ADHD Medications For Adults
Stimulants are the most commonly used ADHD medication for adults. Short-acting stimulants are preferred over long-acting stimulants such as lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.
Atomoxetine can be prescribed to patients who are not able or unwilling to take methylphenidate or Lisdexamfetamine. It boosts the amount of noradrenaline inside brain cells that help manage impulsive behavior and increase concentration.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the most commonly used treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. They help improve focus, decrease anxiety and control impulsive behaviors. They are effective by boosting and stabilizing the levels of chemical known as neurotransmitters in the brain. The first-choice stimulants are methylphenidate and amphetamines. They are available in tablet, liquid and chewable forms. Short-acting stimulants kick in 30 to 45 minutes, and last for about three hours. Intermediate-release pills last longer, between six and eight hours. Long-acting capsules and tablets consumed daily can last up to 16 hours.
Stimulation may cause adverse effects such as headaches, stomach upset and jitters. It can also raise blood pressure or heart rate which can be dangerous if you have heart issues.
Adults suffering from ADHD may find relief through other therapies and medications which target their specific symptoms. These include nonstimulants as well as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other drugs.
Nonstimulant medications are different from stimulants for people suffering from ADHD. It could take longer to kick in but it is generally well tolerated. It is often paired with stimulants by health professionals to maximize the effect and reduce any adverse effects.
The main nonstimulant medicines for adults with ADHD are norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. These drugs increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which help improve attention and control impulsive behaviors. These drugs are not as effective as stimulants and they may be slower in their action. However, for certain individuals, they may be more effective.
adhd medication suffering from ADHD find that lifestyle changes can reduce the symptoms, which includes getting enough sleep and following an established schedule. A healthy diet is essential. People with ADHD should follow a well-balanced diet and avoid eating foods high in sugar, fat or artificial ingredients.
Adults with ADHD are able to benefit from psychotherapy (talk therapy) that can help them learn to control their behavior and deal with anger and stress. Individual therapy can aid in addressing emotional issues that may contribute to impulsive and self-destructive behavior such as low self-esteem or feelings embarrassment or shame related to the past mistakes at school and work.
Families and couples may also benefit from a program of counseling for ADHD. It can help them learn techniques to improve communication and problem solving and also address relationship difficulties that might contribute to the disorder.
People with both ADHD and anxiety can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which can help alter negative thinking patterns and increase social skills. This type of therapy can be conducted in the presence of a therapist but it can also be provided online through video chat applications such as Skype.
Other treatments that some sufferers of ADHD utilize to manage their condition include dietary supplements like omega-3 fatty acids and coenzyme Q10, as well as the elimination of certain foods from their diets. However, these strategies aren't supported by scientific research and should not be used without medical guidance. Additionally, cutting out certain foods could be detrimental to your health, particularly when you're lacking certain nutrients. It's recommended to treat both ADHD and anxiety at the same time for people who have both conditions.