ADHD Medications For Adults
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood The first treatment option is likely to require medication. Stimulants help improve concentration and reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Long-acting formulations are preferred as they allow people to take advantage of the medication throughout the day and avoid side effects (such as hearing ringing or changes in vision).
It is possible to benefit from medication however psychotherapy can also help to manage symptoms. Therapy can help you gain new skills to cope better with ADHD and improve your relationships. It can also help you achieve stability in your work or home life.
Long-acting stimulant formulations
The medications in this class assist enhance focus and attention, and reduce impulsivity through increasing the levels of two neurotransmitters: dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the primary chemicals that regulate the prefrontal cortex, also called the "secretary's" or "executive function" area of the brain. This is significant, since this area is responsible for your ability to plan, organize and perform. This is what helps you stay focused, prioritize tasks and keep your emotions in check.
Stimulants, the most popular medication prescribed for ADHD are available in various dosages and forms. Your doctor will prescribe the 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 various time-action profiles of these long-acting stimulants allow physicians to select the most effective drug for the 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, many of these formulations have a reduced chance of causing side effects like insomnia or stomach upsets than shorter-acting medicines. They also don't increase heart rate and blood pressure more than stimulants with short-acting effects which is vital for people suffering from heart disease.
The AMP salts found in Adderall can cause a slight increase in blood pressure and heart rate. However, your physician can monitor your medication to ensure that these levels are not harmful.
There are other medications that treat ADHD without stimulating the nervous system, such as the guanfacine drug and clonidine. They are more difficult to use than stimulants, however they are less likely to be misused. They aren't as effective in improving concentration and attention, but they can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. They are available in a variety sizes and dosages, including extended-release capsules and tablets. Intuniv is a long-acting clonidine medicine that is used by adults. It can also be combined with other treatments, such as behavioral therapy. Be aware that any medication is a tool. Behavioral therapy can also aid in managing your ADHD.
Guanfacine or clonidine
Guanfacine, clonidine and other central alpha-2 receptor antagonists are FDA-approved medications 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 vasomotor area to the blood vessels and the heart which results in an increase in heart rate and peripheral resistance. It can alleviate the main symptoms associated with ADHD like hyperactivity and impulsivity. It also helps reduce the tics related to Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders. It can be taken as a medication on its own or in conjunction with stimulants. In the study of preschoolers with ADHD 78 percent of those who used stimulants in conjunction with guanfacine experienced improvement 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 less likely to cause sedation and insomnia. They are available as a tablet or patches for the skin. The patch is a good option for people who fail to take their pills or don't like taking them in a pill. It is crucial to take these medicines exactly according to the prescription. If the dosage is too low the medication won't be efficient. If the dosage is too high, you could see a significant drop in blood pressure. This can be dangerous for people who have low blood pressure or heart disease.
Clonidine and Guanfacine were both developed in the past to treat hypertension. Both are approved for adult use and can be taken alone or together with stimulants. They can also be employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms in patients suffering from ADHD and can cause problems with attention. Clonidine can also be used to treat sleep problems related to ADHD. It does not affect the appetite which is a benefit for those who struggle with weight issues.
Clonidine and Guanfacine work well in treating the core symptoms of ADHD according to research. They can be taken either by themselves or in combination with a stimulant. Both are less likely than other medications to cause side effects. Clonidine is particularly efficient in reducing tics caused by Tourette syndrome and other disorders that cause tics. Clonidine is not as effective in reducing inattention ADHD symptoms.
Ritalin
Methylphenidate (also known as Ritalin) is a central nervous system stimulant. It can reduce many of ADHD's most common symptoms. It helps to improve concentration, stop fidgeting and reduce impulsive behaviour and also improves the ability of those who are not able to concentrate. It is often prescribed with other treatments, such as behavioral therapy. Ritalin can have a range of side effects, however they tend to be minor and go away as your body gets used to the medication.
Focalin XR capsules are sold in two forms: immediate-release tablets, which contain small doses that can be taken twice or three times daily. Or, you can take the extended-release capsules once every day in the morning and the dose will be released throughout the entire day. The extended-release capsules, Focalin XR, only contain right-handed methylphenidate molecules, which reduces the adverse effects when as compared to other formulations.
Other methylphenidate medications include short-acting tablets or chewable tablets, which are generally taken twice a day and last approximately four hours, as well as the long-acting solution or tablet (Lisdexamfetamine). They are typically given to children and teens who are older than 5 and can be given to adults if six weeks of treatment with methylphenidate have not been able to resolve symptoms.
All forms of methylphenidate are associated with serious heart problems in some people, and should not be taken by anyone with any history of heart disease. It can also trigger an increase in heart rate in some individuals and can affect circulation of blood through your feet and hands. It can interact with a number of other medications, such as anticholinergics, blood thinners and some anesthetics. It is crucial to discuss a complete list of prescription and non-prescription medications you take with your doctor. They can then look for potential interactions. Strattera is a nonstimulant drug can also be prescribed for people suffering from ADHD. It regulates dopamine levels and does not cause same side-effects as stimulant medications. adhd medication and pregnancy might take longer to effect the desired effects, but it is considered an alternative that is safe for patients who don't wish to use stimulant drugs.
Adderall
Adderall is a stimulant medication that increases activity in certain areas of the brain. It helps people focus, control their behavior and manage hyperactivity. It also affects how the brain releases chemicals, including serotonin and dopamine, so it could improve mood. These chemicals are usually less in people who suffer from ADHD which can cause excessive activity and inability to manage emotions. This is why certain adults with ADHD aren't responsive to medication.
Adderall when taken as directed, is not addictive and does not cause habituation. Adderall is not without risk, and its side effects may require medical attention. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns or questions.
The signs of Adderall overdose may include restlessness, muscle twitching, increased heart rate, hallucinations, confusion and anxiety. Seek medical attention immediately when you experience these symptoms:
Adderall is not recommended to be taken with medications that affect mood, like antidepressants or depression medicines. Combining these drugs can increase the possibility of serious negative side effects, like seizures or death. This medication is not recommended for children younger than 12 years of age.
Stimulant medications can cause difficulty sleeping. You can lessen the effects by restricting your screen time and caffeine (e.g. TV or video games). You can also try a sleep aid like Melatonin.
You may also choose to switch to a longer acting dosage of the drug, like Adderall extended-release. This will help prevent "rebound" effects in the evening or late afternoon when the medication wears off. Many adults suffering from ADHD supplement a dose of long-acting of the medication by taking an immediate-release tablet taken in the morning.
Many people who don't have ADHD use stimulants like Adderall to feel more alert and energetic. This can cause people to believe that the drug has magical properties. Some of these beliefs can lead to an addiction. Additionally taking Adderall for reasons that are not medical can increase the likelihood of a positive drug screening test for amphetamines.