So You've Bought ADHD Medications For Adults ... Now What?

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ADHD Medications For Adults

Stimulants can help regulate levels of chemical messengers in the brain that control attention. They are considered to be the first line of treatment for ADHD. Although they are not habit-forming, they can cause negative side effects, such as headaches and sleep problems.

To reduce impulsivity or hyperactivity Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine under brand names Tenex or Intuniv (Catapres). These drugs have a longer duration of action than stimulants.

Stimulants

Stimulants are the medications most commonly prescribed to treat ADHD. They boost and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They are usually the first drugs that doctors test and can often control symptoms for people suffering from ADHD. They can cause serious adverse effects, but they do not solve ADHD. Doctors typically prescribe various doses of stimulants to determine the one that is most suitable for each person. The aim is to find a medication that is safe and efficient over the long term, while reducing symptoms with minimal side consequences.

The most common stimulant is methylphenidate, which falls into the group of drugs referred to as central nervous system stimulants. It's available under various brand names such as Adderall and Ritalin. Methylphenidate increases brain activity areas that control the behavior and attention. It is available in immediate-release tablets (small doses taken between 2 and 3 times a day) or modified-release tablets that allow the medicine to be released into bloodstream over a longer amount of time. It is a very effective medication with low levels of addiction and misuse.

Certain people with ADHD have other psychiatric conditions. In these cases doctors may prefer treating the more severe disorder to see if it improves ADHD symptoms. For example, a patient suffering from depression major may be offered antidepressants before trying stimulants. Similar is the case for anxiety disorders and tic disorders. A doctor may prescribe clonidine or guanfacine instead of stimulants to a person with Tourette's Syndrome or other symptoms of tics. These drugs are less likely to cause drowsiness and depression and are able to work quickly to reduce the symptoms of tics.

Stimulants can alter blood pressure and heart rate. They can also cause adverse effects such as irritability, sleep disturbances, headaches and a decrease in appetite. They are not recommended for children younger than 8 years old and should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. People who have a history of addiction or bipolar disorder shouldn't use these medications. Additionally, these medications are not recommended for people who have a history of seizures or strokes.

Most people suffering from ADHD are treated with a combination program that includes medication, psychosocial therapy, as well as other behavioral treatments. Behavioral therapy can help teach skills such as self-talk, anger management and organizational techniques to overcome the challenges of ADHD. Healthcare professionals can also help by educating coworkers and supervisors about ADHD and how to click here effectively work with those suffering from the disorder. They can also make accommodations at work and school to make it easier for those with ADHD to succeed. Employers can be flexible with the way the work is assigned or permit workers to take breaks as needed. They may also offer more in-depth explanations of assignments and allow employees more time to complete the tasks. This can be especially helpful for those who have difficulty understanding complicated instructions or concepts. In these cases the employer may offer to train the employee on how to use assistive technology to help him or her keep pace with colleagues.