ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same treatments that work for children with ADHD can also be used to treat adults. These treatments include medicine as well as counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. These treatments can comprise a mix of.
Stimulant Medications
These medications work by increasing the brain chemicals that control self-regulation and attention. They include the chemical methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants from the amphetamine group including lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants speed up the body and can lead to increased alertness to the mind and physical activity. These include legal substances such as caffeine (added in tea and coffee), nicotine, and prescription medications used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) as well as narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants, they can cause overstimulation, which can lead to anxiety, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure. They may also cause aggression and paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can cause the dopamine system in the brain to malfunction and decrease feelings of pleasure. The stimulants are available in pills, liquids or patches that can be applied to the skin. Cocaine, methamphetamines, and amphetamines are stimulants that can be obtained illegally and used to abuse.
Medications in this class are also called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They function by increasing the quantity of certain brain chemicals which improve concentration, reduce fatigue, and boost alertness. They are the first line of treatment for adults suffering from ADD or ADHD. add natural treatment can be a short-acting formula used in the morning or a longer-acting drug that stays active throughout the course of the day. Examples include the lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin, Concerta).
The health care provider may also suggest psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy, education or coaching. It is crucial to track the effectiveness of medications over time. This can be challenging.
Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants
Around 15% to 30% of children don't respond to stimulant medications and it's possible that this is true for adults as well. Non-stimulant drugs take longer to take effect and it could take as long as several weeks to begin to notice any effects. However, they don't have the same risk of adverse effects as stimulants and may be a better choice in case you aren't able to take these medications or are concerned about addiction.