ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same treatments that work for children suffering from ADHD are also effective for adults. These treatments include counseling, medication (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They can also involve a combination of these treatments.
Stimulant Medicines
The drugs increase brain chemicals that control self-regulation and attention. They include methylphenidate available under the brand names Ritalin and Concerta as well as stimulants belonging to the amphetamine family like lisdexamphetamine. It is marketed under the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants speed up the body and can result in increased mental alertness and physical activity. treat adhd in adults include legal substances such as caffeine (added to tea and coffee) and nicotine, as well as prescription medications that treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy, and hyperactivity. In treat adhd in adults , stimulants may cause over-stimulation and lead to anxiety, heart palpitations, hypertension as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can cause the dopamine system of the brain to malfunction, reducing feelings of satisfaction. Stimulants can be taken in pills, liquids or patches that go on the skin. Illegally obtained and abused stimulants include cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines.
Medications in this class are called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They function by increasing the amount of certain brain chemicals which improve concentration, reduce fatigue and increase alertness. Adults suffering from ADD and ADHD are treated first with these drugs. These medications can be a formula that acts quickly used in the morning or a more prolonged-acting medication that stays active throughout the duration of the day. Examples include lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin).
The health care team may also recommend psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy or education. Monitoring the effectiveness of medication over time is vital, and can be an extremely difficult task.
Non-stimulant Medicines
About 15%-30% of kids don't respond to stimulant drugs, and it's likely that this is the case for adults as well. Non-stimulant medications take longer to start working, and may take several weeks before you notice the effects. They don't have the same negative side effects and are a better choice if you cannot tolerate stimulants or fear addiction.