ADHD Medications For Adults
If you are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, your first treatment is likely to be medication. The stimulants increase concentration and decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Long-acting formulas are the most popular, as they allow people to take advantage of the medication throughout the day without side effects (such as hearing ringing or changes in vision).
Psychotherapy can also aid in managing symptoms. Therapy can help you develop new skills to cope with ADHD, improve relationships and find stability in your work or home life.
Long-acting stimulant formulations
The medications in this class assist enhance focus and attention, and reduce impulsivity by boosting the levels of two neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the main chemicals that control pre-frontal cortex and is also called the "secretary's" or "executive function" part of the brain. This is crucial, as this area controls your ability to plan, organize and execute. It helps you organize your tasks, stay focused and keep your emotions in check.
Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD and come in a variety and forms. The medication prescribed by your doctor is based on your symptoms, health background and other factors. Some of the more common long-acting stimulant formulations include methylphenidate/amphetamine (Concerta), methylphenidate/amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Metabolite CD), methylphenidate/amphetamine/dextroamphetamine/dextromethorphan (Ritalin-LA) and methylphenidate/amphetamine/dextroamphetamine/dextroamphetamine/amiloride extended-release (Adderall XR).
The long-acting stimulants come with different time-action profiles that allow doctors to select the medication which is the most appropriate for each patient. For example, if a patient struggles in the morning, a long-acting methylphenidate/amphetamine/dextroamphetamine formulation may be beneficial because it provides an effect for up to 8 hours.
These formulations also have a lower risk of side effects, such as sleepiness and stomach upset than medications with a shorter duration of action. They also don't increase blood pressure and heart rate more than stimulants with short-acting effects which is crucial for people with heart issues.
One exception to the above are the AMP salts in Adderall, which can increase blood pressure and heart rate a bit. Your doctor can monitor these levels to ensure that they remain secure.
There are other drugs that treat ADHD without stimulating the nervous system, like the guanfacine drug and clonidine. They take longer to begin working than stimulants, however they are less likely to be misused. They aren't as effective in improving attention and focus however they can help to decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity. They are available in a variety of dosages and forms, including extended-release tablets and capsules. Intuniv is a long-acting clonidine medicine that is used by adults. It can also be combined with other treatments, such as behavioral therapy. It is important to remember that any medication you're taking is only a part of the process. Behavioral therapy is also crucial in helping you manage your ADHD.
Guanfacine or Clonidine
Guanfacine as well as clonidine are both central alpha-2 agonists, which are FDA-approved to treat high blood pressure but can also be used "off label" to treat ADHD. They are able to stimulate alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, both preand post synaptically. The medication blocks sympathetic nerve impulses coming from the vasomotor centre to the blood vessels and heart and causes a decrease in heart rate and peripheral resistance. It can help improve the primary symptoms of ADHD including hyperactivity and impulsivity. It can also help reduce the tics associated with Tourette Syndrome and other tic disorders. It can be used as a single drug or in conjunction with stimulants. In the study of preschoolers with ADHD 78% of those who took stimulants in conjunction with guanfacine experienced improvements in their symptoms.
These medications have a greater half-life than stimulants, meaning they can be used for a period of up to 24 hours. They are also less likely to cause insomnia or sedation. They can be purchased as tablets or patches for the skin. The patch is a great option for people who forget to take their pills or aren't comfortable taking them by mouth. It is essential to take these pills exactly according to the prescription. If the dosage is not sufficient the medication won't be efficient. If the dosage is too high, it may reduce your blood pressure too excessively. This can be dangerous for those with low blood pressure or heart disease.
Clonidine and Guanfacine were both developed in the past to treat hypertension. Both are approved for use by adults and can be taken as a stand-alone medication or in combination with stimulants. They are also sometimes used to reduce anxiety symptoms in patients suffering from ADHD, which can interfere with concentration. Clonidine can be used to help improve sleep difficulties associated with ADHD. It doesn't affect appetite, which is beneficial for those who are struggling with weight issues.
Studies of guanfacine and clonidine have proven that both are effective in treating the main symptoms of ADHD. They can be used as a pair or in combination with stimulants. Both are less likely than other drugs to cause adverse effects. Clonidine is especially efficient in reducing tics caused by Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders. It is not as effective in reducing the inattentive symptoms of ADHD, however.
Ritalin
Methylphenidate, known generically as Ritalin, is a stimulant of the central nervous system that can reduce many of the symptoms that are common to ADHD. It can improve concentration, reduce fidgeting, and help reduce impulse-driven behavior. It also aids those who are not able to focus. It is often prescribed in conjunction with other treatments, like behavioral therapy. Ritalin may cause a variety of side effects, but they are usually mild and go away as your body adjusts to the medication.
It is available as immediate-release tablets (small doses that are taken 2 to 3 times a day) or extended-release capsules known as Focalin XR. They are taken daily in the morning, with the dose being released throughout the day. The extended-release capsules, Focalin XR, only contain right-handed methylphenidate molecule, which reduces the side effects compared to other formulations.
non stimulant adhd medication include short-acting tablets or chewable tablets, which are usually taken twice daily and last approximately four hours, and the long-acting tablets or solution (Lisdexamfetamine). These are typically prescribed to teenagers and children older than 5 years old and adults who haven't been able to respond to methylphenidate treatment within six weeks.
All forms of methylphenidate are associated with serious heart problems for certain people. Anyone with a history heart disease should stay clear of methylphenidate. It can also affect the flow of blood through your toes and fingers and can cause faster heart rate in some individuals. It can be a factor in interactions with other medicines, including anticholinergics blood thinners and some anesthetics. It is important that you share with your doctor the complete list of all prescription and non-prescription medicines you take. They will then be able to check for potential interactions. A non-stimulant medicine known as Strattera is available, and can be prescribed to adults with ADHD. It is a dopamine-regulating medication and does not cause the same adverse effects as stimulant medications. It could take longer to work but it's considered an option that is safe for adult patients who do not want to take stimulant medications.
Adderall
Adderall is a stimulant medicine that stimulates certain areas of the brain. It helps people focus, control their behavior and manage hyperactivity. It also affects how the brain releases chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine, which means it can improve mood. These chemicals are often lower in people with ADHD, which can cause hyperactivity and an inability to manage emotions. This is one reason why some adults with ADHD don't respond to medication alone.
Adderall, when taken according to the prescription is not addictive and doesn't cause the development of habit. Adderall is not completely safe, and any side effects may require medical attention. If you have any concerns or questions discuss them with your doctor.
Adderall overdose symptoms include muscle twitching, restlessness and a higher heart rate. They can also cause confusion, hallucinations and anxiety. Get medical attention right away in the event of these signs:
Adderall should not be used together with other medications that affect mood, like antidepressants and depression medicines. These drugs can increase the risk for serious side effects like death or seizures. This medication is not recommended for children under the age of 12.
The effects of stimulants can cause difficulty in sleeping. You can try to reduce the effects of this by limiting caffeine intake and screen time (e.g. television, or video games) close to the time you go to bed. non stimulant adhd medication can also use a sleep aid like melatonin.
You can also switch to a longer acting version of the drug like Adderall extended-release. This will stop the possibility of a "rebound" effect that occurs in the late afternoon or evening, when the medication has slowed down. Many people with ADHD take a tablet that has immediate release in the morning, to help supplement the medication that has a long-acting effect.
People who do not have ADHD use stimulants like Adderall to feel more alert or energetic. This can lead people to believe that the drug has magical powers. Some of these beliefs may cause people to develop an addiction. Adderall taken for non-medical uses can increase the likelihood of having a positive test for amphetamine.