Medications For ADHD
Stimulants are medications that increase levels of chemicals in the brain to ease symptoms. They are the first treatment most doctors recommend.
Medicines are typically part of a treatment program for ADHD which also includes counseling and lifestyle modifications.
Doctors often prescribe atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine, or viloxazine for the treatment of ADHD in adults. add adhd medications are in a different category of stimulants and are less likely to addiction and abuse.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the levels of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, making it easier for people suffering from ADHD to concentrate and manage their impulsive behavior. They also aid in improving memory and alertness. These drugs are usually prescribed by doctors to children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD. They do not treat the condition. It is essential to take them regularly for them to work effectively. They are not intended to replace therapy, skill development, and healthy lifestyle changes.
Ritalin Concerta Focalin and Ritalin are all methylphenidates. Amphetamines are stronger than methylphenidates. They include Adderall and Vyvanse. There are long-acting versions of these medications, such as Daytrana which is a skin patch that sticks to children's skin for 10-12 hour and Adzenys XR ODT that dissolves in the mouth without swallowing and can cause an effect lasting up to 16 hours.
Both types of medications can cause side effects, like headaches, jitters, or difficulty sleeping. They can also affect growth and development, so doctors monitor their use carefully. Doctors often offer patients a time to try out different medications in order to determine which is suitable for them. They might ask parents, teachers and the patient to fill out behavioral rating scales, monitor the patient's progress towards achieving specific goals and observe any side effects.
Non-stimulants can take longer to work and they may not relieve all symptoms. However, they can enhance focus and attention, as well as impulsivity. Since they are not controlled substances, there is less likelihood that they will be misused or become addicting. They are prescribed by a doctor 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 category of antidepressants called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). They are FDA-approved for treating ADHD however they were initially prescribed "off-label" for the disorder due to them being approved to lower blood pressure. Viloxazine and atomoxetine, in contrast to stimulants that boost dopamine levels, boost norepinephrine levels. This is another brain chemical which transmits messages between nerve cell.
In certain instances doctors may recommend other SNRIs, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) or mirtazapine (Zyban), to treat ADHD. Sometimes, they are prescribed to children who have ADHD and a tic disorder that is co-existing like Tourette Syndrome.
Many people suffering from ADHD benefit from a combination treatment of medication, therapy and other techniques. Some sufferers are able to quit taking their medications, but for others, medication is a lifetime commitment. The symptoms typically return after the medication wears off, and some people have better results on low doses than those on higher. Medical professionals need to be aware of the dosages they administer as they can exacerbate certain conditions, such as heart or depression. A new medication can make some people feel irritable or anxious initially but this usually goes away after several weeks. Some medications can also affect some foods, drinks and vitamins.