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Medications For ADHD
Stimulants are medicines that boost levels of chemicals in the brain, helping to control symptoms. Most doctors recommend stimulants as the first line of treatment.
Medications are usually part of a treatment program for ADHD that includes counseling and lifestyle changes.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often prescribed guanfacine (Strattera), viloxazine, or atomoxetine. They are in a different class of medications that includes stimulants and have less risk of abuse and addiction.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the levels of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which helps people with ADHD manage their impulsive behaviors and concentrate. They also increase the quality of memory and alertness. 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 used regularly. They are not a substitute for therapy, skill 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 are available, such as Daytrana, which is a patch that dries on kids' skin and lasts for between 10-12 hours; and Adzenys XR-ODT that dissolves in the mouth without needing 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 and trouble sleeping. They can also impact growth and development which is why doctors monitor their use carefully. Doctors often offer patients time to test different medications to determine which is appropriate for them. They may ask parents, teachers and the patient to fill in behavioral rating scales, monitor the patient's progress towards specific goals, and note any side effects.
Non-stimulants take longer to begin working, and they may not eliminate all symptoms, but they do improve attention, focus and impulsivity. They are not controlled substances, therefore they are less likely to be misused or become addictive. They are prescribed by doctors to adolescents and children who suffer from ADHD and depression or anxiety. They can lessen the severity of these conditions.
Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine) belong to the class of antidepressants known as selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitors, or SNRIs. They are FDA-approved to treat ADHD however they were originally used "off-label" for the disorder because they were approved to lower high blood pressure. In contrast to stimulants that increase levels of dopamine, atomoxetine and viloxazine boost the levels of norepinephrine. This is a different brain chemical that transmits messages between nerve cells.
In some cases doctors may recommend other SNRIs like bupropion (Wellbutrin) or mirtazapine (Zyban) to treat ADHD. Sometimes does adhd medication work are given to children who have ADHD and a co-existing tic disorder such as Tourette Syndrome.
Many people who have ADHD benefit from a combination of therapy, medication and other methods of treatment. Some patients can quit taking their medications while for others, it is a permanent commitment. The symptoms usually return after the medication has run its course and some individuals are better off taking lower doses. Certain medications can worsen conditions, such as heart problems or depression which is why they must be monitored closely by medical experts. The use of a new drug may cause some people to feel angry or anxious at first but this usually disappears after a few weeks. Certain medications can also cause issues with certain foods, drinks and vitamins.
