7 Things About ADHD Medications For Adults You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing
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ADHD Medications For Adults
Stimulants aid in adjusting the levels of chemical messengers in the brain, which control attention. They are the first line of treatment to treat ADHD. They aren't believed to be habit-forming, however they can trigger side effects, such as headaches and difficulty sleeping.
Your doctor could also prescribe Guanfacine (brand names Tenex and Intuniv) or clonidine (Catapres) to decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. These medications have a longer acting than stimulants.
Stimulants
The most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD are stimulants. They regulate and increase levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These are often the first medications doctors prescribe and they can manage symptoms for most people suffering from ADHD. However, they can also cause severe side effects and do not treat the condition. Doctors prescribe different stimulants in different doses to see what works best for the individual. The goal is to find the medication that manages symptoms with the fewest negative side effects and is safe to take for the long-term.
The most commonly used 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 increases brain activity areas that control attention and behaviour. It is available as immediate-release (small doses taken two to three times per day) or modified release tablets, which allow the medicine to enter the bloodstream gradually over a longer period of time. It is a drug that works that has low rates of dependence and abuse.
Some people with ADHD also have other psychiatric disorders. In these cases, doctors might prefer treating the more severe disorder first and see if that improves ADHD symptoms. Antidepressants can be prescribed to a person who has major depression before stimulants are tried. Similar is the case for anxiety disorders and tic disorders. A doctor might prescribe guanfacine or clonidine instead of stimulants to a person who has Tourette's Syndrome or other tics. These medications are less likely to cause drowsiness and depression and can be used quickly to ease the symptoms of tics.
Stimulants can affect the heart rate and blood pressure. They may also cause negative effects like irritability and headaches. They are not recommended for children under 8 years and shouldn't be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. People who have a history of substance abuse or bipolar disorder shouldn't take them. These medications are not recommended for those with a history or strokes or seizures.
Most adults with ADHD are treated with a combination plan that includes medication as well as psychosocial therapy as well as other treatments. Behavioral therapy can help teach skills such as self-talk, anger management and organizational techniques to deal with the difficulties of ADHD. Healthcare professionals can also assist by educating coworkers and supervisors about ADHD and how to effectively work with people suffering from the condition. They can also provide adjustments at school and at work to help those who suffer from ADHD succeed. In some cases, employers are willing to allow flexibility in how tasks are assigned, or here let workers take breaks as needed. They can also provide more detailed explanations of tasks and allow employees longer to complete the assignments. This can be especially helpful for those who have difficulty understanding complicated instructions or concepts. In such situations employers can offer to train employees to use assistive technologies to aid them in keeping up with their peers.