ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults can benefit from the same treatments as children. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy) as well as life skills training. They can also involve some combination of these therapies.
Stimulant Medicines
These drugs work by increasing the supply of certain brain chemicals that aid in controlling attention and self-regulation. They include methylphenidate, which is available under the brand names Ritalin and Concerta as well as stimulants belonging to the amphetamine family, such as lisdexamphetamine. This is known by the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants increase the body's energy and can lead to increased alertness to the mind and physical activity. add adult treatment include legal substances like caffeine (added to coffee and tea) and nicotine, and prescription drugs that treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) as well as narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants may cause over-stimulation and lead to anxiety heart palpitations, hypertension, paranoia and aggression. For some, long-term usage of stimulants can harm the functioning of the brain's dopamine system and decrease pleasure-seeking feelings. The stimulants are available in pill form, liquids or patches that go on the skin. Cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines are stimulants that can be obtained from a criminal and then used.
The drugs in this class are also called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They work by increasing the amount of certain brain chemicals that improve concentration, decrease fatigue, and improve alertness. They are the initial line of treatment for adults suffering from ADD or ADHD. They are available as a morning-only formula or in a longer-acting formulation that remains active throughout the day, like methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine.
The health care team could also recommend psychosocial interventions like psychotherapy or education. Monitoring the effectiveness of medication over time is important and can be an extremely difficult task.
Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants
Around 15% to 30% of children don't respond to stimulant medications, and it's likely that this is the case for adults as well. The non-stimulant medications take longer time to take effect and it could take as long as several weeks before you begin to notice any effects. They don't have the same negative side effects and are a better option for those who are unable to tolerate stimulants or fear of addiction.