ADHD Medications For Adults
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD in your adulthood, the first treatment option will likely require medication. Stimulants boost concentration and manage impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Long-acting formulations are preferred, as they allow people to benefit from the medication throughout the day without negative side effects (such as hearing ringing or changes in vision).
Psychotherapy can also help you manage symptoms. Therapy can help you learn new strategies to manage ADHD improve your relationships, and achieve stability at work or in your personal life.
Long-acting stimulant formulations
The medications in this class assist improve attention and focus and reduce impulsivity by boosting the levels of two neurotransmitters, dopamine as well as norepinephrine. These are the two most important chemicals that regulate the prefrontal cortex region of the brain, which is often called the "secretary" or "executive functioning" area. This is crucial, as this region controls your ability to plan, organize and perform. It's what helps you prioritize tasks, stay on track and maintain your emotions under control.
Stimulants, which are the most commonly used medication prescribed for ADHD are available in a variety of dosages and forms. The medication your doctor prescribes is dependent on your symptoms, your 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 different time-action profiles of these stimulants that last a long time permit doctors to choose the most effective drug for the individual 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.
They also have a lower risk of side effects like sleepiness and stomach upset, than medications that have a shorter duration of action. They also don't increase blood pressure or heart rate in the same way as stimulants that work quickly which is crucial for people suffering from heart disease.
The AMP salts in Adderall can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Your doctor can monitor these levels to ensure they remain secure.
There are other drugs that treat ADHD without stimulating the nervous system, including the guanfacine drug and clonidine. They require longer time to work than stimulants but are less likely to be misused. They're not as effective at improving focus and attention however, they can help reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. dealing with adhd without medication are available in a variety of doses and forms, including extended-release tablets and capsules. A clonidine medicine that is long-acting, Intuniv, is approved for adults and can be combined with other forms of treatment such as behavioral therapy. Be aware that any medication is just a tool. Behavioral therapy is also crucial to help you manage your ADHD.
Guanfacine or clonidine
Guanfacine, clonidine and other central alpha-2 receptor agonists are FDA-approved medicines to treat high blood pressure. They are also employed "off-label" to treat ADHD. They function by stimulating alpha-2 adrenergic receptors that are pre- and post-synaptically. The medication blocks sympathetic nerve impulses from the heart and blood vessel to the vasomotor area, which results in a reduction in heart rate and peripheral resistence. It can improve the main symptoms of ADHD which include hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. It also helps reduce the tics that are associated with Tourette Syndrome and other tic disorders. It can be used as a single drug or in conjunction with stimulants. In a study on preschool-aged ADHD children 78% of those taking stimulants in conjunction with guanfacine reported improvement in their symptoms.
These drugs have a longer half-life when compared to stimulants. This means they can remain in the body for 24 hours. They are less likely to cause sedation and insomnia. They can be taken in tablets or as a patch. The patch is a great alternative for those who forget to take their pills or aren't comfortable swallowing them. It is important to take these medications exactly as prescribed. The medication will not be effective if the dosage is too low. If the dosage is too high, it could reduce your blood pressure too significantly. People with heart disease or low blood pressure may be at risk if the dose is too high.
Clonidine and guanfacine are both older medications that were developed to manage hypertension. Both are approved for use by adults and can be taken alone or in combination with stimulants. They are also employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms in patients with ADHD and can cause problems with the ability to focus. Clonidine can also be used to treat sleep issues related to ADHD. It doesn't alter the appetite, which is a plus for those struggling with weight issues.
Clonidine and Guanfacine both work in treating the core symptoms of ADHD according to research. They can be used as a stand-alone medication or in combination with a stimulant and are less likely to cause adverse effects than other medications. Clonidine is particularly effective in reducing severity of tics that are associated with Tourette syndrome or other tic disorders. It is not as effective in reducing the inattentive symptoms of ADHD, however.
Ritalin
Methylphenidate is also known as Ritalin, is a central nervous system stimulant that can help reduce the symptoms that are common to ADHD. It can help improve concentration, decrease fidgeting, and decrease impulsive behavior. It also improves an inattentive individual's ability of focus. It is often prescribed with other treatments such as behavioral therapy. The side effects of Ritalin are mild and typically disappear once your body adjusts to the medication.
It is available as tablets that release immediately (small doses that are taken 2 to 3 times a day) or extended-release capsules, such as Focalin XR, which is taken once daily in the morning, with the dose being released throughout the day. The extended-release capsules, Focalin XR, contain only the right-handed methylphenidate molecules. This reduces the side effects as compared to other formulations.
Other methylphenidate medication includes short-acting or chewable tablets that are taken twice daily and last approximately four hours. Also, the long-acting tablet (Lisdexamfetamine) or solution is available. These are usually given to children and teens who are older than 5 and can be given to adults after at least six weeks of treatment with methylphenidate have not helped with symptoms.
All types of methylphenidate have been associated with serious heart problems in a few people and should not be taken by anyone with a history of cardiovascular disease. It may also trigger an increased heart rate in certain people and affect the blood flow through your fingers and feet. It may interact with a variety of other medications, such as anticholinergics, blood thinners and some anesthetics. It is important to discuss a complete list of prescription and non-prescription medicines you are taking with your physician. They can then look for any possible interactions. Strattera, a nonstimulant medication, can also be prescribed for adults with ADHD. It regulates dopamine levels and doesn't trigger the same adverse effects as stimulant drugs. It may take longer to take effect than other treatments, however it is thought to be a good choice for patients of adult age who don't wish to use stimulant drugs.
Adderall
Adderall is a stimulant medication that increases activity in certain brain regions. It helps people manage their behavior and focus, and also manage hyperactivity. It also affects how the brain releases chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine, which means it could improve mood. These chemicals are typically lower in people with ADHD, which can cause hyperactivity and an inability to regulate emotions. This is the reason that certain adults with ADHD are not responsive to medications.
If used as directed, Adderall is not considered to be a habit-forming drug and does not trigger dependence. However there are some risks with taking Adderall, and it can cause adverse effects that require medical attention. Speak to your doctor if you have any concerns or questions.
Signs of Adderall overdose can include restlessness muscles twitching, a rapid heart rate, confusion, hallucinations and an increased level of agitation. If you experience these signs, seek emergency medical attention.
Adderall should not be taken together with other medications that affect mood, like antidepressants or depression medicines. These medications can increase the risk for serious side effects such as death or seizures. This medication is not recommended to children younger than 12 years of age.
Stimulant medications can cause problems in sleeping. You can try to reduce this side effect by limiting caffeine intake and screen time (e.g. television, or video games) near bedtime. You could also try a sleep aid, like melatonin.
Another option is to switch to a formulation that has a longer acting effect of the drug, such as extended-release Adderall. This will stop an "rebound" effect in the late afternoon or evening as the medication has slowed down. Many people with ADHD supplement a long-acting dose of the medication using an immediate-release tablet taken in the morning.
Some people who do not have ADHD use stimulants like Adderall to feel more alert or energetic. This can result in magical beliefs about the medication and its powers. Some of these beliefs can even cause people to develop an addiction. Adderall taken for non-medical uses could increase the chance of a positive amphetamine drug test.