ADHD Medications For Adults
Stimulants can help regulate levels of chemical messengers which control the brain's attention. They are considered first-line medications for ADHD. They aren't considered to be habit-forming, but they can trigger negative side effects, including headaches and sleep problems.
Your doctor might also prescribe guanfacine (brand names Tenex and Intuniv) or Clonidine (Catapres) to decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. These drugs have a longer duration of action than stimulants.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the drugs that are most commonly prescribed to treat ADHD. They increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They are typically the first medications doctors try and can often control symptoms for people suffering from ADHD. They can have serious adverse negative effects, but they can't solve ADHD. Doctors typically prescribe different doses of stimulants to determine the best combination for each person. The goal is to find the drug that controls symptoms with the fewest side effects and is safe to use in the long run.
The most common stimulant is methylphenidate, which belongs to the category of drugs referred to as central nervous system stimulants. It's available under various brand names including Adderall and Ritalin. Methylphenidate assists in increasing the activity in areas of the brain that regulate attention and behavior. It is available as immediate-release (small doses taken two to three times per day) or modified release tablets, which permit the medication to enter the bloodstream slowly over a longer period. It is a drug that works with a low rate of abuse and addiction.
Some people with adhd medication adults uk also have other psychiatric disorders. In these instances, doctors might prefer treating the more severe disorder first and see if this improves ADHD symptoms. For instance, a patient suffering from depression major may be prescribed antidepressants prior to trying stimulants. Similar is the case for anxiety disorders and tic disorders. A doctor can prescribe guanfacine or clonidine instead of stimulants for a person with Tourette's Syndrome or other tics. These medications are less likely to cause drowsiness and depression and can be used quickly to help reduce the symptoms of tics.
Stimulants can alter the heart rate and blood pressure. They can a doctor prescribe adhd medication also trigger negative side effects like irritability headaches, trouble sleeping and a decrease in appetite. They are not recommended for children under 8 years old and are not recommended during breastfeeding or pregnancy. They should not be taken by people with a history or substance abuse, bipolar disorder or an addiction history. In addition, these medications are not recommended for patients who suffer from strokes or seizures.
The majority of people with mild adhd medication have a combination treatment program that includes medication, psychosocial therapy as well as other treatments. Behavioral therapy can teach skills such as self-talk, organizational techniques and anger management to help deal with the difficulties of living with inattentive adhd medication adults. Healthcare professionals can also aid by educating supervisors and co-workers about ADHD and how to work effectively alongside people suffering from the disorder. They can also arrange for accommodations at school and work to make it easier for people suffering from ADHD to achieve their goals. Employers may be flexible in the way certain tasks are assigned, or allow employees to take breaks as needed. They can also provide more detailed explanations of assignments and allow employees more time to complete them. This is particularly helpful for those who struggle to grasp complicated instructions or concepts. In these cases employers may offer to teach the employee to use assistive technology that can help him or her keep up with other employees.