Who Is Medication For ADHD And Why You Should Care

Medications For ADHD

Stimulants are medicines that increase the amount of chemicals in your brain to help control symptoms. They are the first treatment most doctors recommend.

The use of medication is usually part of the treatment plan for ADHD which also includes counseling and lifestyle changes.

Adults suffering from ADHD are usually prescribed guanfacine (Strattera), viloxazine, or atomoxetine. They belong to a different class of medications that includes stimulants and have less risk of misuse and addiction.

Stimulants

Stimulants raise the levels of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which helps people with ADHD manage their impulsive behavior and stay focused. They also enhance alertness and memories. Doctors typically prescribe these drugs for children, adolescents, and adults suffering from ADHD. But, they cannot cure the disorder. Medications must be taken regularly to ensure they work effectively. They are not intended to replace therapy, skill training and healthy lifestyle changes.

The majority of 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. Long-acting versions of these medications are available, such as Daytrana that is a patch that is placed on kids' skin and lasts between 10 and 12 hours as well as Adzenys XR-ODT, which 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 cause side effects, like headaches, jitters or sleep problems. They can also impact the development of children and adolescents, so doctors must monitor their use carefully. Doctors will often give patients a period of time to try out different medications to determine which is suitable for them. They might ask teachers, parents and the patient to fill out behavioral rating scales, watch the patient's progress toward specific goals and notice any adverse reactions.

Non-stimulants can take longer to begin working and may not alleviate all symptoms, but they can enhance focus, attention, and impulsivity. They are not controlled substances, therefore they are less likely to be misused or become addictive. Doctors often prescribe them to children and teens who have ADHD when combined with depression or anxiety and can reduce the severity of those disorders.

Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine) are part of a class of antidepressants referred to as selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitors, or SNRIs. They are FDA-approved for treating ADHD, but they were initially used "off-label" for the disorder since they were approved to lower high blood pressure. Viloxazine and Atomoxetine, as opposed to stimulants that raise dopamine levels, boost norepinephrine levels. This is a different brain chemical which transmits messages between nerve cells.

In some instances, doctors may try other SNRIs like bupropion (Wellbutrin) or mirtazapine (Zyban), to treat ADHD. They are also sometimes given to children suffering from ADHD who have a coexisting disorder of the tic, such as Tourette syndrome.

Many people suffering from ADHD benefit from a combination treatment of medication, therapy, and other methods. Some people can quit taking their medication, but others will continue to take it for the rest of their lives. The symptoms usually return after the medication is gone and some individuals have better results on low doses than those on higher.  non prescription adhd medication  can also worsen certain conditions, such as depression or heart problems, so they need to be closely monitored by medical professionals. Some people may feel uneasy initially after taking the new medication however this sensation usually disappears within a few days. Some medications can also interfere with certain foods, drinks and vitamins.