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ADHD Medications For Adults

Stimulants aid in adjusting the levels of chemical messengers in the brain that control attention. They are the first line of treatment in the treatment of ADHD. Although they're not to be taken regularly, they can have adverse effects like headaches and trouble sleeping.

Your doctor could also prescribe guanfacine (brand names Tenex and Intuniv) or Clonidine (Catapres) to reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. These medications are more effective than stimulants.

Stimulants

Stimulants are the medications most often prescribed to treat ADHD. They improve and balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. These are usually the first medications doctors prescribe, and they are able to control symptoms for most people with ADHD. However, they can also cause serious side effects and don't cure the disorder. Doctors usually prescribe different dosages and stimulants to determine what works best for each individual. The goal is to find a medication that is safe and efficient for long-term use while reducing symptoms with minimal side consequences.

The most common stimulant is methylphenidate. It is part of the class of drugs referred to as central nervous system stimulants. It is available under a variety of brand names including Adderall, Ritalin and others. Methylphenidate enhances brain activity areas that control the behavior and attention. It is available as immediate-release (small doses taken 2 to 3 times per day) or modified release tablets that allow the medicine to enter the bloodstream slowly over a longer time period. It is a highly effective drug with a low rate of dependence and here abuse.

Certain people with ADHD have other psychiatric conditions. In these cases doctors may prefer treating the more severe disorder to see whether it helps improve ADHD symptoms. Antidepressants can be prescribed to a patient who has major depression before stimulants are considered. The same goes for tic and anxiety disorders. A doctor might prescribe guanfacine or clonidine in lieu of stimulants to a patient who has Tourette's Syndrome or other tics. These drugs perform quickly and are less likely to cause drowsiness.

Stimulants can alter the heart rate and blood pressure. They can also trigger side effects like irritability, headaches, insomnia and decreased appetite. They are not recommended for children younger than 8 years old and are not recommended during breast-feeding or pregnancy. They should not be taken by those who have a history of or bipolar disorder, substance abuse or a history of addiction. These medications are also not recommended for those with a history of seizures or strokes.

The majority of people with ADHD have a combination treatment plan that includes medication and psychosocial therapy, as well as other behavioral treatments. Behavioral therapy can teach skills like organizational techniques, self-talk and anger management to help deal with the difficulties of living with ADHD. Healthcare professionals can aid in educating co-workers and supervisors about ADHD and explaining how to effectively work with those suffering from the condition. They can also arrange for accommodations at work and school to allow people suffering from ADHD to succeed. In some cases employers will offer flexibility in how certain tasks are assigned or allow employees take breaks as they need. They may also allow employees more time and offer more specific explanations of the task. This is particularly helpful if the worker struggles to understand complicated instructions or concepts. In these instances the employer may offer to teach the employee on how to use assistive technology that will help him or her keep pace with other employees.