ADHD Medications For Adults

Stimulants can help regulate the levels of chemical messengers that control the brain's attention. They are considered first-line medications for ADHD. They aren't considered to be habit-forming, however they can have negative side effects, including headaches and difficulty sleeping.

Your doctor may also prescribe Guanfacine (brand names Tenex and Intuniv) or clonidine (Catapres) to reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. These drugs have a longer duration of action than stimulants.

Stimulants

Stimulants are the drugs most often prescribed to treat ADHD. They increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They are usually the first drugs that doctors test and are often able where to get prescribed adhd medication reduce symptoms in people with ADHD. However, they can also cause severe side effects and do not treat the condition. Doctors typically prescribe various dosages and stimulants to determine what works best for each individual. The goal is to find the medication that is effective in treating symptoms and has the least amount of side negative effects and is safe to use in the for the long-term.

The most well-known stimulant is methylphenidate, which falls into the group of medicines known as central nervous system stimulants. It is sold under a variety of brand names including Adderall and Ritalin. Methylphenidate helps to increase activity in areas of the brain responsible for attention and behavior. It is available in immediate-release tablets (small doses taken between 2 and 3 times per day) or modified-release tablets that allow the medication to be released into bloodstream for a longer period of time. It is a highly effective medication with low levels of addiction and misuse.

Certain people with adhd and depression medication may also suffer from other mental disorders. In these instances, doctors may prefer treating the more severe disorder to see whether it helps improve ADHD symptoms. Antidepressants may be prescribed to a patient with major depression prior to stimulants are tried. Similar is the case 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 or depression and can be used quickly to reduce the symptoms of tics.

Stimulant drugs can affect the heart rate and blood pressure. They can also have side effects such as headaches and irritability. They are not recommended for infants under 8 years old and are not recommended during pregnancy or breast-feeding. They should not be taken by those who have a history of or substance abuse, bipolar disorder or an addiction history. These medications are not recommended for people with a history or seizures or strokes.

Most adults with adhd medication intuniv have a treatment plan that includes medication and psychosocial therapy or other behavioral treatments. Behavioral therapy can help teach skills like self-talk, organization techniques and anger management to help cope with the challenges of living with ADHD. Healthcare professionals can also help by educating coworkers and supervisors about ADHD and how to effectively work with people with the disorder. They can also make accommodations at work and school to help people with ADHD succeed. In some cases employers will allow flexibility in how tasks are assigned or let employees take breaks as they need. They can also provide more in-depth explanations of assignments and give employees more time to complete them. This can be especially helpful when the employee has trouble understanding complex instructions or concepts. In these situations the employer may offer to teach the employee to use assistive technology to help him or her keep up with colleagues.