add in adults medication For Adults
Stimulants can help regulate levels of chemical messengers in the brain that regulate attention. They are regarded as the first-line treatment for ADHD. They aren't thought to be a habit-forming drug, but they can have side effects, such as headaches and difficulty sleeping.
Your doctor could prescribe Guanfacine (brand names Tenex and Intuniv) or Clonidine (Catapres) to reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. These medications have a longer duration of action than stimulants.
Stimulants
The most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD are stimulants. They boost and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They are usually the first drugs doctors will try and are often able to reduce symptoms in most people with ADHD. However, they can cause negative side effects that are serious and can't solve the problem. Doctors typically prescribe different stimulants and doses to find what works best for each individual. The aim is to find the medication that manages symptoms with the fewest side consequences and is safe to take in the long run.
The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate. It is part of the class of medicines known as central nervous system stimulants. It's sold under many brand names including Adderall and Ritalin. Methylphenidate increases brain activity areas that regulate attention and behaviour. It is available as immediate-release tablets (small doses taken 2 to 3 times per day) or modified-release tablets that allow the medication to be released into bloodstream over a longer period of time. It is a very efficient medication with low levels of addiction and misuse.
Some people with ADHD also have other mental disorders. In these cases, doctors may prefer to treat the more severe disorder first and see if this improves ADHD symptoms. Antidepressants might be prescribed to patients who has major depression before stimulants are tried. The same is true for anxiety disorders and tic disorders. For instance, a physician might prescribe guanfacine or clonidine instead of stimulants for someone suffering from Tourette's syndrome or other symptoms of tics. These medications are less likely to cause drowsiness and depression and are able to work quickly to ease the symptoms of tics.
Stimulant medications can affect the blood pressure and heart rate. They may also cause negative effects like headaches and irritability. They are not recommended for children younger than 8 years and shouldn't be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. They should not be used by those who have a history of or bipolar disorder, substance abuse or a history of addiction. In addition, these medications are not recommended for patients who have a history of seizures or strokes.
Most adults with ADHD receive a combination of treatments that include psychosocial therapy, medication, or other treatments for behavioral issues. Behavioral therapy can teach techniques such as self-talk, anger management, and other organizational strategies to overcome the challenges of ADHD. Healthcare professionals can aid in educating co-workers and supervisors about ADHD and demonstrating how to work effectively with people suffering from the condition. They can also offer accommodations at school and at work to help those who suffer from ADHD succeed. Employers can be flexible in the way certain tasks are assigned, or allow workers to take breaks as they require. They may also allow employees more time and provide a more detailed explanation of the task. This is especially helpful for those who struggle to grasp complicated instructions or concepts. In these instances, an employer might even offer to instruct the employee on how to use assistive technology that will help him or her keep pace with colleagues.