This Is The History Of ADHD Medications For Adults ADHD Medications For Adults

Stimulants help adjust levels of chemical messengers in the brain that regulate attention. They are first-line medications for treating ADHD. Although they're not in any way habit-forming, they can trigger adverse effects like headaches and sleep problems.


To reduce hyperactivity or impulsivity, your doctor may prescribe guanfacine under brand names Tenex or Intuniv (Catapres). These drugs are longer-acting than stimulants.

Stimulants

The most common medications prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. They boost and balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They are typically the first drugs that doctors test and are often used to control symptoms in people with ADHD. However, they can also cause severe side effects and do not cure the disorder. Doctors typically prescribe various dosages and stimulants to determine the one that is most suitable for each person. The goal is to find a medication that controls symptoms with the least amount of side effects and is safe to take long term.

The most well-known stimulant is methylphenidate. It belongs to the category of medicines known as central nervous system stimulants. It is available under a variety of brand names, including Adderall, Ritalin and others. Methylphenidate assists in increasing the activity in areas of the brain responsible for attention and behavior. It is available as immediate-release (small doses taken two to three times a day) or modified release tablets that permit the medication to be absorbed into the bloodstream slowly over a longer period of time. It is an effective drug that has low rates of abuse and addiction.

Certain people with ADHD suffer from other psychiatric issues. In these instances, doctors may prefer treating the more severe disorder to see whether it helps improve ADHD symptoms. For instance, a person with major depression may be offered antidepressants before trying stimulants. Similar is the case for anxiety disorders and tic disorders. For example, a doctor may prescribe guanfacine and clonidine instead of stimulants for a person who suffers from Tourette's or other symptoms of tics. These medications perform quickly and are less likely than stimulants to cause drowsiness.

Stimulant medicines can affect heart rate and blood pressure. They may also cause negative effects like headaches and irritability. They are not recommended for children under 8 years old. They should not be used during breast-feeding or pregnancy. People who have a history of addiction or bipolar disorder should not take them. These medications are also not recommended for people with a history of strokes or seizures.

The majority of people with ADHD receive a mix of treatment options that include medication, psychosocial therapy, or other behavioral treatments. Behavioral therapy can help teach skills 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 effectively work with people with the condition. They can also arrange for adjustments at work and in school to help those with ADHD to achieve their goals. Employers may be flexible about how the work is assigned or permit workers to take breaks as needed. They may also offer more in-depth explanations of assignments and allow employees more time to complete them. This is particularly helpful if the worker struggles to comprehend complex instructions or concepts. In her response , an employer might even offer to teach the employee on how to use assistive technology that can help him or her keep the pace of peers.