adhd medication for adults For Adults
Stimulants are able to regulate the levels of chemical messengers that regulate the brain's 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 have negative side effects, including headaches and difficulty sleeping.
To reduce hyperactivity or impulsivity Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine under brand names Tenex or Intuniv (Catapres). These drugs have a longer duration of action than stimulants.
Stimulants
The most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD are stimulants. They improve and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. These are often the first medications that doctors prescribe and they can reduce symptoms for the majority of people with ADHD. They can cause serious adverse negative effects, but they can't cure ADHD. Doctors typically prescribe different stimulants and doses to find the one that is most suitable for each person. The goal is to find the medication that is effective in treating symptoms and has the fewest negative side negative effects and is safe to use in the in the long run.
The most well-known stimulant is methylphenidate. It falls into the group of medicines referred to as central nervous system stimulants. It is sold under several brands, including Adderall, Ritalin and others. Methylphenidate increases activity in brain areas that regulate attention and behavior. It is available in immediate-release (small doses taken up to three times per day) or modified release tablets that allow the medicine to enter the bloodstream slowly over a longer period. It is a highly effective drug that has low rates of abuse and addiction.
adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication with ADHD may also suffer from other psychiatric disorders. In these cases, doctors might prefer treating the more severe disorder first and see if that helps to reduce ADHD symptoms. For example, a patient with major depression may be offered antidepressants prior to attempting stimulants. Similar is the case for anxiety and tic disorders. For instance, a doctor might prescribe guanfacine or clonidine instead of stimulants to a person who suffers from Tourette's or other tics. These medications perform quickly and are less likely than stimulants to cause drowsiness.
Stimulant drugs can affect blood pressure and heart rate. They can also trigger side effects like irritability, sleep disturbances, headaches and a decrease in appetite. They are generally not recommended for children less than 8 years old and should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. They should not be taken by people with a history or bipolar disorder, substance abuse or a history of addiction. Additionally, these drugs are not recommended for people who have a history of strokes or seizures.
Most people suffering from ADHD receive a mix of treatments that include psychosocial therapy, medication or other treatment for behavior. Behavioral therapy can help teach skills like self-talk, organization techniques and anger management to help deal with the difficulties of living with ADHD. In addition, healthcare professionals can help by instructing supervisors and coworkers on ADHD and explaining how to work effectively with those suffering from the disorder. They can also arrange for accommodations at work and school to help those with ADHD to achieve their goals. In some instances employers are willing to provide flexibility in the way certain tasks are assigned or let employees take breaks as they need. They can also provide more detailed explanations of tasks and give employees more time to complete the assignments. This can be especially helpful when the employee has trouble understanding complex instructions or concepts. In these situations, an employer might even offer to teach the employee on how to use assistive technology that can help him or her keep the pace of other employees.