adhd treatment medication Treatments For Adults

Adults are able to benefit from many of the same treatments as children. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They can also involve the combination of these treatments.

Stimulant Medicines

These medications work by increasing brain chemicals that regulate attention and self regulation. These include the chemical methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants from the amphetamine group like lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).

Stimulant Medications

Stimulants increase the body's energy and can lead to an increase in mental alertness and physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added to coffee and tea) and nicotine, as well as prescription medications used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) as well as narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants, they can cause overstimulation which can result in anxiety, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure. They may also cause anxiety and paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can cause the dopamine system in the brain to malfunction, reducing feelings of happiness. The stimulants are available as pills, liquids, or patches. Cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines are stimulants which can be gotten illegally and used to abuse.

The medications in this class are known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They function by increasing the amount of certain chemicals in the brain that boost concentration, reduce fatigue, adhd Treatment and boost alertness. Adults with ADD and Adhd Treatment are treated first by these medications. These medicines can be a short-acting formula taken in the morning or a more prolonged-acting medication that stays active throughout the duration of the day such as the lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin, Concerta).

The health care team might also recommend psychosocial interventions such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. Monitoring the effectiveness of medication over time is crucial and can be a complex task.

Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants

About 15%-30 percent of children do not respond to stimulant medications and this is probably applicable to adults as well. Non-stimulant medications take longer to take effect and it can take up to a few weeks for you begin to notice any effects. They don't come with the same negative side effects and are a better choice when you are not able to take stimulants or fear addiction.