ADHD Medications For Adults
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD in your adulthood the first treatment option will likely require medication. Stimulants improve concentration and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Long-acting formulations are recommended since they provide continuous relief and prevent negative side effects (such ringing in the ears or changes in vision).
The use of medication can be beneficial however psychotherapy can also help manage symptoms. Therapy can help you learn new techniques to deal with ADHD and improve your relationships and find stability at workplace or in your private life.
Long-acting stimulant formulations
The drugs in this class improve attention, focus and reduce impulsivity via an increase in levels of norepinephrine and dopamine. These are two essential chemicals that control the pre-frontal cortex area of the brain, which is commonly referred to as the "secretary" or "executive functioning" area. This is important because this area determines how you plan, organize and perform. It's how you can organize your tasks, stay focused and maintain your emotions under control.
Stimulants, the most popular medication prescribed for ADHD, come in different dosages and forms. Your doctor will prescribe a medication based on your symptoms and medical history. 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 long-acting stimulants allow physicians to select 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.
In addition to that, these formulations have a reduced chance of causing side effects such as sleepiness or stomach upsets than shorter-acting drugs. They also do not increase blood pressure or heart rate as much as short-acting stimulants, which is important for people with heart issues.
One exception to this are the AMP salts found in Adderall, which can increase heart rate and blood pressure a bit. However, your doctor can monitor your medication to ensure these levels remain safe.
Clonidine and Guanfacine are two other drugs that can treat ADHD without stimulating your nervous system. They are more difficult to use than stimulants, however they are less likely to be misused. Full Post in boosting concentration and attention, but they can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. They come in a variety sizes and dosages, including extended-release tablets and capsules. Clonidine, a long-acting medication, Intuniv, is approved for adults and can be combined with other types of treatment, such as behavioral therapy. It is important to remember that any medication you take is a tool that's only part of the process. Behavioral therapy can aid in managing your ADHD.
Guanfacine (clonidine) or clonidine
Guanfacine and clonidine as well as other central alpha-2 receptor agonists are FDA-approved medicines for the treatment of high blood pressure. They are also used "off-label" to treat ADHD. They work by stimulating both alpha-2 receptors preand post synaptically. The medication reduces sympathetic nerve impulses from the vasomotor center to the blood vessels and heart, which causes the heart to slow down and peripheral resistance. It can improve the core symptoms of ADHD, such as hyperactivity and impulsivity. It can also reduce tics related to Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders. It can be used as a single medication or in conjunction with stimulants. In a study of preschool-aged ADHD children 78% of the children taking stimulants in conjunction with Guanfacine experienced improvements in their symptoms.
These medications have a greater half-life than stimulants, which means they can be used for up to 24 hours. They are also less likely to cause sedation or insomnia. They can be purchased as tablets or a skin patch. Patches are an excellent option for those who forget to swallow their pills or dislike taking them. It is important to take these medications exactly as prescribed. If the dosage is not sufficient, the medication won't be effective. If the dose is too high, it may lower your blood pressure too much. This can be dangerous for people with low blood pressure or heart disease.
Clonidine and Guanfacine were developed in the past to treat hypertension. Both are approved for adult use and can be used as a stand-alone or together with stimulants. They can also be used to treat anxiety symptoms that can interfere with attention in patients with ADHD. Clonidine can also be used to treat sleep difficulties associated with ADHD. It doesn't affect appetite, which can be a positive for people who have weight issues.
Studies of clonidine and guanfacine have proven that they are both effective in treating the primary symptoms of ADHD. They can be used alone or in combination with stimulants. Both are less likely than other drugs to cause side effects. Clonidine is particularly effective in reducing tics caused by Tourette syndrome and other disorders that cause tics. Clonidine isn't as effective at reducing the inattention ADHD symptoms.
Ritalin
Methylphenidate is also known as Ritalin, is a stimulant of the central nervous system that has the potential to reduce the symptoms that are common to ADHD. It can improve concentration, decrease fidgeting and help reduce impulsive behavior. It also improves an inattentive individual's ability of focus. It is usually prescribed in combination with other treatments, including behavioral therapy. Ritalin may cause a variety of side effects, but they tend to be mild and fade as your body gets used to the medication.
It is available as tablets that release immediately (small doses taken two to three times a day) or extended-release capsules known as Focalin XR, which is taken daily in the morning, with the dose released throughout the day. This variant has the advantage of having only the right-handed version the methylphenidate chemical, which reduces side effects, when compared to other formulations which contain both right and left-handed versions of the molecule.
Other methylphenidate medications include chewable or short-acting tablets, which are generally taken twice a day and last approximately four hours, and the long-acting solution or tablet (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 have been linked to serious heart problems for certain people. Anyone who has a history of cardiovascular disease should not use methylphenidate. It can also trigger an increased heart rate in certain people and affect the circulation of blood through your feet and fingers. It may interact with a number of other medicines, including anticholinergics blood thinners and some anesthetics. It is important to discuss a complete list of non-prescription and prescription medicines you are taking with your physician. They can then look for potential interactions. Alternatively, a non-stimulant medication called Strattera is available and can be prescribed to adults suffering from ADHD. It regulates dopamine levels and does not cause same adverse effects as stimulant medications. It may take longer to get the job done but it's considered an alternative that is safe for patients who do not want to use stimulant medication.
Adderall
Adderall is a stimulant medicine that increases activity in certain brain regions. It aids people in focusing on their behavior, manage their behavior and manage hyperactivity. It also affects how the brain releases chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin, so it can improve mood. These chemicals are typically lower in those with ADHD and can lead to excessive activity and inability to regulate emotions. This is one reason why some people with ADHD aren't able to respond to medication alone.
If used as directed, Adderall is not considered to be a habit-forming drug and does not trigger dependence. Adderall is not without risk, and side effects could require medical attention. If you have any concerns or questions consult your physician.
Signs of Adderall overdose may include restlessness muscles twitching, a rapid heart rate, confusion, hallucinations and agitation. Get medical attention right away when you experience these symptoms:
Adderall should not be taken together with other medications that affect mood, for example antidepressants and depression medicines. These medications can increase the risk of serious side effects such as seizures or death. This medication is not recommended for children younger than the age of 12.
Stimulant medications can cause difficulty sleeping. You can try to reduce the effects of this by limiting caffeine and screen time (e.g. television, or video games) near bedtime. You can also take a sleep aid like Melatonin.
You may also choose to switch to a stronger formulation of the drug such as Adderall extended-release. This will avoid a "rebound" effect in the late afternoon or evening as the medication has slowed down. Many adults with ADHD take a tablet that has immediate release in the morning, to help supplement the medication that has a long-acting effect.
Some people with ADHD take stimulants like Adderall to feel a boost of mental alertness or energy. This can cause people to believe that the medication has magical powers. Some of these beliefs may even cause people to develop an addiction. In addition the use of Adderall for non-medical reasons can increase the chance of a positive drug screening test for amphetamines.