Medications For ADHD
Stimulants are medicines that increase the amount of chemicals in your brain to help control symptoms. The majority of doctors recommend stimulants for the first option for treatment.
The treatment for ADHD usually includes medication, counseling and lifestyle modifications.
Adults with ADHD are usually prescribed Guanfacine (Strattera), viloxazine, or atomoxetine. They belong to an entirely different class of medication that includes stimulants and have a lower risk of misuse and addiction.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the levels of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which helps people with ADHD manage their impulsive behaviors and concentrate. They also increase the quality of memory and alertness. Doctors frequently prescribe these medications for adolescents, children and adults suffering from ADHD. However, they do not cure the disorder. see this must be taken regularly to function effectively. They are not a replacement for therapy, skills training and healthy lifestyle modifications.
Most stimulants used to treat ADHD are part of the methylphenidate class, which includes Ritalin, Concerta and Focalin. Amphetamines are stronger than methylphenidates, comprise Adderall and Vyvanse. Long-acting versions are available, such as Daytrana which is a patch that dries on the skin of children and lasts for between 10-12 hours; and Adzenys XR-ODT, which disintegrates in the mouth without having to be swallowed, and has an effect that can last as long as 16 hours.
Both kinds of medicines can cause side-effects, such as headaches or nervousness, or trouble sleeping. They can also impact growth and development therefore doctors must be aware of their use with care. Doctors often offer patients a period of time to test different medications in order to determine which one is suitable for them. They might ask the patient, the instructor, and the parent to fill out the behavioral ratings scales. They might also observe the progress of the patient towards specific objectives and note any side effects.
Nonstimulants may take longer to work and they might not be able to relieve all symptoms. However they can help improve focus and attention, as well as impulsivity. They aren't controlled substances, which means they are less likely to be misused or become addictive. Doctors often prescribe them to teens and children who have ADHD when combined with depression or anxiety, and they can help to lessen the severity of these conditions.
Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree, (viloxazine), belong to the category of antidepressants known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). see this -approved for ADHD, they were initially used "off-label" as they were approved to lower blood pressure. In contrast to stimulants that increase levels of dopamine, atomoxetine and viloxazine boost the levels of norepinephrine, another brain chemical that passes messages between nerve cells.
In certain instances doctors may prescribe other SNRIs to treat ADHD such as bupropion or mirtazapine (Wellbutrin). They are also sometimes given to children suffering from ADHD who have a coexisting disorder that causes tics, like Tourette syndrome.
Many people suffering from ADHD benefit from a mix of medication, therapy and other treatment methods. Some patients can stop taking their medication however for others, medication is part of a lifelong commitment. The symptoms usually return after the medication wears out and some individuals are better off taking a lower dose. Medical professionals should be aware of the dosages they administer as they can worsen certain ailments, like heart disease or depression. Some people may experience irritability at first after taking the new medication however, this feeling typically disappears after some days. adhd and medication can also affect certain drinks, foods and vitamins.