Medications For ADHD
Stimulants are medications that increase levels of certain chemicals in the brain to ease symptoms. They are the first treatment most doctors recommend.
The treatment for ADHD typically includes counseling, medication and lifestyle modifications.
Adults with ADHD are usually prescribed Guanfacine (Strattera), viloxazine, or atomoxetine. They belong to a different class of medication from stimulants and have less 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 focus and control their impulsive behavior. They also help improve alertness and memory. These medications are typically prescribed by doctors to adolescents, children and adults with ADHD. However, they do not cure the disorder. To make a difference they must be taken regularly. They are not a replacement for therapy, skill training and healthy lifestyle changes.
Ritalin Concerta Focalin and Ritalin are all methylphenidates. Adderall and Vyvanse are amphetamines with a stronger effect than methylphenidates. Long-acting versions are available, for instance Daytrana which is a patch that is placed on kids' skin and lasts for between 10-12 hours; and Adzenys XR-ODT that dissolves in the mouth, without having to be swallowed and has an effect that can last as long as 16 hours.
Both kinds of medications can trigger side effects, such as headaches, jitters, or sleep problems. They can also impact the development of children and adolescents which is why doctors must monitor their use carefully. Doctors often give their patients a test period of various medications to determine the right one for them. They may ask the patient, the instructor, and the parent to fill in the behavioral ratings scales. They might also observe the patient's progress towards specific goals and note any adverse effects.
best adhd medication for adults -stimulants might take longer to take effect and may not relieve all symptoms. However, they can improve focus and impulsivity, attention and focus. Since they aren't controlled substances, there is a lower likelihood that they will be misused or develop into addiction. They are prescribed by a doctor to children and teenagers who have ADHD and depression or anxiety. They 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 are FDA-approved for treating ADHD however, they were initially prescribed "off-label" for the disorder since they were approved to lower high blood pressure. Viloxazine and atomoxetine, in contrast to stimulants that raise dopamine levels, increase norepinephrine. This is another brain chemical that transmits messages between nerve cells.
In some instances doctors may prescribe additional SNRIs to treat ADHD like mirtazapine or bupropion (Wellbutrin). Sometimes they are given to children with ADHD and a tic disorder that is co-existing such as Tourette Syndrome.
Many people suffering from ADHD benefit from a mix treatment that includes therapy, medication and other approaches. Some patients are able to quit taking their medication, however, others will continue to take it for the remainder of their lives. The symptoms typically come back when the medication has worn off and some individuals prefer taking a lower dose. Medications can also worsen certain health conditions, like depression or heart problems and should be monitored closely by medical experts. Some people may experience irritability initially after taking an unfamiliar medication, but this feeling usually disappears within some days. Some medications can also interfere with certain foods, drinks, and vitamins.