15 Surprising Facts About ADHD Medications For Adults
ADHD Medications For Adults Stimulants help adjust levels of chemical messengers in the brain that regulate attention. They are considered first-line medications for ADHD. While they do not cause habit-forming, they can cause side effects such as headaches and sleep problems. Your doctor may also prescribe guanfacine (brand names Tenex and Intuniv) or Clonidine (Catapres) to decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. These medications are more effective than stimulants. Stimulants The most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD are stimulants. They increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They are often the first medications doctors try and are often used to control symptoms in people with ADHD. However, they can cause negative side effects that are serious and can't cure the disorder. Doctors prescribe different stimulants at different doses to see what works best for the individual. The goal is to find the medication that is effective in treating symptoms and has the least adverse consequences and is safe to use in the for the long-term. The most well-known stimulant is methylphenidate, which is part of the class of medicines referred to as central nervous system stimulants. It is sold under several brand names, including Adderall, Ritalin and others. Methylphenidate assists in increasing the activity in areas of the brain that regulate attention and behavior. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets (small doses taken between 2 and 3 times a day) or modified-release tablets that allow the medication to be released into bloodstream for a longer period of time. It is a drug that works that is low in abuse and addiction. Some people with ADHD have other psychiatric conditions. In these instances, doctors might prefer treating the more severe disorder to determine whether it helps improve ADHD symptoms. For example, a patient with major depression may be prescribed antidepressants prior to trying stimulants. The same goes for tic disorders and anxiety. For instance, a physician may prescribe guanfacine and clonidine instead of stimulants for a person suffering from Tourette's syndrome or other symptoms of tics. These medicines perform quickly and are less likely to cause drowsiness. Stimulant medications can affect the heart rate and blood pressure. They can also cause side effects like irritability, headaches, trouble sleeping and decreased appetite. They are not recommended for children younger than 8 years old. adhd and medication are not recommended during pregnancy or breast-feeding. They should not be used by people who have a history or substance abuse, bipolar disorder or an addiction history. Additionally, these drugs are not recommended for people who have a history of seizures or strokes. The majority of people with ADHD are treated with a combination program that includes medication, psychosocial therapy or other behavioral treatments. Behavioral therapy can teach skills such as self-talk, organizational techniques and anger management to assist cope with the challenges of living with ADHD. Healthcare professionals can also help by educating employees and supervisors about ADHD and how to work effectively alongside those suffering from the disorder. They can also make accommodations at school and at work to help people who suffer from ADHD succeed. In some cases, employers are willing to offer flexibility in how certain tasks are assigned or let workers take breaks when needed. They may also allow employees more time as well as provide an explanation that is more thorough of the task. This is especially beneficial when the employee has trouble understanding complicated instructions or concepts. In these cases employers may offer to teach the employee in using assistive technology to help him or her keep the pace of other employees.