most effective adhd medication for adults For Adults
Stimulants are able to regulate the levels of chemical messengers that control attention in the brain. They are considered to be the first-line medication in the treatment of ADHD. Although they are not to be taken regularly, they can have side effects such as headaches and sleep problems.
To decrease impulsivity or hyperactivity, your doctor may prescribe guanfacine under the brand names Tenex or Intuniv (Catapres). These medications are more effective than stimulants.
Stimulants
The most common medications prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. They improve and balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They are often the first drugs doctors will try and are often able to reduce symptoms for people suffering from ADHD. They can cause serious adverse effects, but they do not solve ADHD. Doctors typically prescribe different doses of stimulants to determine the best combination for each individual. The goal is to find a medication that manages symptoms with the least amount of negative side effects and is safe to use in the in the long run.
The most well-known stimulant is methylphenidate. It is part of the class of drugs referred to as central nervous system stimulants. It is available under a variety of brand names, including Adderall, Ritalin and others. Methylphenidate assists in increasing the activity in parts of the brain that regulate attention and behavior. It is available in immediate-release tablets (small doses taken between 2 and 3 times a day) or modified-release tablets that allow the medication to be absorbed into the bloodstream for a longer period of time. It is a very effective medication with low levels of addiction and misuse.
Some people who suffer from ADHD may also suffer from other mental health disorders. In these cases doctors may prefer treating the more severe disorder to determine if it improves ADHD symptoms. Antidepressants might be prescribed to a patient who has major depression before stimulants are tried. The same is true for anxiety disorders and tic disorders. For instance, a doctor might prescribe guanfacine or Clonidine instead of stimulants for someone who suffers from Tourette's or other tics. These drugs perform quickly and are less likely than stimulants to cause drowsiness.
Stimulants can affect the heart rate and blood pressure. They also can cause adverse effects, such as headaches and irritability. They are not recommended for children less than 8 years and shouldn't be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. They should not be used by people with a history or bipolar disorder, substance abuse or an addiction history. These medications are also not recommended for those with a history or strokes or seizures.
Most people suffering from ADHD have a combination treatment program that includes medication, psychosocial therapy, as well as other behavioral treatments. Behavioral therapy can help teach skills like organizational techniques, self-talk and anger management in order to help with the challenges of living with ADHD. Healthcare professionals can also assist by educating coworkers and supervisors about ADHD and how to effectively work with people with the disorder. They can also provide accommodations at work and school to help students with ADHD succeed. Employers may be flexible in the way certain tasks are assigned or allow workers to take breaks as needed. They may also offer more in-depth explanations of assignments and give employees more time to complete the tasks. This is particularly helpful if the worker struggles to understand complicated instructions or concepts. In these instances, an employer might even offer to teach the employee in using assistive technology to help him or her keep the pace of peers.