Medications For ADHD
Stimulants are drugs that increase the amount of chemicals in your brain to help control symptoms. They are the first treatment that doctors recommend.
The treatment for ADHD typically involves counseling, medication and lifestyle modifications.
Doctors typically prescribe atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine, or viloxazine for the treatment of ADHD in adults. They are a different class from stimulants, and are less likely to abuse and addiction.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the levels of brain chemicals like norepinephrine and dopamine which make it easier for those with ADHD to focus and manage their impulsive behavior. They also improve alertness and memory. These drugs are usually prescribed by doctors to children, adolescents and adults suffering from ADHD. They cannot solve the problem. For the medication to be effective, they must be taken regularly. They are not a replacement for therapy, skills training and healthy lifestyle adjustments.
Ritalin Concerta Focalin and Ritalin are all methylphenidates. Adderall and Vyvanse are amphetamines that are stronger than methylphenidates. Long-acting versions of these medications are available, such as Daytrana that is a patch that dries on kids' skin and lasts for 10-12 hours; and Adzenys XR-ODT, which disintegrates in the mouth without having to be swallowed, and has an effect that can last for up to 16 hours.
Both types of medications can trigger side effects such as headaches, jitters, or difficulty sleeping. They can also affect the development of children and adolescents 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 find the one that is suitable for them. They might ask teachers, parents and the patient to fill out behavioral rating scales, observe the patient's progress towards specific goals and observe any adverse reactions.
Nonstimulants take longer to start working, and they may not eliminate all symptoms, but they can increase focus, attention and impulsivity. They aren't controlled substances, which means they are less likely to be misused or become addictive. They are prescribed by a doctor to teenagers and children who suffer from ADHD and anxiety or depression. adhd medication names can lessen the severity of these conditions.
Strattera (atomoxetine), and Qelbree, (viloxazine), belong to a class of antidepressants known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). They have been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however, they were initially prescribed "off-label" for the disorder due to them being approved to lower blood pressure. Contrary to stimulants, which increase levels of dopamine, atomoxetine and viloxazine boost the levels of norepinephrine, another brain chemical that transmits messages between nerve cells.
In some cases doctors may suggest other SNRIs like bupropion (Wellbutrin) or mirtazapine (Zyban), to treat ADHD. Sometimes, they are prescribed to children with ADHD and a co-existing tic disorder like Tourette Syndrome.
Many people suffering from ADHD benefit from a mix treatment of medication, therapy and other techniques. Some patients can stop taking their medication while for others, it is part of a lifelong commitment. The symptoms typically occur after the medication has run its course and some individuals are better off taking lower doses. Certain medications can worsen ailments, like depression or heart issues, so they need to be monitored closely by medical experts. Some people may feel uneasy initially after taking the new medication, but this feeling usually disappears within several days. Some medications can also interfere with certain drinks, foods, and vitamins.
