Medications For ADHD
Stimulants are drugs that increase levels of certain chemicals in the brain to help control symptoms. Most doctors recommend stimulants as the first treatment.
Medications are usually part of the treatment plan for ADHD which also includes counseling and lifestyle changes.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often prescribed guanfacine (Strattera), viloxazine, or atomoxetine. They are in a different class of medication that includes stimulants and have an lower risk of misuse and addiction.
Stimulants
The effects of stimulants increase the levels brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which help people with ADHD manage their impulsive behaviors and focus. They also improve memory and alertness. Doctors often prescribe these medications for children, adolescents and adults suffering from ADHD. However, they don't cure the disorder. Medications must be taken regularly to ensure they work properly. They are not a substitute for therapy, skills training and healthy lifestyle changes.
The majority of stimulants prescribed to treat ADHD are in the methylphenidate group, including Ritalin, Concerta and Focalin. Adderall and Vyvanse are amphetamines that are stronger than methylphenidates. There are long-acting versions available of these drugs, such as Daytrana which is a patch for the skin that sticks to kids' skin for a period of 10-12 hours and Adzenys XR ODT, which dissolves in the mouth without swallowing and can result in an effect lasting for up to 16 hours.
Both kinds of medicines can cause adverse effects like headaches, jitters, or difficulty sleeping. They can also impact growth and development and therefore, doctors must monitor their use carefully. Doctors often give their patients a trial period of different medications to find the most suitable one for them. They might ask teachers, parents and the patient to fill out behavioral rating scales, observe the patient's progress towards achieving specific goals, and note any adverse effects.
Non-stimulants can take longer to begin working and may not relieve all symptoms, but they can enhance focus, attention, and impulsivity. Since they are not controlled substances, there is less likelihood that they will be misused or become addicting. adhd medication and pregnancy are prescribed by doctors to children and teenagers who suffer from ADHD and depression or anxiety. They can help reduce the severity of these conditions.
Strattera (atomoxetine), and Qelbree, (viloxazine), belong to a class of antidepressants referred to as 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, unlike stimulants that raise dopamine levels, boost norepinephrine levels. This is a different brain chemical that transmits messages between nerve cell.
In certain instances doctors may prescribe additional SNRIs to treat ADHD such as bupropion or mirtazapine (Wellbutrin). Sometimes, they are prescribed to children with ADHD and a tic disorder that is co-existing like Tourette Syndrome.
Many people with ADHD benefit from a mix treatment of medication, therapy and other techniques. Some sufferers are able to quit taking their medications, but for others, it is a lifetime commitment. The symptoms usually return after the medication stops working and some individuals are more comfortable on lower doses than higher ones. The use of medications can also aggravate certain ailments, like depression or heart problems and should be closely monitored by medical professionals. Some people may feel uneasy at first following the introduction of a new medicine, but this feeling usually disappears within some days. Some medications can also affect certain foods, drinks and vitamins.