ADHD Medications For Adults
Stimulants help adjust levels of chemical messengers in the brain that regulate attention. They are considered to be the first line of treatment for ADHD. They aren't believed to be a habit-forming drug, but they can cause side effects, such as headache and trouble sleeping.
Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine (brand names Tenex and Intuniv) or Clonidine (Catapres) to decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. These medications have a longer duration of action than stimulants.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the drugs that are most commonly prescribed to treat ADHD. They balance and boost levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. They are often the first medications doctors try and are often able to reduce symptoms in people with ADHD. However, they can also cause severe side effects and do not treat the condition. Doctors prescribe different stimulants in different doses to determine which works best for the individual. The goal is to find a drug that is safe and efficient over the long term, while controlling symptoms with minimal adverse effects.
The most common stimulant is methylphenidate. It is part of the class of medicines referred to as central nervous system stimulants. It is sold under various brand names, including Adderall, Ritalin and others. Methylphenidate increases brain activity areas that regulate the behavior and attention. It is available in immediate-release tablets (small doses taken two to three times a day) or modified-release tablets that allow the medicine to be absorbed into the bloodstream over a longer period of time. It is a highly effective drug with a low rate of dependence and abuse.
Some people who suffer from ADHD also have other mental disorders. In these cases, doctors may prefer to treat the more severe disorder first and see if that improves ADHD symptoms. For instance, a patient with major depression may be offered antidepressants prior to attempting stimulants. The same applies to anxiety disorders and tic disorders. A doctor might prescribe guanfacine or clonidine instead of stimulants to a patient with Tourette's Syndrome or other tics. These medications are less likely to cause drowsiness and depression and are able to work quickly to ease the symptoms of tics.
Stimulant medicines can affect blood pressure and heart rate. They can also cause adverse effects such as irritability, headaches, trouble sleeping and decreased appetite. our website are not recommended for children less than 8 years old. They should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. They should not be taken by people with a history or substance abuse, bipolar disorder or a history of addiction. Additionally, these drugs are not recommended for patients who have a history of strokes or seizures.
Most adults with ADHD receive a mix of treatments that include psychosocial therapy, medication, or other behavioral treatments. Behavioral therapy can teach you skills such as self-talk, organizational techniques and anger management to help with the challenges of living with ADHD. Healthcare professionals can aid in instructing supervisors and coworkers on ADHD and demonstrating how to work effectively with those suffering from the disorder. They can also offer accommodations at school and at work to help students with ADHD succeed. In some cases employers are willing to offer flexibility in how certain tasks are assigned or let workers take breaks as needed. They may also offer more detailed explanations of assignments and allow employees more time to complete the assignments. This is particularly helpful when the employee is struggling to understand complex instructions or concepts. In these situations employers can offer to train employees to use assistive technology that will help them keep up with their peers.