ADHD Medications For Adults
Stimulants are able to regulate the levels of chemical messengers that control the brain's attention. They are regarded as the first-line treatment for ADHD. Although they're not to be taken regularly, they can have side effects such as headaches and sleep problems.
Your doctor may also prescribe guanfacine (brand names Tenex and Intuniv) or clonidine (Catapres) to reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. These medications are more effective than stimulants.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the medications most often prescribed to treat ADHD. They help balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These are usually the first medications doctors prescribe to manage symptoms for most people suffering from ADHD. However, they can have serious side effects and don't solve the problem. Doctors prescribe different stimulants in different dosages to determine what is most effective for each person. The goal is to find a medication that is effective in treating symptoms and has the fewest adverse effects and is safe to use in the long run.
The most well-known stimulant is methylphenidate, which is part of the class of medicines known as central nervous system stimulants. adhd medication for adults uk is sold under a variety of brands, including Adderall and Ritalin. Methylphenidate assists in increasing the activity in areas of the brain responsible for attention and behavior. It is available as immediate-release tablets (small doses taken two to three times a day) or modified-release tablets that allow the drug to be released into the bloodstream over a longer amount of time. It is a highly effective drug that has low rates of addiction and abuse.
Certain people with ADHD may also suffer from other mental health disorders. In these cases, doctors may prefer to treat the more severe disorder first and see if this helps to reduce ADHD symptoms. For example, a patient with major depression may be offered antidepressants prior to attempting stimulants. The same applies to anxiety disorders and tic disorders. For example, a doctor might prescribe guanfacine or Clonidine instead of stimulants for a person with Tourette's syndrome or other symptoms of tics. These medications perform quickly and are less likely than stimulants to cause drowsiness.
Stimulants can affect the heart rate and blood pressure. They also can cause adverse effects, such as irritability and headaches. They are generally not recommended for children less than 8 years old and should not be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. People with an addiction history or bipolar disorder should not use these medications. These medications are not recommended for those with a history or seizures or strokes.
Most adults with ADHD receive a combination of treatment options that include psychosocial therapy, medication or other treatment for behavior. Behavioral therapy can teach skills such as self-talk, organizational techniques and anger management in order to help deal with the difficulties of living with ADHD. Healthcare professionals can also aid by educating employees and supervisors about ADHD and how to effectively work with people with the condition. They can also help arrange accommodations at school and work to help people suffering from ADHD to succeed. Employers can be flexible with the way the work is assigned or permit workers to take breaks as needed. They may also offer more detailed explanations of tasks and allow employees more time to complete them. This is especially helpful if the worker struggles to understand complex instructions or concepts. In these instances, an employer might even offer to instruct the employee on how to use assistive technology to assist them in keeping up with other employees.