ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same therapies that are effective for children with ADHD also treat adults. These treatments include medication as well as counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. These treatments may consist of a combination.
Full Article work by increasing the amount of certain brain chemicals that aid in controlling self-regulation and attention. They include methylphenidate, sold under the names Ritalin and Concerta and stimulants from the amphetamine family like lisdexamphetamine. It is known by the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants speed up the body and can cause increased mental alertness and physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added to tea and coffee) and nicotine, and prescription drugs used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy, and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants, they can cause overstimulation which can cause anxiety, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure. They can also trigger aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause the dopamine system of the brain to malfunction and decrease feelings of satisfaction. The stimulants are available as pills, liquids or patches. In the absence of legality, abused stimulants include methamphetamines, cocaine and amphetamines.
Medications in this class are called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They function by increasing the amount of certain chemicals in the brain that boost concentration, reduce fatigue, and boost alertness. They are the first line treatment for adults suffering from ADD or ADHD. These medicines can be a short-acting formula taken in the morning or a longer-acting drug that stays active in the body for most of the day such as the lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin).
The health care team may also suggest psychosocial interventions, such as psychotherapy or education. It is crucial to track the effectiveness of medicines over time. This can be a difficult task.
Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants
About 15%-30 percentage of children don't respond to stimulant drugs, and this is likely applicable to adults as well. Non-stimulant medications take longer to take effect and it could take as long as several weeks to feel any effects. However, they don't carry the same danger of having side effects as stimulants and can be a better choice if you can't tolerate these medications or are concerned about addiction.