Why You Should Focus On Enhancing ADD Treatments For Adults ADHD Treatments For Adults

Adults are able to benefit from many of the same therapies as children. These treatments include medicine as well as counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. These treatments may consist of a combination.

Stimulant Medications

These drugs work by increasing brain chemicals that control attention and self regulation. These include the methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants belonging to the amphetamine group, such as Lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).

Stimulant Medications


Stimulants are medications that boost the body's system and may result in greater mental alertness and more physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added in coffee and tea) nicotine, prescription drugs that treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD) and narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants they can trigger overstimulation which can cause anxiety, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure. They can also trigger aggression and anxiety and. For some long-term use of stimulants can damage the functioning of the brain's dopamine system and reduce pleasure feelings. Stimulants are available in pills, liquids or patches that are applied to the skin. In the absence of legality, abused stimulants include methamphetamines, cocaine and amphetamines.

The drugs in this class are called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They function by increasing the quantity of certain brain chemicals that boost concentration, reduce fatigue, and improve alertness. Adults with ADD and ADHD are treated first with these medications. They can be a short-acting formula that is taken in the morning, or a longer-acting drug that remains active throughout the duration of the day, such as the lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin).

The health care team might also recommend psychosocial interventions such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. It is important to monitor the effectiveness of medication over time. treat adhd can be a difficult task.

Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants

About 15% to 30% of children do not respond to stimulant drugs This is also to be the case for adults as well. The non-stimulant drugs take longer to start working, and can sometimes take a few weeks before you feel the effects. But, they don't come with the same risk of side effects as stimulants and may be a better choice for those who are unable to tolerate the effects of stimulants or are worried about addiction.