ADHD Medications For Adults
Stimulants can help regulate levels of chemical messengers in the brain that regulate attention. They are considered to be the first-line medication in the treatment of ADHD. While they do not cause habit-forming, they can cause negative side effects, such as headaches and difficulty sleeping.
Your doctor might also 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
The most common medications prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. 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. They can have serious side effects, but they don't solve ADHD. Doctors prescribe different stimulants in different doses to determine which works best for the individual. The goal is to find a medication that is safe and effective for long-term use, while controlling symptoms with minimal adverse effects.
It's sold under numerous brand names such as Ritalin and Adderall. It is sold under a variety of brands, including Adderall and Ritalin. 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 per day) or modified-release tablets that allow the medicine to be released into bloodstream over a longer period of time. It is a highly effective medication with low levels of addiction and misuse.
Certain people with ADHD may also suffer from other mental health disorders. In adult add medications may prefer treating the more severe disorder to determine whether it helps improve ADHD symptoms. Antidepressants might be prescribed to a person who suffers from major depression before stimulants are tried. The same is true for tic disorders and anxiety. For instance, a doctor might prescribe guanfacine or clonidine instead of stimulants to a person suffering from Tourette's syndrome or other tics. These medications are less likely to cause drowsiness or depression and can be used quickly to help reduce the symptoms of tics.
Stimulants can alter blood pressure and heart rate. They can also trigger adverse effects such as irritability, sleep disturbances, headaches and decreased appetite. They are not recommended for children less than 8 years and shouldn't be used during breastfeeding or pregnancy. They should not be taken by people with a history or substance abuse, bipolar disorder or an addiction history. These drugs are also not recommended for people who have a history of strokes or seizures.
The majority of people with ADHD receive a combination of treatments that include medication, psychosocial therapy, or other treatment for behavior. Behavioral therapy can help in teaching techniques such as self-talk, anger management, and organizational skills to deal with the difficulties of ADHD. In addition, healthcare professionals can aid in teaching supervisors and coworkers about ADHD and demonstrating how to work effectively with people who have the disorder. They can also make accommodations at work and school to help people who suffer from ADHD succeed. In some instances employers will provide flexibility in the way certain tasks are assigned or allow workers take breaks as needed. They can also give employees more time as well as provide more specific explanations of the assignment. This is especially beneficial for those who have difficulty understanding complicated instructions or concepts. In these cases, an employer might even offer to train the employee to use assistive technology to help him or her keep up with other employees.
