ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults can benefit from many of the same treatments as children. These include medicine and counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They could also include the combination of these treatments.
Stimulant Medications
These medications work by increasing brain chemicals that regulate attention and self regulation. adults adhd treatment include methylphenidate, which is sold under the names Ritalin and Concerta as well as stimulants belonging to the amphetamine family like lisdexamphetamine. It is marketed under the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants are substances that speed up the body's systems and may cause higher levels of alertness in the mind and greater physical activity. These include legal substances such as caffeine (added in coffee and tea) nicotine, prescription drugs used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD) and narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants they can trigger overstimulation which can lead to anxiety, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure. They may also cause anxiety and paranoia. In some people long-term, usage of stimulants can harm the functioning of the brain's dopamine system and reduce pleasure feelings. Stimulants are available in liquids, patches or pills. Methamphetamines, cocaine, and amphetamines are stimulants which can be obtained from a criminal and then used.
The drugs 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. They are the first line of treatment for adults suffering from ADD or ADHD. These medications can be a short-acting formula used in the morning or a longer-acting medicine that stays active throughout the duration of the day. Examples include lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin).
The health care team may also recommend psychosocial interventions, such as psychotherapy or educational. It is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of medications over time. This can be an extremely difficult task.
Non-stimulant Medications
About 15%-30% of kids don't respond to stimulant drugs, and it's likely that this is the case for adults too. Non-stimulant drugs take longer to kick in and could take as long as several weeks to feel any effects. They don't come with the same negative side effects and are a better choice if you cannot tolerate stimulants or fear addiction.