Is Medication For ADHD The Best There Ever Was?
Medications For ADHD
Stimulants are drugs that increase the amount of chemicals in your brain, helping to control symptoms. They are the first treatment most doctors recommend.
The use of medication is usually part of an overall treatment plan for ADHD that also includes counseling and lifestyle adjustments.
Doctors often prescribe atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine, or viloxazine to treat ADHD in adults. They fall into a different class of medications that includes stimulants and have an lower chance of addiction and misuse.
Stimulants
The effects of stimulants increase the levels brain chemicals, including norepinephrine and dopamine, making it easier for those with ADHD to concentrate and control their unpredictable behavior. They also improve memory and alertness. Doctors frequently prescribe these medications for children, adolescents and adults suffering from ADHD. But, they cannot solve the problem. For medications to work they must be taken regularly. They are not intended to replace therapy, skill development and healthy lifestyle modifications.
Most stimulants used to treat ADHD are part of the methylphenidate class, which includes Ritalin, Concerta and Focalin. Adderall and Vyvanse are amphetamines that are more potent than methylphenidates. There are long-acting versions of these drugs like Daytrana which is a skin patch that sticks to kids' skin for 10-12 hour and Adzenys XR ODT, which dissolves in the mouth without the need to swallow and can have an effect lasting up to 16 hours.
Both types of medications can cause adverse effects like headaches, anxiety, or jitters. They can also affect the growth and development of children and therefore, doctors must be aware of their use. Doctors often offer patients time to experiment with different medications to determine which one is suitable for them. They may ask the patient, the teacher and the parent to fill in the behavioral ratings scales. They may also monitor the progress of the patient towards specific goals and note any side effects.
adhd medications -stimulants might take longer to take effect and may not relieve all symptoms. However they can increase concentration and impulsivity, attention and focus. Since they aren't controlled substances, there is less likelihood that they will be misused or turn into an addiction. They are prescribed by doctors to teenagers and children who suffer from ADHD and anxiety or depression. They can help reduce the severity of these disorders.
Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine) are part of a class of antidepressants referred to as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors also known as SNRIs. They have been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however they were initially prescribed "off-label" for the disorder since they were approved to lower blood pressure. Viloxazine and atomoxetine, in contrast to stimulants that boost dopamine levels, boost norepinephrine levels. This is a brain chemical that transmits messages between nerve cell.
In some instances doctors may recommend 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 tic disorder, such as Tourette syndrome.
Many people suffering from ADHD benefit from a combination treatment with therapy, medication and other approaches. Some sufferers are able to quit taking their medications, but for others, it is part of a lifelong commitment. The symptoms typically return after the medication wears off, and some people are more comfortable on lower doses than higher ones. The use of medications can also aggravate certain conditions, such as depression or heart problems and should be closely monitored by medical professionals. Some people may feel irritable at first after taking an unfamiliar medication however this sensation usually goes away within a few days. Certain medications can also cause issues with certain drinks, foods and vitamins.