ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults are able to benefit from the same treatments that children receive. These treatments include medicine and counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. These treatments may include a combination.
Stimulant Medications
The drugs increase the brain chemicals that control self-regulation and attention. They include methylphenidate, which is sold under the names Ritalin and Concerta, and stimulants in the amphetamine family, such as lisdexamphetamine, which is known by the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants boost the body's metabolism and can cause increased mental alertness and physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added in tea and coffee), nicotine, and prescription drugs used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD) and narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants may cause over-stimulation and lead to anxiety and heart palpitations, as well as hypertension as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can cause the dopamine receptors in the brain to malfunction, reducing feelings of satisfaction. The stimulants are available in pills, liquids, or patches. Illegally obtained and abused stimulants include cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines.
These drugs are also known as central nervous system stimulants. They work by boosting certain chemicals in the brain that boost concentration, decrease fatigue, and boost alertness. adhd adults treatment with ADD and ADHD are treated first with these medications. They are available as the form of a morning-only formulation or longer-acting formulations that are active throughout the day, like methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine.
The health care team could also recommend psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy or education. Monitoring the effectiveness of medications over time is vital and is an extremely complex process.
Non-stimulant Medicines
About 15%-30% of kids don't respond to stimulant medications and it's likely that this is true for adults too. The non-stimulant medications take longer time to take effect and it could take as long as several weeks before you notice any effects. They don't have the same adverse effects, and are a better choice when you are not able to take stimulants or are afraid of addiction.