Treatment

Treatment Process in Adults with ADHD

The treatment process has three basic stages:

Baseline evaluation: As part of the diagnostic evaluation, the physician or healthcare professional determines the target symptoms and the baseline degree of impairment
Treatment strategy: The physician or healthcare professional forms a treatment strategy by prioritizing the target symptoms and determining which treatment methods are best suited to reduce them
Symptom monitoring and strategy adjustment: A key part of Adult ADHD treatment is the monitoring of symptoms in various areas (such as learning, academics, family interactions, and peer relationships) and settings (such as home, workplace, social context)

ADHD and Strattera
Strattera is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, a class of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) treatment that works differently from the other ADHD medications available.

Strattera works by selectively blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine, a chemical messenger or neurotransmitter, by certain nerve cells in the brain. This action increases the availability of norepinephrine, which is thought to be essential in regulating impulse control, organization, and attention. The precise mechanism by which Strattera works on ADHD is not known.

Both Strattera and older treatments, like methylphenidate (the active ingredient in Ritalin® and Concerta®), are effective in treating ADHD. However, Strattera is the first FDA-approved treatment for ADHD that is not a stimulant and is not a controlled substance under the Controlled Substance Act. As a non-controlled substance, Strattera provides the convenience of physician samples and phone-in refills between physician visits. Strattera is the only medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of Adult ADHD.

When should I expect to see the benefits of Strattera?

While you are likely to notice improvements in ADHD symptoms by the first week, it may take up to a month to see the full therapeutic benefit of the effect as you or your child adjust to the new medication.
Remember that there are many variables that may affect the response to a new medication in addition to the normal ups and downs of daily life. Talk with your doctor or healthcare professional if you have any questions about changes during this transition time.

ADHD and Adderall XR
ADDERALL XR is a once-daily treatment for all types of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADDERALL XR capsules contain a mixture of different amphetamine salts. ADDERALL XR is thought to act as a dopamine/norepinephrine modulating agent, which means it helps restore a balance of these chemicals (called neurotransmitters) in those areas of the brain that control our ability to focus and pay attention to tasks. Medications like ADDERALL XR have been successfully used to treat ADHD since 1937, making them one of the oldest and most extensively studied continuously prescribed types of medication on the market.

What do neurotransmitters do and how does ADDERALL XR affect them? Dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) help the brain send signals between nerve cells. Many scientists generally believe that when there are not enough of these chemicals, the signals are not received and acted on properly. It is thought that ADDERALL XR causes more DA and NE to be available to normalize the signal transmission in the brain.

A single morning dose of ADDERALL XR significantly improves the three main symptoms of ADHD—inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity—throughout the day. ADDERALL XR has been shown to decrease distractibility, improve attention span, and increase the ability to follow directions and complete tasks. ADDERALL XR improves the ability to think before acting (decreased impulsivity) and decreases hyperactivity.

ADDERALL XR is not the only answer for ADHD. Medication often works best when used along with learning strategies in school and behavior modifications at home and in school. Some families also benefit from individual, family, or group psychotherapy.