ADHD Medications - Biological Treatments

ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivitythe DEA because of the potential for abuse.
disorder of which the primary symptoms are*Non stimulants: This category can be summed up in
inattention, impulsivity, and overactive behavior. It isone word Strattera. Until 2003 non-stimulant
also the same condition as ADD with the H beingmedications were reserved mostly for those who for
added to reflect the possibility of hyperactivitysome reason or the other weren't able to take
restlessness in those struggling with the disorder.stimulant medications. This was the year when
Whether this condition is abbreviated ADD or ADHDStrattera hit the market. Strattera is the only
inattention must be present for a diagnosis.non-stimulant medication approved by the FDA for
For most of those struggling with ADHD finding anthe treatment of ADHD and the first medication of
effective treatment to alleviate ADHD symptoms isits kind approved for the treatment of ADHD in
at the top of their priority list. If successful they willadults. Strattera works much like an antidepressant in
have taken a giant step in improving their overallthat it is a reuptake inhibitor, but it targets
quality of life, functioning more efficiently both atnorepinephrine and not the other neurotransmitters.
work and/or at school, and dealing with the demandsSome synapses in the prefrontal cortex contain both
of everyday life. While our focus in this article will benorepinephrine and dopamine receptors. In those
on biological treatments for ADHD it is important tosynapses, Strattera produces a positive effect on
point out that the most effective treatment plansdopamine as well. Strattera has fewer side effects, is
usually include more than one option.not classified as a controlled Schedule II drug, and
Biological treatments for ADHDcan be prescribed with refills, and over the phone. On
Biological treatments for ADHD work to change thethe downside most believe it not to be as effective
way your brain functions through the manipulation ofas stimulant medications.
brain neurotransmitter chemicals, specificallyWhat else? For those struggling with ADHD finding an
norepinephrine and/or dopamine. These treatmentseffective treatment option is an important first step.
come in a variety of different forms and mayAs mentioned above the most common form of
employ slightly different approach to restoretreatment currently are biological ADHD prescription
neurotransmitter balance in the brain.medications such as Ritalin, Adderall, Strattera, and
*Stimulants: Stimulants are the go to biologicalVyvanse. While effective, all biological ADHD
treatment for ADHD. This group includes such namesmedications come with a number of serious label
as Ritalin, Adderall, Vyvanse, and Concerta andwarnings. The risk of side effects, or perhaps lack of
continue to the first line medications for ADHD bothsuccess with biological prescription treatments, has
in children and adults. They work by increasing theprompted many to investigate other options. A
levels of dopamine, thus raising brain activity in thosecouple examples of this are behavior modification
areas most responsible for focus and impulse control.therapy and/or natural remedies. Natural remedies for
While generally considered effective they do comeADHD are a side effect free way to address such
with a long list of side effect warnings including theproblematic symptoms as inattention, distractibility,
possibility they may be a contributing factor later inimpulsivity, erratic behavior and hyperactivity and can
life for long term drug abuse. Stimulants medicationsbe used both as a standalone treatment or as a
for ADHD are also classified as a Schedule II drug bycompliment to other nonprescription alternatives.