ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same therapies that work for children suffering from ADHD are also effective for adults. These treatments include medicine and counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They may also involve some combination of these treatments.
Stimulant Medicines
The drugs increase the amount of certain brain chemicals that help control self-regulation and attention. They include methylphenidate, available under the brand names Ritalin and Concerta as well as stimulants belonging to the amphetamine family, such as lisdexamphetamine. adhd untreated in adults is known by the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants increase the body's energy and can result in increased mental alertness and physical activity. These include legal substances such as caffeine (added in coffee and tea), nicotine, and prescription medications used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD) as well as narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants they can trigger overstimulation which can result in anxiety, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure. They may also cause aggression and paranoia. For some long-term use of stimulants can damage the functioning of the brain's dopamine system, which can reduce pleasure feelings. Stimulants are available in pills, liquids, or patches that go on the skin. Cocaine, methamphetamines, and amphetamines are stimulants that can be purchased from a criminal and then used.
Medications in this class are also called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They function by increasing the quantity of certain chemicals in the brain that improve concentration, decrease fatigue and increase alertness. Adults with ADD and ADHD are treated first by these medications. These medications can be a formula that acts quickly that is taken in the morning, or a longer-acting drug that is active throughout the duration of the day such as the lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin).
The health care team may also suggest psychosocial interventions such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. Monitoring the effectiveness of medication over time is crucial and is a complex task.
Non-stimulant Medications
Around 15% to 30% of children don't respond to stimulant drugs and it's likely that this is the case for adults as well. Non-stimulant drugs take longer to kick in and could take as long as several weeks before you begin to notice any effects. They do not have the same side effects and are a better choice if you cannot tolerate stimulants or fear of addiction.