14 Questions You Might Be Afraid To Ask About ADHD Medications For Adults

best adhd medication for adults uk  For Adults

Stimulants can help regulate the levels of chemical messengers that regulate the brain's attention. They are first-line medications for treating ADHD. They aren't thought to be habit-forming, however they can trigger negative side effects, including headache and trouble sleeping.

Your doctor might also prescribe Guanfacine (brand names Tenex and Intuniv) or Clonidine (Catapres) to reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. These drugs are longer-acting than stimulants.

Stimulants

Stimulants are the medications that are most commonly prescribed to treat ADHD. They increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These are often the first medications that doctors prescribe to manage symptoms for most people with ADHD. They can cause serious adverse negative effects, but they can't solve ADHD. Doctors prescribe various stimulants in different doses to see what is the most effective for the individual. The goal is to find the medication that is effective in treating symptoms and has the least amount of negative side effects and is safe to take long term.

The most well-known stimulant is methylphenidate. It is part of the class of drugs referred to as central nervous system stimulants. It's available under various brand names such as Adderall and Ritalin. Methylphenidate aids in increasing activity in the parts of the brain that control attention and behavior. It is available in immediate-release (small doses taken two to three times a day) or modified release tablets, which allow the medicine to enter the bloodstream gradually over a longer period of time. It is a highly effective drug that has low rates of dependence and abuse.

Some people with ADHD also have other mental disorders. In these instances, doctors might prefer treating the more severe disorder to see whether it improves ADHD symptoms. For instance, a patient with major depression may be prescribed antidepressants prior to trying stimulants. Similar is the case for anxiety disorders and tic disorders. A doctor might prescribe guanfacine or clonidine instead of stimulants for a person who has Tourette's Syndrome or other symptoms of tics. These drugs are less likely to cause drowsiness or depressed mood and work quickly to ease the symptoms of tics.

Stimulants can affect the heart rate and blood pressure. They may also cause side effects such as headaches and irritability. They are generally not recommended for children under 8 years and shouldn't be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. People who have a history of addiction or bipolar disorder shouldn't use these medications. These medications are also not recommended for those who have a history of strokes or seizures.

Most adults with ADHD receive a combination of treatment that includes psychosocial therapy, medication, or other treatment for behavior. Behavioral therapy can teach you skills like self-talk, organization techniques and anger management to assist with the challenges of living with ADHD. Healthcare professionals can assist by instructing supervisors and coworkers on ADHD and demonstrating how to effectively work with people suffering from the disorder. They can also help arrange accommodations at school and work to help people with ADHD to succeed. In some cases, employers are willing to allow flexibility in how tasks are assigned, or let workers take breaks when needed. They can also give employees more time and provide an explanation that is more thorough of the task. This can be especially helpful for those who have difficulty understanding complex instructions or concepts. In these situations employers can offer to train employees to use assistive technologies that can aid them in keeping up with their peers.