Medications For ADHD
Stimulants are medications which increase the amount of chemicals in your brain to help control symptoms. adhd medications for adults recommend stimulants as the first line of treatment.
The use of medication is usually part of the treatment program for ADHD that also includes counseling and lifestyle changes.
Doctors often prescribe atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine, or viloxazine for the treatment of ADHD in adults. They belong to a different class of medications from stimulants and carry less risk of misuse and addiction.
Stimulants
Stimulants raise the levels of brain chemicals, norepinephrine as well as dopamine which can help people suffering from ADHD manage their impulsive behavior and stay focused. They also increase the quality of memory and alertness. Doctors frequently prescribe these medications for children, adolescents and adults suffering from ADHD. They cannot solve the problem. For medications to work they must be used regularly. They are not a replacement for therapy, training in skills and healthy lifestyle changes.
Ritalin Concerta Focalin and Ritalin are all methylphenidates. Adderall and Vyvanse are amphetamines that are more potent than methylphenidates. Long-acting versions are available, such as Daytrana that is a patch that sticks on kids' skin and lasts for between 10-12 hours and Adzenys XR-ODT, which dissolves in the mouth without needing to be swallowed and produces a result that can last for up to 16 hours.
Both types of medications can cause side effects, such as headaches, jitters, or difficulty sleeping. They can also impact the growth and development of children which is why doctors monitor their use carefully. Doctors typically offer their patients a trial period of various medications to determine the best one for them. They may ask parents, teachers and the patient to fill in behavioral rating scales, observe the patient's progress toward specific goals and observe any adverse reactions.
Nonstimulants take longer to start working and may not alleviate all symptoms, but they do enhance focus, attention, and impulsivity. They are not controlled substances, so they are less likely to be misused or turn addictive. Doctors often prescribe them to teenagers and children who have ADHD in combination with anxiety or depression, and they can help reduce the severity of those disorders.
Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine) are part of the class of antidepressants known as selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitors, or 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 increase dopamine levels, boost norepinephrine levels. This is another brain chemical that transmits messages between nerve cell.
In some cases, doctors may try other SNRIs such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) or mirtazapine (Zyban), to treat ADHD. They can also be given to children suffering from ADHD who suffer from a co-existing disorder that causes tics, like Tourette syndrome.
Many people suffering from ADHD benefit from a mix treatment with therapy, medication, and other methods. Some people can quit taking their medication, however, others will continue to continue to take it for the duration of their lives. The symptoms typically occur when the medication has worn off, and some people are better off taking a lower dose. Medical professionals need to be aware of the dosages they administer as they can exacerbate certain ailments, like heart or depression. Some people may experience irritability initially after taking a new medicine, but this feeling usually goes away within several days. The medication may also cause problems with certain drinks, foods and vitamins.