10 Fundamentals About ADD Treatments For Adults You Didn't Learn At School ADHD Treatments For Adults

Many of the same treatments that work for children suffering from ADHD can also be used to treat adults. These include medicine as well as counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They may also involve the combination of these treatments.

Stimulant Medications

These drugs work by increasing the brain chemicals that control attention and self regulation. They include methylphenidate sold as Ritalin and Concerta, and stimulants in the amphetamine family, like lisdexamphetamine. It is known by the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.


Stimulant Medications

Stimulants are drugs that speed up the body's system and may result in greater mental alertness and increased physical activity. treating add in adults include legal substances such as caffeine (added in tea and coffee) nicotine, prescription drugs that treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy, and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants they can trigger overstimulation which can lead to anxiety, heart palpitations and high blood pressure. They can also trigger anxiety and paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can cause the dopamine system of the brain to malfunction and decrease feelings of pleasure. The stimulants are available as pills, liquids or patches. Cocaine, methamphetamines, and amphetamines are stimulants which can be obtained illegally and abused.

The medications in this class are also called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work by increasing the amount of certain chemicals in the brain that boost concentration, reduce fatigue, and boost alertness. Adults with ADD and ADHD are treated first with these medications. These medicines are available in a morning-only formula or in longer-acting formulations that are active throughout the day, like lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.

The health care team could also recommend psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy or educational. Monitoring the effectiveness of medication over time is important, and can be an extremely complex process.

Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants

Around 15%-30% of children don't respond to stimulant drugs and it's likely that this is true for adults as well. The non-stimulant drugs take longer to begin working, and can sometimes take some time before you notice the effects. They don't have the same negative side effects and are a better choice if you cannot tolerate stimulants or fear of addiction.