ADHD Medications For Adults
If you have been diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood, the first course of treatment is likely to involve medication. Stimulants improve concentration and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Long-acting formulations should be chosen since they offer continuous relief and help prevent side effects (such ringing in the ears or changes in vision).
Medication can be helpful However, psychotherapy can help to manage symptoms. Therapy can help you develop new techniques to deal with ADHD, improve your relationships and find stability at workplace or in your private life.
Long-acting stimulant formulations
Medications in this class help improve attention and focus and reduce impulsivity by boosting the levels of two neurotransmitters: dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the main chemicals that regulate the prefrontal cortex, also known as the "secretary's" or "executive function" area of the brain. This is important because this area determines how you plan, organize and carry out. This is how you stay on task, prioritize tasks and keep your emotions in control.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD and come in a variety of dosages and forms. Your doctor will prescribe the medication based on 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 various time-action profiles of these long-acting stimulants allow physicians to select the best drug for the individual 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.
They also have a lower chance of adverse reactions like sleepiness and stomach upset, than drugs with a shorter time of action. They also do not increase blood pressure and heart rate as much as short-acting stimulants which is vital for people suffering from heart disease.
One exception to this are the AMP salts in Adderall that can increase blood pressure and heart rate somewhat. However, your doctor can monitor your medication to ensure that these levels are safe.
There are some other medications that treat ADHD without stimulating the nervous system, including guanfacine and clonidine. They take longer to work than stimulants, but are less likely to be misused. They aren't as effective in boosting concentration and attention, but they can decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. They are available in a variety and forms that include extended-release tablets as well as capsules. A long-acting clonidine medication, Intuniv, is approved for adults and can be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment such as behavioral therapy. It is important to remember that any medication you take is a tool that's only part of the process. Behavioral therapy is likewise essential in helping you manage your ADHD.
Guanfacine or clonidine
Guanfacine and clonidine are central alpha-2 agonists that are FDA-approved to treat high blood pressure but can also be employed "off label" to treat ADHD. They work by stimulating alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, both pre- and post-synaptically. The medication decreases sympathetic nerve impulses that travel from the vasomotor centre to the blood vessels and the heart which results in the heart to slow down and peripheral resistance. It can improve the core symptoms of ADHD including hyperactivity and impulsivity. It can also help reduce the tics that are associated with Tourette Syndrome and other tic disorders. It can be taken as a standalone medication or in combination with stimulants. In a study of preschool-aged ADHD children 78% of those taking stimulants in conjunction with guanfacine reported improvement in their symptoms.
These medications have a longer half-life than stimulants, meaning they can be used for up to 24 hours. They are also less likely to cause insomnia or sedation. They can be taken as a tablet or as patches. Patches are a good choice for those who do not take their pills or are uncomfortable taking them. It is crucial to take these medications exactly as prescribed. The medication won't be effective if the dosage is not sufficient. If non prescription adhd medication is too high, you may experience a significant drop in blood pressure. This could be harmful for those with low blood pressure or heart disease.
Clonidine and Guanfacine were both developed in the past to treat hypertension. Both are approved for use by adults and can be taken as a single or together with stimulants. They are also sometimes employed to alleviate anxiety symptoms in patients with ADHD that may interfere with attention. Clonidine can be used to help improve sleep difficulties associated with ADHD. It does not affect appetite, which can be an advantage for those who struggle with weight issues.
Studies on guanfacine and clonidine have proven that they are both effective in treating the primary symptoms of ADHD. They can be used on their own or together with stimulants, and both are less likely to cause adverse effects than other drugs. Clonidine is particularly efficient in reducing tics caused by Tourette syndrome and other disorders of the tic. It isn't as effective in reducing the symptoms of inattention that are associated with ADHD however.
Ritalin
Methylphenidate (also called Ritalin) is a central nervous system stimulant. It can reduce many of the symptoms that are common to ADHD. It can improve concentration, decrease fidgeting and decrease the impulsive behavior. It also aids people who aren't able to focus. It is often used in conjunction with other treatments, like behavioral therapy. The effects of Ritalin are mild and usually disappear as your body becomes accustomed to the medication.
It is available as tablets that are immediate-release (small doses that are taken 2 to 3 times per day) or extended-release capsules called Focalin XR, which is taken daily in the morning, with the dose released throughout the day. Focalin XR has the advantage of containing only the right-handed variant of the methylphenidate chemical, which minimizes the risk of adverse reactions, in comparison to other formulations that contain both the right and left-handed versions of the molecule.
Other methylphenidate medication options include chewable tablets and short-acting tablets, which are generally taken twice a day and last for approximately four hours, as well as the long-acting solution or tablet (Lisdexamfetamine). These are usually prescribed to teenagers and children over the age 5 and adults who have not been able to respond to methylphenidate treatment within six weeks.
All forms of methylphenidate have been linked to serious heart problems for some people. Anyone with a history cardiovascular disease should avoid using methylphenidate. It can also trigger an increase in heart rate in some people and affect the blood flow through your fingers and feet. It can interact with a variety of other medicines, including anticholinergics blood thinners and some anesthetics. It is important that you share with your doctor the complete list of all prescription and non-prescription medicines you take. They can then check for any possible interactions. A non-stimulant medicine called Strattera is available, and can be prescribed to adults with ADHD. It regulates dopamine levels, and does not cause same side-effects as stimulant medications. It can take longer to work than other treatments, but is believed to be a good choice for patients of adult age who don't wish to take stimulant medication.
Adderall
Adderall is a stimulant drug that increases the activity of certain brain areas. It helps people manage their behavior and focus, as well as manage hyperactivity. It also affects how the brain releases chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin, so it can improve mood. These chemicals are typically less in people who suffer from ADHD and could lead to hyperactivity and inability to control emotions. This is the reason why certain adults suffering from ADHD are not responsive to medications.
Adderall, when taken as prescribed, is not addictive and does not cause habituation. However there are risks with taking Adderall and it could cause adverse effects that require medical attention. Speak to your doctor for any concerns or questions.
Signs of Adderall overdose can include restlessness and muscle twitching, an increase in heart rate, confusion, hallucinations and an increased level of agitation. If you experience any of these symptoms you should seek medical attention immediately.
Adderall should not be used together with other medications that affect mood, like antidepressants and depression medications. These medications can increase the risk for serious side effects such as death or seizures. This medication is not recommended to children younger than 12 years of age.
Stimulant medications can make it difficult sleeping. You can try to reduce the effects of this by limiting caffeine and screen time (e.g. television, or video games) near bedtime. You can also try an aid to sleep such as Melatonin.
You can also switch to a longer acting formulation of the drug such as Adderall extended-release. This will help prevent "rebound" effects in the evening or late afternoon when the medicine wears out. Many adults with ADHD take a long-acting dose of the medication by taking an immediate-release pill that is taken in the morning.
Many people who don't have ADHD utilize stimulants such as Adderall to feel more alert and energetic. This can lead people to believe that the medication has magical powers. Certain of these beliefs could cause people to develop an addiction. Adderall taken for non-medical purposes can increase the likelihood of an amphetamine test that is positive.