Medications For ADHD
Stimulants are drugs that boost the levels of chemical in your brain to help control symptoms. They are the first option that doctors recommend.
Medicines are typically part of a treatment plan for ADHD that also includes counseling and lifestyle adjustments.
Doctors frequently prescribe atomoxetine (Strattera) or guanfacine or viloxazine to treat ADHD in adults. They are in a different class of medications that includes stimulants and have an lower risk of misuse and addiction.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the levels of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which help people with ADHD manage their impulsive behaviors and stay focused. They also help improve the quality of alertness and memory. Doctors often prescribe these medications for adolescents, children and adults suffering from ADHD. They do not treat the condition. Medications must be taken regularly to function properly. They are not meant to substitute therapy, skill-training and healthy lifestyle changes.
Ritalin Concerta Focalin and Ritalin are all methylphenidates. Amphetamines, which are stronger than methylphenidates, include Adderall and Vyvanse. There are long-acting versions of these drugs, such as Daytrana which is a patch for the skin that sticks to children's skin for between 10 and 12 hours, and Adzenys XR ODT that dissolves in mouth without the need to swallow and can have effects lasting up to 16 hours.
Both types of medications can trigger side effects, like headaches, jitters or sleep problems. Read the Full Write-up may also affect the growth and development of children which is why doctors monitor their use carefully. Doctors will often give patients a time to try out different medications in order to determine which is suitable for them. They might ask parents, teachers and the patient to fill out behavioral rating scales, observe the patient's progress toward specific goals and observe any adverse reactions.
Non-stimulants take longer to begin working, and they may not eliminate all symptoms, but they can improve attention, focus and impulsivity. Since they aren't controlled substances, there is less likelihood that they will be misused or become addicting. Doctors often prescribe them to teens and children who suffer from ADHD when combined with depression or anxiety and can to lessen the severity of these conditions.
Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine) belong to a class of antidepressants called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors or SNRIs. They are FDA-approved for treating ADHD however they were initially prescribed "off-label" for the disorder because they were approved to lower blood pressure. Viloxazine and Atomoxetine, as opposed to stimulants that raise dopamine levels, increase norepinephrine. This is a brain chemical which transmits messages between nerve cells.
In certain instances doctors may recommend other SNRIs such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) or mirtazapine (Zyban) to treat ADHD. They are also sometimes given to children suffering from ADHD who also have a disorder that causes tics, like Tourette syndrome.
Many people with ADHD benefit from a mix of therapy, medication, and other treatment methods. Some sufferers are able to quit taking their medications, but for others, medication is a permanent commitment. The symptoms usually return after the medication is gone and some individuals are more comfortable on lower doses than those on higher. Medical professionals should keep track of medications as they can cause a worsening of certain conditions such as depression or heart problems. Some people may feel irritable initially after taking the new medication however this sensation usually disappears within some days. Certain medications may also cause problems with certain beverages, foods, and vitamins.