Medications For ADHD
Stimulants are medicines that increase the levels of chemicals in your brain, helping to control symptoms. They are the first treatment most doctors recommend.
The treatment for ADHD usually includes counseling, medication, and lifestyle modifications.
Doctors frequently prescribe atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine, or viloxazine for the treatment of ADHD in adults. They are in a different category from stimulants, and they 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 people with ADHD to focus and manage their unpredictable behavior. They also improve alertness and memories. These medications are typically prescribed by doctors to adolescents, children and adults with ADHD. They cannot solve the problem. To make a difference they must be taken regularly. They're not a substitute for therapy, training in skills and healthy lifestyle modifications.
The majority of stimulants prescribed to treat ADHD are in the methylphenidate group, including Ritalin, Concerta and Focalin. Amphetamines, which are stronger than methylphenidates. Our Site include Adderall and Vyvanse. Long-acting versions are available, such as Daytrana that is a patch that dries on kids' skin and lasts for between 10-12 hours as well as Adzenys XR-ODT, which dissolves in the mouth without having to be swallowed, and has an effect that can last for up to 16 hours.
Both kinds of medications can trigger side effects, like headaches, jitters and trouble sleeping. They can also impact the development of children and adolescents therefore doctors must be aware of their use with care. Doctors frequently offer their patients a test period of different medications to find the best one for them. They may ask the patient, the instructor, and the parent to fill out the behavioral ratings scales. They might also observe the patient's progress towards specific goals and note any side effects.
Non-stimulants take longer to begin working and may not relieve all symptoms, but they can increase focus, attention and impulsivity. Since they aren't controlled substances, there is a lower chance that they will be misused or develop into addiction. They are prescribed by doctors to children and teenagers who have ADHD and depression or anxiety. They can reduce the severity of these disorders.
Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine) belong to the class of antidepressants known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs. They are FDA-approved for treating ADHD however, they were originally used "off-label" for the disorder because they were approved to lower blood pressure. Unlike stimulants, which raise levels of dopamine and atomoxetine, atomoxetine and viloxazine increase the level of norepinephrine, another brain chemical that passes messages between nerve cells.
In certain instances, doctors may try other SNRIs like bupropion (Wellbutrin) or mirtazapine (Zyban), to treat ADHD. Sometimes they are given to children with ADHD and a co-existing tic disorder like Tourette Syndrome.
Many people who have ADHD benefit from a mix of therapy, medication and other treatments. Some patients can stop taking their medication, however, others will continue to continue to take it for the remainder of their lives. The symptoms usually return after the medication stops working and some sufferers have better results on low doses than higher ones. Medical professionals need to keep track of medications as they can exacerbate certain conditions, such as heart disease or depression. Taking adhd without medication may make some people feel irritable or anxious initially but this usually goes away after several weeks. Medications may also interfere with some foods, drinks and vitamins.