with certain foods, drinks and vitamins.