Blog entry by Winnie Titsworth
ADHD Medications For Adults
Stimulants are able to regulate the levels of chemical messengers which control the brain's attention. They are first-line medications in the treatment of ADHD. While they do not cause habit-forming, they can cause side effects such as headaches and sleep problems.
Your doctor might also prescribe guanfacine (brand names Tenex and Intuniv) or clonidine (Catapres) to decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. These drugs have a longer acting than stimulants.
Stimulants
The most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD are stimulants. They regulate and increase levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They are often the first medications doctors try and are often used to control symptoms in people with ADHD. They can have serious adverse effects, but they don't solve ADHD. Doctors usually prescribe different dosages and stimulants to determine the best combination for each person. The aim is to find a medicine that is safe and efficient over the long term, while also reducing symptoms with a minimum of adverse consequences.
The most common stimulant is methylphenidate, which belongs to the category of medicines known as central nervous system stimulants. It is sold under various brands, including Adderall, Ritalin and others. Methylphenidate assists in increasing the activity in parts of the brain that control attention and behavior. It is available as immediate-release tablets (small doses taken 2 to 3 times per day) or modified-release tablets that allow the medicine to be released into bloodstream over the counter adhd medication for adults a longer amount of time. It is a drug that works that has low rates of dependence and abuse.
Some people who suffer from strongest adhd medication for adults have other psychiatric conditions. In these instances, doctors might prefer treating the more severe disorder first and see if this helps to reduce ADHD symptoms. For example, a patient with major depression may be offered antidepressants before trying stimulants. The same applies to anxiety disorders and tic disorders. For instance, a physician might prescribe guanfacine or clonidine instead of stimulants to a person suffering from Tourette's syndrome or other disorders that cause tics. These medicines work quickly and are less likely to cause drowsiness.
Stimulants can alter blood pressure and heart rate. They can also cause negative side effects like irritability headaches, insomnia and decreased appetite. They are not recommended for children younger than 8 years old. They are not recommended during breast-feeding or pregnancy. They should not be taken by people who have a history or substance abuse, bipolar disorder or a history of addiction. These medications are also not recommended for those with a history or seizures or strokes.
Most adults with ADHD have a combination 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 with the challenges of living with non amphetamine adhd medication. Healthcare professionals can also aid by educating supervisors and co-workers about adhd focus medication (read this blog article from Fewpal) and how to work effectively with people suffering from the disorder. They can also help arrange accommodations at school and work to allow people with adhd medication intuniv to achieve their goals. In some cases, employers are willing to allow flexibility in how tasks are assigned or let workers take breaks when needed. They may also offer more in-depth explanations of assignments and allow employees longer to complete the tasks. This can be particularly helpful when the employee has trouble understanding complicated instructions or concepts. In these instances employers may offer to instruct the employee on how to use assistive technology that will help him or her keep up with colleagues.