15 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Ignore ADHD Medications For Adults

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ADHD Medications For Adults

Stimulants can help regulate the levels of chemical messengers that control attention in the brain. They are first-line medications to treat ADHD. They aren't thought to be habit-forming, but they can have side effects, such as headaches and sleep problems.

Your doctor might also prescribe Guanfacine (brand names Tenex and Intuniv) or Clonidine (Catapres) to reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. These drugs have a longer duration of action than stimulants.

Stimulants

Stimulants are the drugs most commonly prescribed to treat ADHD. They help balance and boost levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. These are often the first drugs that doctors prescribe, and they are able to control symptoms for most people suffering from ADHD. However, they can also cause severe side effects and do not treat the condition. Doctors typically prescribe different doses of stimulants to determine what works best for each person. The aim is to find the medication that controls symptoms with the least amount of adverse consequences and is safe to use long term.

The most common stimulant is methylphenidate, which is part of the class of drugs referred to as central nervous system stimulants. It's available under various brands such as Adderall and Ritalin. Methylphenidate helps to increase activity in areas of the brain responsible for attention and behavior. It is available in immediate-release (small doses taken two to three times per day) or modified release tablets, which allow the medicine to enter the bloodstream gradually over a longer time here period. It is a highly effective drug that has low rates of abuse and addiction.

Certain people with ADHD also have other psychiatric disorders. In these instances, doctors might prefer treating the more severe disorder to determine whether it helps improve ADHD symptoms. Antidepressants can be prescribed to patients with major depression prior to stimulants are tried. Similar is the case for tic disorders and anxiety. A doctor can prescribe guanfacine or clonidine instead of stimulants to a person who suffers from Tourette's syndrome or other disorders. These medications are less likely to cause drowsiness or depression and can be used quickly to ease the symptoms of tics.

Stimulants can affect the heart rate and blood pressure. They can also cause negative side effects like irritability headaches, trouble sleeping and a decrease in appetite. They are not recommended for children younger than 8 years old and should not be used during breast-feeding or pregnancy. Anyone with a history of substance abuse or bipolar disorder should not take them. These medications are not recommended for people with a history or strokes or seizures.

The majority of people with ADHD receive a combination of treatments that include medication, psychosocial therapy, or other treatment for behavior. Behavioral therapy can teach skills like organizational techniques, self-talk and anger management to assist cope with the challenges of living with ADHD. Healthcare professionals can also assist by educating supervisors and co-workers about ADHD and how to work effectively with people suffering from the disorder. They can also provide accommodations at work and school to help people who suffer from ADHD succeed. Employers are sometimes willing to be flexible in the way the work is assigned or allow employees to take breaks when they need. They may also offer more detailed explanations of assignments and allow employees more time to complete the assignments. This is especially beneficial when the employee has trouble understanding complicated instructions or concepts. In these situations employers can offer to train employees to use assistive technologies that can aid them in keeping up with their peers.