ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same treatments that are effective for children with ADHD can also be used to treat adults. These treatments include counseling, medication (psychotherapy) and life skills training. These treatments could comprise a mix of.
Stimulant Medications
These drugs work by increasing brain chemicals that regulate attention and self regulation. They include the methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants belonging to the amphetamine group including Lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants boost the body's metabolism and can lead to an increase in mental alertness and physical activity. They include legal substances like caffeine (added in tea and coffee) nicotine, prescription drugs used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) and narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In adhd untreated in adults of stimulants they can cause overstimulation, which can lead to anxiety, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure. They may also cause anxiety and paranoia. In some people, long-term use of stimulants can damage the functioning of the brain's dopamine system and reduce pleasure feelings. The stimulants are available as pills, liquids or patches. The most commonly used and illegally obtained stimulants include methamphetamines, cocaine and amphetamines.
The drugs in this class are called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work by increasing the amount of certain brain chemicals which improve concentration, reduce fatigue and increase alertness. They are the first line of treatment for adults suffering from ADD or ADHD. They can be a formula that acts quickly taken in the morning or a longer-acting medicine that stays active in the body for most of the day, such as Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin).
The health care team may also suggest psychosocial interventions, like psychotherapy or education. Monitoring the effectiveness of medication over time is important and can be an extremely complex process.
Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants
Around 15% to 30% of children do not respond to stimulants and it's possible that this is the case for adults too. Non-stimulant drugs take longer to kick in and may take a few weeks for you begin to notice any effects. However, they don't have the same risk of side effects as stimulants and may be a better choice in case you aren't able to take the effects of stimulants or are worried about addiction.