Question: How Much Do You Know About Medication For ADHD?
Medications For ADHD
Stimulants are medicines that boost levels of chemicals in the brain to ease symptoms. They are the first treatment that doctors recommend.
Medicines are typically part of a treatment plan for ADHD that includes counseling and lifestyle modifications.
Doctors typically prescribe atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine, or viloxazine for the treatment of ADHD in adults. They're a distinct class from stimulants, and are less likely to addiction and abuse.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the levels of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, making it easier for those with ADHD to focus and manage their unpredictable behavior. They also improve alertness and memory. Doctors typically prescribe these drugs for children, adolescents, and adults suffering from ADHD. However, they don't cure the disorder. The medication must be used regularly for them to work properly. They are not meant to substitute therapy, skill-training and healthy lifestyle modifications.
The majority of stimulants used to treat ADHD are in the methylphenidate group, including Ritalin, Concerta and Focalin. Adderall and Vyvanse are amphetamines with a stronger effect than methylphenidates. Long-acting versions of these drugs are available, for instance Daytrana which is a patch that is placed on the skin of children and lasts for between 10-12 hours; and Adzenys XR-ODT, which dissolves in the mouth without having to be swallowed and produces a result that can last for up to 16 hours.
Both kinds of medications can trigger side effects, such as headaches, jitters, or sleep problems. They can also affect the development of children and adolescents, so doctors must monitor their use carefully. Doctors typically offer their patients a trial period of different medications in order to determine the right one for them. They may ask teachers, parents and the patient to fill out behavioral rating scales, monitor the patient's progress towards achieving specific goals and observe any adverse effects.
Non-stimulants might take longer to kick in and may not completely relieve symptoms. However, non stimulant adhd medication can improve focus, attention and impulsivity. Since they are not controlled substances, there is a lesser chance that they will be misused or turn into an addiction. They are prescribed by a doctor to children and teenagers who have ADHD and depression or anxiety. They can help reduce the severity of these conditions.
Strattera (atomoxetine), and Qelbree, (viloxazine), belong to a class of antidepressants known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). FDA-approved for ADHD however, they were originally employed "off-label" due to the fact that they were approved for lowering high blood pressure. Viloxazine and Atomoxetine, as opposed to stimulants that increase dopamine levels, increase norepinephrine. This is a different brain chemical that transmits messages between nerve cells.
In some instances doctors may suggest other SNRIs, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) or mirtazapine (Zyban), to treat ADHD. They may also be prescribed to children with ADHD who also have a disorder of the tic, such as Tourette syndrome.
Many people with ADHD benefit from a mix of therapy, medication and other treatments. Some patients can stop taking their medications while for others, medication is part of a lifelong commitment. The symptoms usually return when the medication has worn off and some patients prefer taking a lower dose. Certain medications can worsen conditions, such as depression or heart issues and should be monitored closely by medical experts. A new medication can cause some people to feel anxious or anxious at first however, the feeling usually goes away after several weeks. Some medications can also affect certain drinks, foods and vitamins.