15 Amazing Facts About ADHD Medications For Adults
mild adhd medication Medications For Adults
Stimulants are able to regulate the levels of chemical messengers that regulate attention in the brain. They are considered first-line medications for ADHD. Although they are not in any way habit-forming, they can trigger negative side effects, such as headaches and sleep problems.
Your doctor might prescribe Guanfacine (brand names Tenex and intuniv adhd Medication) or clonidine (Catapres) to decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. These medications used for adhd are more effective than stimulants.
Stimulants
The most common medications prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. They increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They are typically the first drugs doctors will try and are often used to control symptoms in most people with ADHD. However, they can have severe side effects and do not treat the condition. Doctors prescribe various stimulants in different doses to see what works best for the individual. The goal is to find the medication that manages symptoms with the least side negative effects and is safe to use in the long term.
The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate, which is part of the class of drugs referred to as central nervous system stimulants. It is available under a variety of brands, including Adderall, Ritalin and others. Methylphenidate helps to increase activity in parts of the brain that regulate attention and behavior. It is available in immediate-release (small doses taken up to three times per day) or modified release tablets, which permit the medication to enter the bloodstream gradually over a longer period of time. It is an effective drug that has low rates of addiction and abuse.
Certain people with ADHD have other psychiatric conditions. In these cases, doctors might prefer treating the more severe disorder first and see if that helps to reduce ADHD symptoms. Antidepressants can be prescribed to a patient who suffers from major depression before stimulants are tried. The same is true for anxiety and tic disorders. A doctor can prescribe guanfacine or clonidine in lieu of stimulants to a person who has Tourette's Syndrome or other disorders. These medications are less likely to cause drowsiness and depression and are able to work quickly to help reduce the symptoms of tics.
Stimulant medications can affect the heart rate and blood pressure. They can also have negative effects like irritability and headaches. They are not recommended for children less than 8 years old. They should not be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. People who have an addiction history or bipolar disorder shouldn't take them. These drugs are also not recommended for those who have a history of seizures or strokes.
The majority of people with ADHD are treated with a combination program that includes non medication treatment for adhd adults, psychosocial therapy or other behavioral treatments. Behavioral therapy can help teach skills like self-talk, organization techniques and anger management to help deal with the difficulties of living with ADHD. Healthcare professionals can also assist by educating employees and supervisors about ADHD and how to work effectively with those suffering from the disorder. They can also provide accommodations at school and at work to help those who suffer from ADHD succeed. In some instances, employers are willing to allow flexibility in how tasks are assigned or allow workers take breaks as needed. They may also offer more detailed explanations of tasks and give employees more time to complete the assignments. This is especially helpful if the worker struggles to comprehend complex instructions or concepts. In these instances employers may offer to teach the employee in using assistive technology to help him or her keep pace with peers.