20 Fun Facts About ADHD Medications For Adults
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ADHD Medications For Adults
Stimulants can help regulate levels of chemical messengers that regulate attention in the brain. They are considered to be the first line of treatment for ADHD. Although they are not habit-forming, they can cause side effects such as headaches and difficulty sleeping.
Your doctor might also prescribe guanfacine (brand names Tenex and Intuniv) or clonidine (Catapres) to decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. These drugs have a longer duration of action 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 medications that doctors prescribe to reduce symptoms for the majority of people with ADHD. However, they can have negative side effects that are serious and can't cure the disorder. Doctors prescribe various stimulants in different doses to determine which is most effective for each person. The goal is to find the drug that manages symptoms with the least negative side negative effects and is safe to take long term.
The most well-known stimulant is methylphenidate, which falls into the group of drugs referred to as central nervous system stimulants. It is sold under a variety of brands such as Adderall and Ritalin. Methylphenidate assists in increasing the activity in areas of the brain responsible for attention and behavior. It is available in immediate-release tablets (small doses taken 2 to 3 times a day) or modified-release tablets that allow the medicine to be released into bloodstream over a longer period of time. It is a drug that works that has low rates of dependence and abuse.
Certain people with ADHD also have other mental health disorders. In these instances, doctors may prefer treating the more severe disorder to determine whether it improves ADHD symptoms. For example, a patient I Am Psychiatry who suffers from major depression might be offered antidepressants prior to attempting stimulants. The same is true for tic disorders and anxiety. A doctor may prescribe clonidine or guanfacine instead of stimulants for a person who has Tourette's Syndrome or other symptoms of tics. These medicines perform quickly and are less likely to cause drowsiness.
Stimulant medications can affect the heart rate and blood pressure. They can also trigger side effects like irritability, headaches, insomnia and a decrease in appetite. They are not recommended for children younger than 8 years old. They should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. They should not be used by people with a history or bipolar disorder, substance abuse or an addiction history. Additionally, these drugs are not recommended for people who suffer from strokes or seizures.
Most adults with ADHD are treated with a combination of treatment options that include psychosocial therapy, medication or other behavioral treatments. Behavioral therapy can teach skills such as self-talk, organizational techniques and anger management to assist with the challenges of living with ADHD. Healthcare professionals can also aid by educating employees and supervisors about ADHD and how to effectively work with people suffering from the disorder. They can also offer adjustments at school and at work to help students with ADHD succeed. Employers are sometimes willing to be flexible in the way certain tasks are assigned, or allow employees to take breaks as needed. They may also offer more detailed explanations of assignments and allow employees more time to complete them. This can be particularly helpful if the worker has difficulty understanding complicated instructions or concepts. In these situations employers might provide training to employees to use assistive technologies that will assist them in keeping pace with their peers.