ADHD Medications For Adults
Stimulants can help regulate the levels of chemical messengers that regulate the brain's attention. They are considered to be the first-line medication for treating ADHD. Although they're not habit-forming, they can cause side effects such as headaches and difficulty sleeping.
Your doctor may prescribe Guanfacine (brand names Tenex and Intuniv) or Clonidine (Catapres) to reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. These drugs have a longer acting than stimulants.
Stimulants
The most common medications prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. They increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They are often the first drugs that doctors test and are often able to reduce symptoms for people suffering from ADHD. They can cause serious side effects, but they do not solve ADHD. Doctors prescribe different stimulants in different doses to determine which works best for the individual. The aim is to find a medication that is effective in treating symptoms and has the least side effects and is safe to take for the long-term.
add adhd medication -known stimulant is methylphenidate. It falls into the group of medicines referred to as central nervous system stimulants. It's sold under many brand names, including Adderall and Ritalin. Methylphenidate enhances brain activity areas that control attention and behavior. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets (small doses taken two to three times per day) or modified-release tablets that allow the drug to be absorbed into the bloodstream for a longer period of time. It is a very effective drug that has low rates of abuse and addiction.
Some people who suffer from ADHD suffer from other psychiatric issues. In these cases, the doctor might prefer treating the disorder that is more severe first and see if this helps to reduce ADHD symptoms. For instance, a person who suffers from major depression might be offered antidepressants before trying stimulants. The same is true for anxiety disorders and tic disorders. A doctor may prescribe clonidine or guanfacine instead of stimulants for a person who has Tourette's Syndrome or other symptoms of tics. These drugs are less likely to cause drowsiness or depression and can be used quickly to help reduce the symptoms of tics.
The effects of stimulants can alter blood pressure and heart rate. They also can cause negative effects like headaches and irritability. They are not recommended for children under 8 years and shouldn't be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. People who have a history of addiction or bipolar disorder should not take these medications. Additionally, these drugs are not recommended for those who suffer from seizures or strokes.
Most people suffering from ADHD receive a combination of treatment options that include psychosocial therapy, medication or other treatment for behavior. Behavioral therapy can help teach skills such as self-talk, organizational techniques and anger management in order to help deal with the difficulties of living with ADHD. Healthcare professionals can help by educating co-workers and supervisors about ADHD and demonstrating how to effectively work with people who have the condition. They can also provide accommodations at school and at work to help people who suffer from ADHD succeed. Employers are sometimes willing to be flexible with the way the work is assigned or permit workers to take breaks when they need. They can also provide more in-depth explanations of assignments and allow employees more time to complete them. This is especially beneficial when the employee has trouble understanding complicated instructions or concepts. In such situations employers might offer to help employees learn to use assistive technologies that can assist them in keeping pace with their peers.