ADHD Medications For Adults

Stimulants help adjust levels of chemical messengers in the brain that regulate attention. They are considered first-line medications for ADHD. They aren't considered to be habit-forming, but they can have negative side effects, including headaches and difficulty sleeping.

Your doctor might also prescribe Guanfacine (brand names Tenex and Intuniv) or clonidine (Catapres) to decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. These medications have a longer duration of action than stimulants.

Stimulants

The most common medications prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. They help balance and boost levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. These are usually the first drugs that doctors prescribe, and they are able to manage symptoms for most people suffering from ADHD. They can cause serious adverse negative effects, but they can't cure ADHD. Doctors prescribe different stimulants at different doses to see what medication is prescribed for adhd works best for the individual. The goal is to find a medication that manages symptoms with the least negative side negative effects and is safe to use in the in the long run.

The most well-known stimulant is methylphenidate, which falls into the group of drugs referred to as central nervous system stimulants. It's sold under many brands such as Adderall and Ritalin. Methylphenidate assists in increasing the activity in parts of the brain responsible for 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 released into the bloodstream over a longer amount of time. It is a highly effective drug with a low rate of abuse and addiction.

Some people with ADHD are also suffering from other psychiatric disorders. In these instances, doctors might prefer treating the more severe disorder to determine whether it helps improve ADHD symptoms. Antidepressants might be prescribed to a person with major depression prior to stimulants are considered. The same goes for tic and anxiety disorders. For example, a doctor might prescribe guanfacine or clonidine instead of stimulants for a person who suffers from Tourette's or other tics. These drugs are less likely to cause drowsiness and depression and can be used quickly to ease the symptoms of tics.

Stimulant medicines can affect heart rate and blood pressure. They can also cause negative side effects like irritability sleep disturbances, headaches and decreased appetite. They are not recommended for children younger than 8 years old. They should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. They should not be taken by people who have a history or bipolar disorder, substance abuse or an addiction history. These medications are not recommended for people who have a history of seizures or strokes.

Most people suffering from ADHD are treated with a combination of treatment that includes psychosocial therapy, medication, or other treatment for behavior. Behavioral therapy can help teach skills such as self-talk, anger management, and organizational skills to cope with the challenges of ADHD. Healthcare professionals can also help by educating supervisors and co-workers about ADHD and how to effectively work with people suffering from the disorder. They can also arrange for adjustments at work and in school to help people suffering from ADHD to succeed. Employers can be flexible about how the work is assigned or allow employees to take breaks as they require. They can also offer employees more time and provide a more detailed explanation of the assignment. This is especially useful if the worker struggles to comprehend complicated instructions or concepts. In these cases employers may offer to teach the employee to use assistive technology to help him or her keep pace with peers.