The term ADHD has frequently been mentioned in the last couple of years, but are people really informed what this disorder represents? Attention deficit hyperactive disorder describes a problem with the lack of attention. It is noticeable in children and adolescents, but it can also be diagnosed in adults.
ADHD manifests as difficulty in concentrating on various tasks, in organizing time or work duties, problems with focusing, etc. This problem is also displayed in the fact that a person is forgetful, always late, and loses things.
ADHD can also be recognized in people having trouble remaining physically calm; they must be on the constant move, their speech is quickened, and they are talking too much, jumping from subject to subject quite often.
Such a person can often have problems with patience, not allowing others to speak without interrupting them, etc. In adults, problems associated with side effects of hyperactivity are often diminished because, over the years, these people learn to adjust their behavior and to overcome this disorder. They are proof that people with diagnosed ADHD can live and function completely normal, but timely and proper therapy is essential.
Children are naturally hyperactive; if you were to observe it through the described symptoms, it would turn out that every child has an ADHD disorder. Doctors advise parents to follow the development of these symptoms; these problems must be expressed to the extent these reduce the individual’s ability to function. For precise establishing of diagnosis, the impact of a lack of attention must be reflected in at least two spheres of life, such as at home, at school or work, in socializing with other people, and must last at least six months.
Treating of ADHD with Strattera
Many studies have shown that ADHD develops when a chemical imbalance occurs in the brain. Because it’s proven that chemicals cause ADHD, this disorder can be treated with drugs that affect their balance.
For the development of ADHD, one of the most important factors is the existence of a family history of this condition, especially if some of the family members have similar symptoms. It is then desirable to start with preventive treatments even before any sign of ADHD is recognized. Unfortunately, the complete cure of this disorder is not possible. What matters is that the symptoms of ADHD can be kept under control very successfully, so they do not obstruct and endanger everyday life.
Until now, ADHD has mostly been treated by nootropics, and this was successful. However, it has been proven these drugs have the potential to develop an addiction, so their use is reduced. Unlike these, the new generation of norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, like Strattera, hasn’t been proven to have a narcotic effect, so the probability of developing addiction is minimal.
In the beginning, Strattera was used to treat depression and psychosomatic problems. However, it has been proven over time that its effects are not strong enough, and the drug has been found to have another purpose – it was marked as a psychostimulant after it has been found to have positive effects on symptoms of ADHD.
Strattera: Usage and effects
Strattera is a medicine that increases the amount of norepinephrine in the brain and, in turn, improves the attention, reduces pressure and hyperactivity in patients with ADHD, and helps control its symptoms. The dose depends on the patient’s weight, affecting when the medicine will start to work. Unlike conventional antidepressants, Atomoxetine can lower production of serotonin and its transfer to the brain, causing increased psycho-physical activity.
You should keep in mind that Strattera has a gradual effect, which is often observed during the first days of treatment, but it may take several weeks before you notice a reduction of symptoms. In some patients, improvements may occur up to 12 weeks after the start of the therapy.
The effect of the drug is limited to 24 hours, so the usual doses are one pill a day, which should be taken after breakfast. In the case of a higher dosage, it can be divided into equal parts twice a day. Unlike similar preparations used to treat psychiatric illnesses, Strattera is safe for use in children of college and pre-school age.
Strattera: Precautions and side effects
You should inform your doctor if any of these happened to you; this way you can follow these symptoms and determine how long they last. If most of them disappear after a few days, there is no need to end the therapy. However (this is especially important in children), if symptoms persist or possibly get worse, you should contact a doctor who will adapt the dosage of Strattera or prescribe an appropriate replacement.
Special attention should be paid to people who have a genetic basis for the development of psychiatric disorders; this applies especially to teenagers. If suicidal thoughts, aggressive behavior or drastic mood swings occur, the continuation of therapy should be considered.
As for physical disorders, the use of Strattera is not recommended for people who have raised blood pressure because Atomoxetine, found in the medicine, may cause blood vessel congestion, stroke, or heart attack. For this very reason, you must regularly visit a doctor to check your blood pressure and heart rate and maintain your body weight at an optimum level during the therapy with Strattera.
If you start the therapy of ADHD with Strattera, be sure to inform your doctor about the medicines you are using and from which chronic diseases you suffer. This is important information because Atomoxetine found in this medicine can have a negative effect in combination with particular substances from other drugs or can countermand results of additional therapies. You should take care, especially if you are using any antidepressants, antihistamines, or analgesics.