Treatment Process in Adults with ADHD
The treatment process has three basic stages:
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?
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.