ADHD Medications For Adults
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood, the first course of treatment is likely to involve medication. Stimulants improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Long-acting formulations are preferred, as they allow people to take advantage of the medication throughout the day and avoid side effects (such as hearing ringing or changes in vision).
Psychotherapy can also help manage symptoms. Therapy can help you build new skills to deal with ADHD, improve relationships and achieve stability in your work or home life.
Long-acting stimulant formulations
Medications in this class help improve focus and attention and reduce impulsivity through increasing the levels of two neurotransmitters, dopamine as well as norepinephrine. These are the key chemicals that control the pre-frontal cortex, also called the "secretary's" or "executive function" part of the brain. This is because this area controls how you plan, organize and carry out. adhd treatment medication is how you stay on track, prioritize tasks and keep your emotions in the right place.
Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD and are available in a variety of dosages and forms. The medication prescribed by your doctor is dependent on your symptoms, health history and other aspects. Some of the more common long-acting stimulant formulations include methylphenidate/amphetamine (Concerta), methylphenidate/amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Metabolite CD), methylphenidate/amphetamine/dextroamphetamine/dextromethorphan (Ritalin-LA) and methylphenidate/amphetamine/dextroamphetamine/dextroamphetamine/amiloride extended-release (Adderall XR).
The differing time-action profiles of these long-acting stimulants permit doctors to choose a drug that works best for the individual patient. For example, if a patient struggles in the morning, a long-acting methylphenidate/amphetamine/dextroamphetamine formulation may be beneficial because it provides an effect for up to 8 hours.
In addition, many of these formulations have a lower risk of adverse effects like insomnia or stomach upsets compared to shorter-acting drugs. They do not increase blood pressure or heart rate more than stimulants that act quickly and are beneficial for people suffering from heart disease.
One exception to this are the AMP salts found in Adderall, which can increase heart rate and blood pressure a bit. However, your physician can monitor your medication to ensure that these levels remain safe.
Clonidine and guanfacine are two other medications that can treat ADHD without stimulating your nervous system. They take longer to work than stimulants, but are less likely to be misused. They aren't as effective in boosting attention and focus but can decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. They come in a variety sizes and dosages, including extended-release capsules and tablets. A long-acting clonidine medication, Intuniv, is approved for adults and is able to be combined with other types of treatment, such as behavioral therapy. It's important to keep in mind that any medication you're taking is just a part of the process. Behavioral therapy can help you manage your ADHD.
Guanfacine or Clonidine
Guanfacine and clonidine as well as other central alpha-2 receptor antagonists are FDA-approved medications for high blood pressure. They are also employed "off-label" to treat ADHD. They operate by stimulating both alpha-2 receptors preand postsynaptically. The medication blocks sympathetic nerve impulses that travel from the vasomotor area to the heart and blood vessels which results in an increase in heart rate and peripheral resistance. It can help improve the primary symptoms of ADHD such as hyperactivity and impulsivity. It also helps reduce the tics associated with Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders. It can be taken as a medication on its own or in conjunction with stimulants. In a study on preschool-aged ADHD children, 78% of those who took stimulants and Guanfacine reported improvement in their symptoms.
These medications have a longer half-life when compared to stimulants. This means that they can stay in the body up to 24 hours. They are less likely to cause sedation and insomnia. They are available as tablets or a skin patch. Patches are an excellent option for those who do not swallow their pills or have a problem doing so. It is essential to take these medicines exactly as directed. The medication will not be effective in the event that the dosage is too small. If the dosage is too high, you could see a significant drop in blood pressure. Heart disease sufferers or those with low blood pressure may be at risk when the dose is too high.
Clonidine and guanfacine are older medications that were designed to treat hypertension. Both are approved for use by adults and can be used as a stand-alone or in combination with stimulants. They can also be employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms in patients suffering from ADHD and can cause problems with attention. Clonidine can also be used to treat sleep problems associated with ADHD. It doesn't alter the appetite, which is a plus for those who struggle with weight problems.
Clonidine and Guanfacine both work in treating the main symptoms of ADHD according to research. They can be used as a stand-alone medication or in combination with a stimulant, and both are less likely to cause side effects than other drugs. Clonidine is especially effective in reducing tics caused by Tourette syndrome and other disorders of the tic. Clonidine is not as effective at reducing the inattentive ADHD symptoms.
Ritalin
Methylphenidate (also called Ritalin) is a central nerve system stimulant. It can reduce many of the most frequent symptoms of ADHD. It aids in improving concentration, stop fidgeting and reduce impulsive behaviour and also improves the ability of an inattention person to concentrate. It is often prescribed with other treatments such as behavioral therapy. The effects of Ritalin are mild and typically disappear once your body gets used to the medication.
Focalin XR capsules are available in two forms: immediate-release tablets, which contain small doses that can be taken twice or three times per day. Additionally, you can take extended-release capsules twice a day in the morning, and the dose will release throughout the entire day. The extended-release capsules, called Focalin XR, are made up of only right-handed methylphenidate molecule, which minimizes the risk of side effects in comparison to other formulations.
Other methylphenidate medications include chewable tablets or tablets that are taken two times a day and last for about four hours. Also, the long-acting tablet (Lisdexamfetamine) or solution is available. These are usually prescribed to teenagers and children over the age of five, and are also available to adults if six weeks of treatment with methylphenidate has not been able to resolve symptoms.
All forms of methylphenidate have been associated with serious heart problems in certain people, and should not be used by anyone with any history of heart disease. It may also affect the flow blood through your toes and fingers and can cause faster heart rate in some individuals. It can interact with a number of other medications, including anticholinergics, blood thinners and some anesthetics. It is important that you give your doctor a complete list of all prescription and non-prescription medicines you are taking. They can then look for possible interactions. Strattera is a non-stimulant medication is also available for people suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine-regulating medication and doesn't cause the same side negative effects as stimulant medications. It might take longer to get the job done, but it is considered a safe alternative for adult patients who do not want to use stimulant drugs.
Adderall
Adderall is a stimulant medication that increases the activity of specific brain regions. It helps people manage their behavior, focus and manage hyperactivity. It can enhance mood by altering the way that the brain releases chemicals, such as dopamine and sérotonin. These chemicals are often lower in people with ADHD and can cause excessive activity and inability to manage emotions. This is one reason that certain adults with ADHD do not respond to medications alone.
Adderall when taken as directed, is not addictive and doesn't cause the development of habit. However, there are risks associated with taking Adderall, and it can produce side effects that require medical attention. Speak to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
Symptoms of Adderall overdose include restlessness and muscle twitching, an increase in heart rate, confusion, hallucinations and anxiety. If you experience these signs you should seek medical attention immediately.
You should not take Adderall with other medications that alter your mood, such as antidepressants and depression medications. These medications may increase the risk for serious side effects such as death or seizures. This medication is not recommended to children younger than 12 years old. age.
Stimulant medications can cause difficulty sleeping. You can reduce this side-effect by limiting your time in front of screens and caffeine (e.g. TV or video games). You can also take an aid to sleep such as melatonin.
Another option is to switch to a more powerful formulation of the drug, like extended-release Adderall. This will prevent a "rebound" effect that occurs in the late afternoon or evening as the medicine wears off. Many adults with ADHD take a tablet that has immediate release in the morning to complement the medication that has a long-acting effect.
Some people who do not have ADHD utilize stimulants such as Adderall in order to feel more alert and energetic. This can result in magical beliefs about the medication and its abilities. Some of these beliefs may cause people to develop an addiction. Additionally taking Adderall for reasons that are not medical can raise the risk of a positive drug test for amphetamines.