ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same treatments that are effective for children with ADHD are also effective for adults. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy) as well as life skills training. These treatments may consist of a combination.
Stimulant Medicines
These drugs work by increasing the availability of certain brain chemicals that help control attention and self-regulation. They include methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants from the amphetamine group including Lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants are drugs that speed up the body's systems and may increase mental alertness and increased physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added to tea and coffee) and nicotine, and prescription drugs that treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants may cause over-stimulation and lead to anxiety heart palpitations, high blood pressure, paranoia and aggression. For some long-term use of stimulants can damage the the dopamine system in the brain and decrease pleasure-seeking feelings. Stimulants can be taken in pills, liquids, or patches that can be applied to the skin. Methamphetamines, cocaine, and amphetamines are stimulants which can be purchased illegally and abused.
Medications in this class are also known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They work by increasing the amount of certain brain chemicals that boost concentration, reduce fatigue, and improve alertness. Adults with ADD and
adhd treatment for adults near me are treated first by these medications. These medicines can be a short-acting formula taken in the morning or a longer-acting drug that stays active throughout the course of the day such as the lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin, Concerta).
The health care team might also suggest psychosocial interventions such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. Monitoring the effectiveness of medications over time is important, and can be an extremely complex process.
Non-stimulant Medications
Around 15%-30% of children do not respond to stimulants, and it's likely that this is the case for adults too. Non-stimulant drugs take longer to take effect and it could take as long as several weeks to feel any effects of untreated adhd in adults (
fakenews.win). They don't have the same adverse effects, and are a better choice for those who are unable to tolerate stimulants or fear addiction.