ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults are able to benefit from many of the same treatments as children. These include medicine, counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They may also involve the combination of these treatments.
Stimulant Medicines
These drugs work by increasing the supply of certain brain chemicals that help control attention and self-regulation. They include methylphenidate sold as Ritalin and Concerta and stimulants from the amphetamine family like lisdexamphetamine. It is marketed under the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants are drugs that boost the body's systems and may cause higher mental alertness and increased physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added to coffee and tea) and nicotine, as well as prescription medicines that treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants, they can trigger overstimulation which can cause anxiety, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure. They may also cause anxiety and paranoia. adult add treatments -term use of stimulants can cause the dopamine system of the brain to malfunction, reducing feelings of happiness. The stimulants are available in liquids, patches or pills. Methamphetamines, cocaine, and amphetamines are stimulants that can be purchased illegally and abused.
Medications in this class are also known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They function by increasing the amount of certain brain chemicals which improve concentration, reduce fatigue and increase alertness. Adults with ADD and ADHD are treated first by these drugs. They can be a formula that acts quickly taken in the morning or a more prolonged-acting medication that is active in the body for most of the day such as lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin, Concerta).
The health care provider may also suggest psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy, education or coaching. It is important to monitor the effectiveness of medication over time. This is challenging.
Non-stimulant Medications
Around 15%-30 percent of children do not respond to stimulant medication This is also true for adults too. The non-stimulant drugs take longer to start working, and can sometimes take some time before you begin to notice the effects. However, they don't carry the same risk of side effects as stimulants, and could be a better option if you can't tolerate the effects of stimulants or are worried about addiction.