Medications For ADHD
Stimulants are medicines that boost levels of chemicals in the brain, helping to control symptoms. They are the first option that doctors recommend.
The treatment for ADHD typically includes counseling, medication and lifestyle changes.
Doctors typically prescribe atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine, or viloxazine for the treatment of ADHD in adults. They fall into an entirely different class of medication that includes stimulants and have less chance of addiction and misuse.
Stimulants
The effects of stimulants increase the levels brain chemicals like norepinephrine and dopamine which makes it easier for people with ADHD to focus and control their unpredictable behavior. They also help improve alertness and memory. These drugs are usually prescribed by doctors to adolescents, children and adults with ADHD. However, they don't treat the condition. For the medication to be effective, they must be taken regularly. They're not a substitute for therapy, skills training and healthy lifestyle changes.
Ritalin Concerta Focalin and Ritalin are all methylphenidates. Adderall and Vyvanse are amphetamines that are more potent than methylphenidates. There are long-acting versions available of these drugs, 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 result in effects lasting up to 16 hours.
Both kinds of medications can trigger side effects, such as headaches, jitters, or trouble 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 test period of different medications in order to determine the right one for them. They might ask teachers, parents and the patient to fill in behavioral rating scales, observe the patient's progress toward specific goals, and note any adverse reactions.
Non-stimulants might take longer to take effect and may not relieve all symptoms. However they can help improve concentration and attention, as well as impulsivity. Since they are not controlled substances, there is a lesser chance that they will be misused or turn into an addiction. Doctors often prescribe them to teens and children who suffer from ADHD when combined with depression or anxiety, and they can help to lessen the severity of these disorders.
Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree, (viloxazine), belong to a class of antidepressants called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). They have been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however, they were initially used "off-label" for the disorder due to them being approved to lower high blood pressure. In Iam Psychiatry to stimulants that increase levels of dopamine, atomoxetine and viloxazine raise levels of norepinephrine, another brain chemical that passes messages between nerve cells.
In some instances, doctors may try other SNRIs such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) or mirtazapine (Zyban) to treat ADHD. They may also be prescribed to children suffering from ADHD who suffer from a co-existing tic disorder, such as Tourette syndrome.
Many people with ADHD benefit from a mix of therapy, medication, and other methods of treatment. Some patients can stop taking their medications however for others, taking medication is part of a lifelong commitment. The symptoms typically occur after the medication wears out and some individuals are better off taking lower doses. Medical professionals need to be aware of the dosages they administer as they can worsen certain conditions, such as heart or depression. The use of a new drug may cause some people to feel angry or anxious at first but this usually goes away after several weeks. Medications may also interfere with certain foods, drinks and vitamins.