ADHD Medications For Adults
Stimulants are able to regulate the levels of chemical messengers that control the brain's attention. They are first-line medications in the treatment of ADHD. They aren't thought to be habit-forming, but they can have negative side effects, including headache and trouble sleeping.
To decrease impulsivity or hyperactivity, your doctor may prescribe guanfacine with the brand names Tenex or Intuniv (Catapres). These drugs are longer-acting than stimulants.
Stimulants
The most common medications prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. They regulate and increase levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. These are often the first medications doctors prescribe to reduce symptoms for the majority of people with ADHD. They can have serious side negative effects, but they can't solve ADHD. Doctors typically prescribe various stimulants and doses to find what works best for each person. The aim is to find a medicine that is safe and efficient over the long term, while controlling symptoms with minimal side consequences.
The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate, which belongs to the category of medicines known as central nervous system stimulants. It's available under various brand names such as Adderall and Ritalin. Methylphenidate increases brain activity areas that control attention and behavior. It is available in immediate-release tablets (small doses taken between 2 and 3 times per day) or modified-release tablets that allow the medication to be released into the bloodstream over a longer amount of time. It is a highly effective drug that has low rates of dependence and abuse.
Certain people with ADHD may also suffer from other mental health disorders. In these cases doctors may prefer treating the more severe disorder to determine whether it helps improve ADHD symptoms. For adhd medication for adults uk , a patient suffering from depression major may be offered antidepressants before trying stimulants. Similar is the case for anxiety and tic disorders. A doctor can prescribe clonidine or guanfacine instead of stimulants to a patient who has Tourette's Syndrome or other disorders. These medicines work quickly and are less likely to cause drowsiness.
Stimulant medicines can affect blood pressure and heart rate. They may also cause negative effects like headaches and irritability. They are generally not recommended for children younger than 8 years old and should not be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. People with an addiction history or bipolar disorder shouldn't take them. Additionally, these drugs are not recommended for patients who have a history of strokes or seizures.
Most people suffering from ADHD have a treatment plan that includes medication as well as psychosocial therapy, as well as other behavioral treatments. Behavioral therapy can help in teaching strategies such as self-talk anger management, and organizational skills to deal with the difficulties of ADHD. Healthcare professionals can also aid by educating coworkers and supervisors about ADHD and how to work effectively with people with the condition. adhd treatment without medication can also arrange for accommodations at school and work to allow people suffering from ADHD to succeed. Employers are sometimes willing to be flexible about how certain tasks are assigned or allow workers to take breaks as they require. They may also offer more detailed explanations of assignments and allow employees longer to complete the assignments. This is especially useful when the employee is struggling to grasp complicated instructions or concepts. In these cases, an employer might even offer to instruct the employee on how to use assistive technology that will assist them in keeping the pace of colleagues.