ADHD Medications For Adults
Stimulants aid in adjusting the levels of chemical messengers in the brain that regulate attention. They are considered to be the first line of treatment for ADHD. Although they're not in any way habit-forming, they can trigger side effects such as headaches and sleep problems.
Your doctor may also prescribe Guanfacine (brand names Tenex and Intuniv) or clonidine (Catapres) to decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. These medications have a longer acting than stimulants.
Stimulants
The most common medications prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. They regulate and increase levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They are typically the first medications that doctors prescribe and they can control symptoms for most people suffering from ADHD. However, they can have severe side effects and do not solve the problem. Doctors prescribe different stimulants at different dosages to determine what is the most effective for the individual. The goal is to find the drug that is effective in treating symptoms and has the least adverse consequences and is safe to take for the long-term.
The most common stimulant is methylphenidate. It belongs to the category of medicines known as central nervous system stimulants. It is available under a variety of brands, including Adderall, Ritalin and others. Methylphenidate helps to increase activity in the parts of the brain responsible for attention and behavior. It is available as immediate-release tablets (small doses taken between 2 and 3 times a day) or modified-release tablets that allow the drug to be absorbed into the bloodstream over a longer amount of time. It is a very efficient drug with low rates of addiction and misuse.
Certain people with ADHD are also suffering from other psychiatric disorders. In visit your url , doctors might prefer treating the more severe disorder to see whether it improves ADHD symptoms. Antidepressants may be prescribed to patients who has major depression before stimulants are tried. The same is true for anxiety disorders and tic disorders. For example, a doctor may prescribe guanfacine and clonidine instead of stimulants for a person suffering from Tourette's syndrome or other symptoms of tics. These drugs work quickly and are less likely to cause drowsiness.
Stimulants can affect the heart rate and blood pressure. They can also cause negative side effects like irritability headaches, trouble sleeping and a decrease in appetite. They are not recommended for children younger than 8 years old and are not recommended during breastfeeding or pregnancy. They should not be taken by those who have a history of or substance abuse, bipolar disorder or a history of addiction. These medications are also not recommended for those with a history of strokes or seizures.
The majority of people with ADHD receive a combination of treatment that includes psychosocial therapy, medication, or other treatment for behavior. Behavioral therapy can teach skills such as self-talk, organizational techniques and anger management to help with the challenges of living with ADHD. Healthcare professionals can also assist by educating supervisors and co-workers about ADHD and how to effectively work with people with the condition. They can also arrange for accommodations at work and school to help people suffering from ADHD to achieve their goals. Employers are sometimes willing to be flexible about how certain tasks are assigned or allow workers to take breaks as needed. They can also provide more detailed explanations of tasks and allow employees longer to complete the assignments. This is especially helpful if the worker struggles to comprehend complex instructions or concepts. In these instances the employer may offer to train the employee in using assistive technology that will assist them in keeping the pace of colleagues.