ADHD Medications For Adults
Stimulants help adjust levels of chemical messengers in the brain that control attention. They are considered to be the first line of treatment for ADHD. Although they're not in any way habit-forming, they can trigger side effects such as headaches and sleep problems.
To reduce impulsivity or hyperactivity Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine under the brand names Tenex or Intuniv (Catapres). These medications are more effective than stimulants.
Stimulants
The most common medications prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. They regulate and increase levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. how to treat adhd without medication in adults are typically the first drugs that doctors prescribe, and they are able to manage symptoms for most people suffering from ADHD. They can have serious side negative effects, but they can't cure ADHD. Doctors prescribe various stimulants in different dosages to determine what is most effective for each person. The goal is to find a medication that controls symptoms with the least adverse negative effects and is safe to take in the long run.
The most common stimulant is methylphenidate. It belongs to the category of medicines known as central nervous system stimulants. It is available under a variety of brand names, including Adderall, Ritalin and others. Methylphenidate helps to increase activity in parts of the brain that control attention and behavior. It is available in immediate-release tablets (small doses taken 2 to 3 times per day) or modified-release tablets that allow the medication to be released into the bloodstream for a longer period of time. It is an effective drug with a low rate of addiction and abuse.
Some people who suffer from ADHD may also suffer from other psychiatric disorders. In these instances, doctors may prefer treating the more severe disorder to see whether it improves ADHD symptoms. For instance, a person with major depression may be offered antidepressants prior to attempting stimulants. The same goes for tic disorders and anxiety. A doctor may prescribe clonidine or guanfacine instead of stimulants to a person who has Tourette's Syndrome or other disorders. These medications are less likely to cause drowsiness or depressed mood and work quickly to help reduce the symptoms of tics.
Stimulant medications can affect the 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 and shouldn't be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. People with a history of addiction or bipolar disorder shouldn't use them. These drugs are also not recommended for those who have a history of seizures or strokes.
Most people suffering from ADHD have a combination treatment plan that includes medication as well as psychosocial therapy, as well as other behavioral treatments. Behavioral therapy can teach skills such as self-talk, anger management, and other organizational strategies to overcome the challenges of ADHD. In addition, healthcare professionals can assist by teaching supervisors and coworkers about ADHD and demonstrating how to effectively work with people who have the condition. They can also make adjustments at school and at work to help people with ADHD succeed. In some instances employers will allow flexibility in how tasks are assigned, or let workers take breaks when needed. They can also provide more detailed explanations of assignments and give employees more time to complete the assignments. This is especially helpful if the worker struggles to grasp complex instructions or concepts. In such situations employers might offer to help employees learn to use assistive technologies that will help them keep up with their peers.
