ADHD Medications For Adults
Stimulants are able to regulate the levels of chemical messengers that regulate the brain's attention. They are considered to be the first line of treatment for ADHD. They aren't considered to be habit-forming, however they can have adverse effects, like headaches and difficulty sleeping.
To reduce impulsivity or hyperactivity the doctor could prescribe guanfacine under brand names Tenex or Intuniv (Catapres). 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 boost and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These are usually the first medications doctors prescribe, and they are able to manage symptoms for most people with ADHD. They can cause serious side negative effects, but they can't solve ADHD. Doctors prescribe various stimulants in different doses to determine which is the most effective for the individual. The goal is to find the drug that controls symptoms with the least amount of side consequences and is safe to use long term.
The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate. It is part of the class of medicines referred to as central nervous system stimulants. It is sold under a variety of brands, including Adderall and Ritalin. Methylphenidate assists in increasing the activity in the parts of the brain that control attention and behavior. It is available in immediate-release (small doses taken two to three times per day) or modified release tablets that allow the medicine to enter the bloodstream gradually over a longer period of time. adhd adult medication iampsychiatry is a very effective drug with low rates of addiction and misuse.
Certain people with ADHD may also suffer from other mental disorders. In these cases, doctors might decide to treat the disorder that is more severe first and see if that improves ADHD symptoms. For example, a patient suffering from depression major may be prescribed antidepressants prior to trying stimulants. The same applies to anxiety disorders and tic disorders. A doctor might prescribe clonidine or guanfacine instead of stimulants to a patient who suffers from Tourette's syndrome or other tics. These drugs perform quickly and are less likely than stimulants to cause drowsiness.
Stimulant medicines can affect heart rate and blood pressure. They may also cause side effects such as headaches and irritability. They are generally not recommended for children less than 8 years old and should not be used during breastfeeding or pregnancy. They should not be taken by people with a history or substance abuse, bipolar disorder or a history of addiction. In addition, these medications are not recommended for people who suffer from strokes or seizures.
The majority of people with ADHD are treated with a combination plan that includes medication and psychosocial therapy or other behavioral treatments. Behavioral therapy can teach strategies such as self-talk anger management, and other organizational strategies to overcome the challenges of ADHD. Healthcare professionals can also aid by educating supervisors and co-workers about ADHD and how to work effectively alongside people suffering from the condition. They can also help arrange accommodations at work and school to allow people with ADHD to succeed. Employers are sometimes willing to be flexible in the way certain tasks are assigned, or allow employees to take breaks as they require. They can also provide more detailed explanations of assignments and give employees more time to complete the tasks. This is especially helpful if the worker struggles to comprehend complex instructions or concepts. In these instances, an employer might even offer to teach the employee to use assistive technology that can aid in keeping the pace of peers.