ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same methods that work for children with ADHD also treat adults. These treatments include medication and counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They can also involve a combination of these treatments.
Stimulant Medicines
These drugs work by increasing the amount of certain brain chemicals that aid in controlling attention and self-regulation. They include methylphenidate, available under the brand names Ritalin and Concerta and stimulants from the amphetamine family, like lisdexamphetamine. It is marketed under the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants speed up the body and can result in an increase in mental alertness and physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added in tea and coffee), nicotine, and prescription drugs that treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy, and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants can result in over-stimulation and cause anxiety and heart palpitations, as well as high blood pressure, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause the dopamine system in the brain to malfunction and reduce feelings of satisfaction. The stimulants are available in pill form, liquids or patches that can be applied to the skin. Illegally obtained and abused stimulants include cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines.
The medications in this class are known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They work by increasing the amount of certain brain chemicals that improve concentration, decrease fatigue, and improve alertness. They are the first line treatment for adults with ADD or ADHD. They can be a short-acting formula taken in the morning or a longer-acting medicine that is active throughout the course of the day. treatment for adhd adults include lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin).
The health care team 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 an extremely difficult task.
Non-stimulant Medications
About 15%-30 percent of children do not respond to stimulant medications This is also to be the case for adults as well. untreated adhd in adults -stimulant medications take longer to kick in and could take as long as several weeks before you notice any effects. They do not have the same adverse effects, and are a better option if you cannot tolerate stimulants or are afraid of addiction.