Medications For ADHD
Stimulants are medications that increase levels of chemicals in the brain to ease symptoms. The majority of doctors recommend stimulants for the first line of treatment.
Medications are usually part of a treatment program for ADHD that also includes counseling and lifestyle adjustments.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually prescribed Guanfacine (Strattera), viloxazine, or atomoxetine. They are in a different category from stimulants, and are less likely to addiction and abuse.
Stimulants
Stimulants raise the levels of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine which can help people suffering from ADHD control their impulsive behaviors and stay focused. They also improve the quality of alertness and memory. Doctors typically prescribe these drugs for children, adolescents, and adults suffering from ADHD. They are not able to cure the disorder. To make a difference, they must be taken regularly. They are not a substitute for therapy, training in skills and healthy lifestyle changes.
Ritalin Concerta Focalin and Ritalin are all methylphenidates. Amphetamines, which are stronger than methylphenidates, include Adderall and Vyvanse. There are long-acting versions available of these drugs like Daytrana which is a skin patch that sticks to kids' skin for a period of 10-12 hours and Adzenys XR ODT that dissolves in the mouth without swallowing and can cause effects lasting up to 16 hours.
Both types of medication can cause side effects such as headaches, jitters and trouble sleeping. They may also affect growth and development and therefore, doctors must take care to monitor their use. Doctors typically offer their patients a test period of various medications to determine the best one for them. They may ask the patient, the teacher and the parent to fill in the behavioral ratings scales. They can also track the patient's progress towards specific objectives and note any side effects.
Non-stimulants take longer to begin working and may not alleviate all symptoms, but they do enhance focus, attention, and impulsivity. Since they are not controlled substances, there is a lower chance of them being misused or turn into an addiction. Doctors often prescribe them to teenagers and children who suffer from ADHD as well as depression or anxiety, and they can help reduce the severity of those disorders.
Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine) are part of a class of antidepressants referred to as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, also known as SNRIs. They are FDA-approved to treat ADHD however they were originally used "off-label" for the disorder since they were approved to lower blood pressure. Viloxazine and Atomoxetine, as opposed to stimulants that raise dopamine levels, boost norepinephrine levels. This is another brain chemical that transmits messages between nerve cell.
In certain instances, doctors may try other SNRIs, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) or mirtazapine (Zyban), to treat ADHD. Sometimes they are given to children who have ADHD and a tic disorder that is co-existing like Tourette Syndrome.
Many people who have ADHD benefit from a combination of therapy, medication and other methods of treatment. Some patients are able to quit taking their medication but others are required to be on it for the rest of their lives. Suggested Reading return after the medication is gone and some sufferers do better on low doses than those on higher. Medications can also worsen certain health conditions, like depression or heart problems, so they need to be monitored closely by medical experts. Some people may experience irritability initially after taking an unfamiliar medication however, this feeling typically disappears within several days. Some medications can also interfere with certain drinks, foods and vitamins.