ADHD Medications For Adults
Stimulants can help regulate levels of chemical messengers in the brain that control attention. They are regarded as the first-line treatment for ADHD. They aren't believed to be a habit-forming drug, but they can cause adverse effects, like headaches and difficulty sleeping.
Your doctor might also prescribe Guanfacine (brand names Tenex and Intuniv) or clonidine (Catapres) to decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. adhd without medication are more effective than stimulants.
Stimulants
The most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD are stimulants. They balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. adhd depression medication are typically the first medications doctors try and can often control symptoms for people suffering from ADHD. However, they can cause severe side effects and do not cure the disorder. Doctors prescribe various stimulants in different doses to see what works best for the individual. The goal is to find the medication that manages symptoms with the least adverse negative effects and is safe to take for the long-term.
The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate. It is part of the class of drugs referred to as central nervous system stimulants. It is sold under a variety of brand names, including Adderall and Ritalin. Methylphenidate assists in increasing the activity in parts of the brain responsible for attention and behavior. 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 for a longer period of time. It is a highly effective medication with low levels of dependence and abuse.
Some people with ADHD are also suffering from other psychiatric disorders. In these instances, doctors might prefer treating the more severe disorder to see if it improves ADHD symptoms. Antidepressants may be prescribed to patients who has major depression before stimulants are considered. The same applies to anxiety disorders and tic disorders. For example, a doctor might prescribe guanfacine or Clonidine instead of stimulants for a person suffering from Tourette's syndrome or other symptoms of tics. These drugs are less likely to cause drowsiness or depression and are able to work quickly to reduce the symptoms of tics.
Stimulant medicines can affect blood pressure and heart rate. They can also cause negative side effects like irritability headaches, trouble sleeping and decreased appetite. They are not recommended for children younger than 8 years old and should not be taken during breast-feeding or pregnancy. They should not be used by people with a history or bipolar disorder, substance abuse or a history of addiction. In addition, these medications are not recommended for patients who have a history of strokes or seizures.
The majority of people with ADHD have a combination treatment plan that includes medication as well as psychosocial therapy or other behavioral treatments. Behavioral therapy can help in teaching strategies such as self-talk anger management, and other organizational strategies to deal with the difficulties of ADHD. Healthcare professionals can also aid by educating coworkers and supervisors about ADHD and how to work effectively alongside people with the condition. They can also help arrange adjustments at work and in school to make it easier for people suffering from ADHD to succeed. In some cases, employers are willing to offer flexibility in how certain tasks are assigned or allow employees take breaks as they need. They can also provide more detailed explanations of tasks and allow employees longer to complete them. This can be particularly helpful if the worker has difficulty understanding complicated instructions or concepts. In these situations employers may offer to instruct the employee in using assistive technology that will aid in keeping up with colleagues.