ADHD Medications For Adults
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood, the first course of treatment will likely include medication. Stimulants improve concentration and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Long-acting formulations are the best choice because they allow patients to benefit from the medication throughout the day without adverse effects (such as hearing ringing or changes in vision).
Psychotherapy can also help manage symptoms. Therapy can help you gain new skills to cope better with ADHD improve relationships and find stability in your work or at home.
Long-acting stimulant formulations
The medications in this class assist enhance focus and attention, and reduce impulsivity by boosting the levels of two neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine. These are key chemicals that control the pre-frontal cortex region of the brain, that is commonly referred to as the "secretary" or "executive functioning" area. This is crucial because this area controls how you plan, organize and execute. It's what helps you organize your tasks, stay focused and keep your emotions under control.
Stimulants, which are the most commonly used medication prescribed for ADHD are available in various dosages and forms. The medication your doctor prescribes is dependent on your symptoms, health history 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).
These long-acting stimulants have different time-action profiles, which allow doctors to select the medication that is most suitable for each 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.
These formulations also have a lower risk of side effects such as sleepiness or stomach upset, than medications that have a shorter duration of action. They do not raise blood pressure or heart rate as much as stimulants that act quickly and are beneficial for people with heart problems.
One exception to this are the AMP salts in Adderall, which can increase blood pressure and heart rate slightly. However, your physician can monitor your medication to ensure that these levels remain safe.
Clonidine and Guanfacine are two other medications that treat ADHD without stimulating your nervous system. They take longer to work than stimulants, however they are less likely to be misused. They aren't as effective in improving attention and focus however they can help to reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. They are available in a variety of dosages and forms including extended-release tablets and capsules. Intuniv is a clonidine that acts long-lastingly medicine that can be used by adults. It can also be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as behavioral therapy. It's important to keep in mind that any medication you take is just a part of the process. Behavioral therapy is likewise essential to help you manage your ADHD.
Guanfacine or clonidine
Guanfacine as well as clonidine are both central alpha-2 agonists which are FDA-approved to treat high blood pressure, but are can also be utilized "off label" to treat ADHD. They function by stimulating alpha-2 adrenergic receptors that are pre- and post-synaptically. The medication reduces sympathetic nerve impulses that travel from the vasomotor center to the blood vessels and heart and causes an increase in heart rate and peripheral resistance. It can help improve the primary symptoms of ADHD, such as hyperactivity and impulsivity. It also helps reduce the tics that are related to Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders. It can be used as a single drug 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 drugs have a longer half-life than stimulants, meaning they remain in the body for up to 24 hours. They are less likely to cause sedation and insomnia. They can be taken as a tablet or as patches. 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 medications exactly according to the prescription. The medication will not be effective in the event that the dosage is too low. If the dosage is too high, it can lower your blood pressure too much. This could be risky for people who have low blood pressure or heart disease.
Clonidine and Guanfacine were developed in the past to treat hypertension. Both are approved for use by adults and can be used as a stand-alone medication or in conjunction with stimulants. natural adhd medication are also sometimes employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms in patients with ADHD, which can interfere with concentration. Clonidine can also be used to treat sleep disorders that are a result of ADHD. It doesn't affect appetite which is a benefit for those who have weight issues.
Studies on guanfacine and clonidine have shown that both are effective for treating the core symptoms of ADHD. They can be used as a stand-alone medication or together with a stimulant, and both are less likely to cause side effects than other drugs. Clonidine is particularly effective in reducing the severity of tics associated with Tourette syndrome or other disorders of the tic. It is not as effective in reducing symptoms of inattention ADHD however.
Ritalin
Methylphenidate (also known as Ritalin) is a central nerve system stimulant. It can reduce many of ADHD's most common symptoms. It can improve concentration, reduce fidgeting, and help reduce impulse-driven behavior. It also helps those who are not able to focus. It is often prescribed with other treatments such as behavioral therapy. Ritalin may cause a variety of side effects, but they are usually mild and fade as your body gets used to the medication.
It is available in immediate-release tablets (small doses that are taken 2 to 3 times a day) or extended-release capsules known as Focalin XR, which are taken every day in the morning, with the dose released throughout the day. The extended-release capsules, called Focalin XR, only contain right-handed methylphenidate molecule, which reduces the adverse effects when in comparison to other formulations.
Other methylphenidate medication options include short-acting tablets or chewable tablets, which are usually taken twice daily and last for about four hours, and the long-acting tablet or solution (Lisdexamfetamine). These are usually prescribed to children and teenagers over the age 5 and adults who haven't responded to methylphenidate treatment after six weeks.
All forms of methylphenidate are associated with serious heart issues for certain people. Anyone with a history of heart disease should stay clear of methylphenidate. It may also affect the flow of blood through your fingers and toes and can cause faster heart rate in some individuals. It may interact with other medications, such as blood thinners or anticholinergics. It is crucial to share with your doctor an exhaustive list of all prescription and non-prescription medications you take. They will then be able to check for any possible interactions. Alternatively, a non-stimulant medication known as Strattera is available, which can be prescribed to adults suffering from ADHD. It works by regulating dopamine levels and does not cause the same side effects as stimulant drugs. It could take longer to effect the desired effects, but it is considered a safe alternative for adult patients who don't want to use stimulant medication.
Adderall
Adderall is a stimulant medication that increases activity in certain brain regions. It assists people to focus, control their behavior and manage hyperactivity. It also affects the way the brain releases chemicals, including serotonin and dopamine, which means it can improve mood. People with ADHD often have lower levels of these chemicals which can cause hyperactivity and inability to regulate their emotions. This is one reason that certain adults with ADHD aren't able to respond to medication alone.
When taken as directed, Adderall is not considered to be a habit-forming drug and is not a cause of dependence. However, there are risks associated with taking Adderall and it is possible to produce adverse effects that require medical attention. Consult your physician should you have any questions or concerns.
The signs of Adderall overdose can include restlessness and muscle twitching, an increase in heart rate, hallucinations, confusion and an increased level of agitation. Get emergency medical help if you have these symptoms:
It is not recommended to take Adderall with other medications that affect your mood, like antidepressants or depression medications. Combining these medications could increase the chance of serious adverse side effects, including seizures or even death. This medication is not recommended for children who are under 12 years old.
Stimulant medications can make it difficult sleeping. You can minimize this side-effect by limiting screen time and caffeine (e.g. TV or video games). You can also use an aid to sleep such as melatonin.
You can also change to a longer acting version of the drug like Adderall extended-release. This will stop a "rebound" effect that occurs in the late afternoon or evening, when the medication wears off. Many people with ADHD supplement a dose of long-acting of the medication by taking an immediate-release pill taken in the morning.
Some people who do not have ADHD use stimulants like Adderall in order to feel more alert and energetic. This can cause people to believe that the drug has magical properties. Some of these beliefs may even lead to addiction. In addition, taking Adderall for non-medical reasons can increase the chance of a positive drug test for amphetamines.