ADHD Medications For Adults
If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, the first treatment will likely be medication. Stimulants boost concentration and manage impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Long-acting formulations are preferred as they allow people to benefit from the medication throughout the day without side effects (such as ringing in the ears or changes in vision).
Psychotherapy can also help you manage symptoms. Therapy can help you build new skills to cope with ADHD and improve your relationships. It can also help you find stability in your work or home life.
Long-acting stimulant formulations
The medications in this class enhance concentration, attention and reduce impulsivity by an increase in the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the two most important chemicals that control the pre-frontal cortex area of the brain, which is commonly known as the "secretary" or "executive functioning" area. This is because this area determines how you plan, organize and carry out. This is how you stay focused, prioritize tasks and keep your emotions in control.
Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD and are available in a variety and forms. Your doctor will prescribe an appropriate medication based upon your symptoms and medical history. 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).
The differing time-action profiles of these stimulants that last a long time allow physicians to select a drug that works best for the 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.
Additionally that, a lot of these formulations have a reduced risk of side effects such as sleepiness or stomach upsets than shorter-acting medications. They do not raise blood pressure or heart rate in the same way as stimulants that are fast acting, which is good for people suffering from heart disease.
One exception to the above are the AMP salts found in Adderall which can raise heart rate and blood pressure somewhat. Your physician can monitor these levels to ensure they remain safe.
There are other drugs that treat ADHD without stimulating the nervous system, such as the guanfacine drug and clonidine. They require longer time to work than stimulants, but are less likely to be misused. They are not as good in improving attention and focus however, they can help reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. They are available in a variety of dosages and forms including extended-release capsules and tablets. Clonidine, a long-acting medication, Intuniv, is approved for adults and is able to be combined with other forms of treatment like behavioral therapy. It is important to remember that any medication you use is only a part of the process. Behavioral therapy can also assist you in managing your ADHD.
Guanfacine or Clonidine
Guanfacine and Clonidine are central alpha-2 agonists which are FDA-approved for high blood pressure, however they are can also be used "off label" to treat ADHD. They work by stimulating alpha-2 adrenergic receptors that are preand post-synaptically. The medication reduces sympathetic nervous impulses from the blood vessel and the heart to the vasomotor center and results in a decrease in heart rate and peripheral resistence. It can improve the core symptoms associated with ADHD like hyperactivity and impulsivity. It can also help reduce tics that are associated with Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders. It can be used as a single medication or in conjunction with stimulants. In a study on preschool-aged ADHD children 78% of those who took stimulants and guanfacine reported improvement in their symptoms.
These medications have a greater half-life than stimulants, meaning they remain in the body for up to 24 hours. They are also less likely to cause sedation or insomnia. They can be taken as tablets or as a patch. Patches are a great option for those who forget to take their pills or are uncomfortable taking them. It is essential to take these medications exactly as prescribed. If the dosage is too low, the medication won't be effective. If the dosage is too high, it may lower your blood pressure too significantly. People with heart disease or low blood pressure are at risk in the event that the dose is too high.
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 or together with stimulants. They are also sometimes used to reduce anxiety symptoms in patients suffering from ADHD and can cause problems with concentration. Clonidine can also be used to treat sleep issues that are associated with ADHD. It does not affect the appetite which is an advantage for those struggling with weight issues.
Clonidine and Guanfacine both work in treating the core symptoms associated with ADHD according to research. They can be taken as a pair or in combination with stimulants. Both are less likely than other medications to cause adverse effects. Clonidine is particularly effective in reducing tics caused by Tourette syndrome and other disorders that cause tics. Clonidine is not as effective at reducing the inattention ADHD symptoms.
Ritalin
Methylphenidate is also known as Ritalin, is a stimulant for the central nervous system that can reduce many of the symptoms that are common to ADHD. It helps to improve concentration, stop fidgeting and reduce impulsive behavior, while also boosting an inattentive person's ability to focus. It is often prescribed in combination with other treatments, such as behavioral therapy. The effects of Ritalin are mild and typically disappear once your body gets used to the medication.
Focalin XR capsules are available in two forms: tablets that release immediately, with small doses, which can be taken twice or three times per day. Or, you can take extended-release capsules twice a day in the morning and the dose will be released throughout the entire day. The extended-release capsules, Focalin XR, contain only the right-handed methylphenidate molecules, which minimizes the risk of side effects compared to other formulations.
Other methylphenidate medications include short-acting or chewable tablets that are taken two times a day and last for about four hours. Additionally, the long-acting tablet (Lisdexamfetamine) or solution is available. They are typically given to children and teens older than 5 and can be given to adults after at least six weeks of treatment with methylphenidate has failed to help with symptoms.
All forms of methylphenidate are associated with serious heart problems in certain people and should not be used by anyone with an history of cardiovascular disease. It may also trigger a rapid heartbeat in some people and alter blood flow through your fingers and feet. It may interact with a variety of other medicines, including anticholinergics blood thinners and some anesthetics. It is important that you provide your doctor with the complete list of all prescription and non-prescription medicines you are taking. concerta adhd medication can then check potential interactions. A non-stimulant medicine known as Strattera is available and can be prescribed to people with ADHD. It regulates dopamine levels and doesn't trigger the same side negative effects as stimulant medications. It could take longer to get the job done but it's considered an option that is safe for adult patients who don't want to use stimulant drugs.
Adderall
Adderall is a stimulant medication which increases the activity in certain brain regions. It helps people control their behavior, focus and manage hyperactivity. It also affects how the brain releases chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine, so it could improve mood. People who have ADHD tend to have lower levels of these chemicals, which contributes to their excessive activity and inability to manage their emotions. This is one reason that some people with ADHD aren't able to respond to medication by themselves.
Adderall when taken as prescribed is not addictive and does not trigger habituation. However there are some risks with taking Adderall and it is possible to cause adverse effects that require medical attention. If you have any concerns or questions discuss them with your doctor.
Symptoms of Adderall overdose may include restlessness and muscle twitching, an increase in heart rate, hallucinations, confusion and an increased level of agitation. If you experience these symptoms and symptoms, seek medical attention in an emergency.
Adderall is not recommended to be taken together with other medications that affect mood, for example antidepressants or depression medicines. These medications may increase the risk of serious side effects like seizures or death. This medication is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.
Stimulant medications can cause problems in sleeping. You can lessen the effects by restricting your screen time and caffeine (e.g. TV or video games). You can also take a sleep aid such as melatonin.
You can also switch to a more powerful formulation of the drug such as Adderall extended-release. This will prevent the "rebound" effects that can occur in the evening or late afternoon when the medication wears off. Many people with ADHD take an immediate-release tablet in the morning to supplement the long-acting medication.
Some people with ADHD take stimulants like Adderall to feel a boost of psychological energy or alertness. This can cause people to believe that the drug is a magic drug. Some of these beliefs could even cause addiction. Adderall taken for non-medical purposes can increase the likelihood of having a positive test for amphetamine.