Medications For ADHD
Stimulants are drugs that increase levels of certain chemicals in the brain, helping to control symptoms. Most doctors recommend stimulants as the first option for treatment.
Medicines are typically part of a treatment program for ADHD that includes counseling and lifestyle changes.
Adults with ADHD are often prescribed guanfacine (Strattera) or viloxazine or atomoxetine. They belong to a different class of medication from stimulants and carry an lower chance of addiction and misuse.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the levels of brain chemicals, including norepinephrine and dopamine, making it easier for those with ADHD to concentrate and manage their impulse-driven behavior. They also increase alertness and memories. Doctors frequently prescribe these medications for children, adolescents and adults suffering from ADHD. However, they do not cure the disorder. For the medication to be effective they must be taken regularly. They're not intended to replace therapy, skill training and healthy lifestyle modifications.
Ritalin Concerta Focalin and Ritalin are all methylphenidates. Amphetamines are stronger than methylphenidates. They include Adderall and Vyvanse. Long-acting versions of these drugs are available, like Daytrana, which is a patch that sticks on the skin of children and lasts for 10-12 hours as well as Adzenys XR-ODT that dissolves in the mouth without having to be swallowed, and the effects can last up to 16 hours.
Both kinds of drugs can cause side-effects, such as headaches or jitters, or difficulty sleeping. They can also impact growth and development which is why doctors monitor their use carefully. Doctors typically offer their patients a trial period of different medications in order to determine the right one for them. They may ask the patient, the teacher, and the parent to fill in the behavioral ratings scales. They may also monitor the progress of the patient towards specific goals and note any side effects.
Non-stimulants might take longer to take effect and may not relieve all symptoms. However they can help improve concentration and impulsivity, attention and focus. Since they aren't controlled substances, t here is less likelihood that they will be misused or develop into addiction. Doctors often prescribe them to teenagers and children who have ADHD as well as 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 or SNRIs. They have been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however they were initially used "off-label" for the disorder since they were approved to lower blood pressure. Contrary to stimulants, which increase levels of dopamine, atomoxetine as well as viloxazine boost the levels of norepinephrine, another brain chemical that transmits messages between nerve cells.
In certain instances doctors may prescribe additional SNRIs to treat ADHD like mirtazapine or bupropion (Wellbutrin). They may also be prescribed to children with ADHD who also have a disorder that causes tics, like Tourette syndrome.
Many people suffering from ADHD benefit from a combination of therapy, medication, and other treatments. Some sufferers are able to quit taking their medications, but for others, medication is a permanent commitment. Symptoms usually return when the medication is gone and some individuals are more comfortable on lower doses than those on higher. Medical professionals need to monitor medications closely because they can exacerbate certain conditions, such as heart or depression. Some people may feel irritable at first after taking an unfamiliar medication however, this feeling typically disappears within some days. Medications may also interfere with certain foods, drinks and vitamins.