15 Reasons To Not Ignore ADHD Medications For Adults
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ADHD Medications For Adults
Stimulants aid in adjusting the levels of chemical messengers in the brain that control attention. They are first-line medications in the treatment of ADHD. They aren't believed to be a habit-forming drug, but they can have negative side effects, including headache and trouble sleeping.
Your doctor might prescribe Guanfacine (brand names Tenex and Intuniv) or Clonidine (Catapres) to decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. These drugs have a longer acting than stimulants.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the drugs that are most commonly prescribed to treat ADHD. They regulate and increase levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters. These are often the first medications doctors prescribe to reduce symptoms for the majority of people with ADHD. They can cause serious side effects, but they do not cure ADHD. Doctors usually prescribe different dosages and stimulants to determine the best combination for each person. The goal is to find a drug that is safe and efficient for long-term use while reducing symptoms with minimal adverse effects.
The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate. It is part of the class of medicines referred to as central nervous system stimulants. It's available under various brands such as Adderall and Ritalin. Methylphenidate helps to increase activity in parts of the brain responsible for attention and behavior. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets (small doses taken 2 to 3 times per day) or modified-release tablets that allow the medicine to be released into bloodstream over a longer period of time. It is a very efficient drug with low rates of abuse and addiction.
Some people with ADHD suffer from other psychiatric issues. In these cases, doctors may prefer to treat the disorder that is more severe first, and then see if it improves ADHD symptoms. Antidepressants might be prescribed to a person who has major depression before stimulants are tried. The same is true for tic disorders and anxiety. A doctor might prescribe guanfacine or clonidine instead of stimulants to a patient who suffers from Tourette's syndrome or other tics. These medications work quickly and are less likely than stimulants to cause drowsiness.
The effects of stimulants can alter heart rate and blood pressure. They can also cause negative side effects like irritability headaches, trouble sleeping and decreased appetite. They are generally not recommended for children under 8 years and shouldn't be used during breastfeeding or pregnancy. Anyone with a history of substance abuse or bipolar disorder should not use them. Additionally, these medications are not recommended for people who suffer from seizures or strokes.
The majority of people with ADHD are treated with a combination program that includes medication, psychosocial therapy as well as other treatments. Behavioral therapy can help teach skills like self-talk, organization techniques and anger management in order to help deal with the difficulties of living with ADHD. Additionally, healthcare professionals can help by adhd medications educating co-workers and supervisors about ADHD and explaining how to effectively work with people who have the disorder. They can also make accommodations at school and at work to help students who suffer from ADHD succeed. In some instances employers will provide flexibility in the way certain tasks are assigned or let workers take breaks when needed. They may also offer more in-depth explanations of assignments and allow employees more time to complete the assignments. This can be especially helpful when the employee has trouble understanding complex instructions or concepts. In these situations, an employer might even offer to instruct the employee on how to use assistive technology to help him or her keep pace with colleagues.