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 medication to treat ADHD. They aren't believed to be habit-forming, however they can trigger negative side effects, including headaches and sleep problems.
Your doctor might also prescribe Guanfacine (brand names Tenex and Intuniv) or clonidine (Catapres) to decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. These drugs have a longer duration of action than stimulants.
Stimulants
The most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD are stimulants. They improve and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They are usually the first drugs doctors will try and are often used to control symptoms for people suffering from ADHD. However, they can also cause negative side effects that are serious and can't treat the condition. Doctors prescribe various stimulants in different doses to determine which is the most effective for the individual. The aim is to find the drug that manages symptoms with the fewest side effects and is safe to use for the long-term.
The most well-known stimulant is methylphenidate. It falls into the group of medicines known as central nervous system stimulants. It's sold under many brands, including Adderall and Ritalin. Methylphenidate helps to increase activity in parts of the brain responsible for attention and behavior. It is available as immediate-release (small doses taken two to three times per day) or modified release tablets, which allow the medicine to enter the bloodstream gradually over a longer time period. It is a very effective drug with low rates of dependence and abuse.
Certain people with ADHD also have other mental health disorders. In these instances, doctors may prefer to treat the disorder that is more severe first and see if this improves ADHD symptoms. For instance, a patient who suffers from major depression might be prescribed antidepressants prior to trying stimulants. The same goes for anxiety and tic disorders. For instance, a doctor may prescribe guanfacine and clonidine instead of stimulants for someone suffering from Tourette's syndrome or other symptoms of tics. These medications are less likely to cause drowsiness and depression and can be used quickly to ease the symptoms of tics.
Stimulant drugs can affect the heart rate and blood pressure. They can also have negative effects like headaches and irritability. They are not recommended for children under 8 years old and should not be used during pregnancy or breast-feeding. They should not be taken by people who have a history or bipolar disorder, substance abuse or a history of addiction. These medications are also not recommended for people with a history or seizures or strokes.
Most adults with ADHD receive a mix of treatments that include psychosocial therapy, medication, or other treatment for behavior. Behavioral therapy can help teach techniques such as self-talk, anger management and organizational techniques to cope with the challenges of ADHD. In addition, healthcare professionals can aid in instructing supervisors and coworkers on ADHD and demonstrating how to work effectively with people suffering from the condition. medication for adult add can also offer accommodations at work and school to help people with ADHD succeed. In medication for adult adhd will allow flexibility in how tasks are assigned, or let employees take breaks as they need. They can also provide more detailed explanations of tasks and allow employees longer to complete the assignments. This can be especially helpful for those who have difficulty understanding complicated instructions or concepts. In such cases employers might offer to train employees to use assistive technology that will help them keep up with their peers.