Medications For ADHD
Stimulants are medicines that increase the levels of chemicals in your brain to ease symptoms. Most doctors recommend stimulants as the first treatment.
Medications are usually part of a treatment plan for ADHD that includes counseling and lifestyle modifications.
Adults with ADHD are usually prescribed guanfacine (Strattera), viloxazine, or atomoxetine. They are a different class from stimulants, and have a lower risk of abuse and addiction.
Stimulants
The effects of stimulants increase the levels brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which makes it easier for people with ADHD to focus and control their impulsive behavior. They also improve alertness and memories. These medications are often prescribed by doctors to children, adolescents and adults with ADHD. uk adhd medication cannot cure the disorder. For medications to work they must be taken regularly. They are not a replacement for therapy, skills training and healthy lifestyle modifications.
Most stimulants used to treat ADHD are in the methylphenidate category, which includes Ritalin, Concerta and Focalin. Amphetamines, which are stronger than methylphenidates, include Adderall and Vyvanse. There are long-acting versions available of these drugs like Daytrana which is a skin patch that sticks to children's skin for between 10 and 12 hours, and Adzenys XR -ODT which dissolves in mouth without swallowing and can have an effect lasting up to 16 hours.
Both types of medications can cause adverse effects such as headaches, jitters, or difficulty sleeping. They may also affect the growth and development of a child, so doctors take care to monitor their use. Doctors typically give patients time to try out different medications to determine which is suitable for them. They may ask parents, teachers and the patient to fill out behavioral rating scales, monitor the patient's progress towards specific goals and notice any adverse reactions.
Non-stimulants can take longer to take effect and may not completely relieve symptoms. However they can help improve focus and impulsivity, attention and focus. Since they aren't controlled substances, there is a lesser chance that they will be misused or develop into addiction. They are prescribed by doctors to children and teenagers who suffer from ADHD and anxiety or depression. They can reduce the severity of these disorders.
Strattera (atomoxetine), and Qelbree, (viloxazine), belong to the class of antidepressants referred to as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). FDA-approved for ADHD, they were initially used "off-label" due to the fact that they were approved to lower blood pressure. Viloxazine and Atomoxetine, as opposed to stimulants that increase dopamine levels, also increase norepinephrine. This is another brain chemical which transmits messages between nerve cells.
In some cases, doctors will prescribe other SNRIs to treat ADHD such as mirtazapine or bupropion (Wellbutrin). Sometimes, they are prescribed to children who have ADHD and a co-existing tic disorder such as Tourette Syndrome.
Many people suffering from ADHD benefit from a mix treatment with therapy, medication and other techniques. Some patients can quit taking their medication, but others are required to take it for the rest of their lives. Symptoms usually return when the medication wears off and some individuals do better on low doses than higher ones. The use of medications can also aggravate certain health conditions, like heart problems or depression which is why they must be monitored closely by medical experts. The use of a new drug may make some people feel irritable or anxious at first but this usually goes away after some time. Some medications can also affect certain foods, drinks and vitamins.