treat adult adhd For Adults
Adults can benefit from many of the same treatments that children receive. These treatments include medicine as well as counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. These treatments may consist of a combination.
Stimulant Medications
These medications work by increasing the brain chemicals that control self-regulation and attention. They include methylphenidate, which is available under the brand names Ritalin and Concerta and stimulants from the amphetamine family, such as lisdexamphetamine. This is known by the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants speed up the body and can result in increased mental alertness and physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added to tea and coffee) and nicotine, as well as prescription drugs that treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants they can cause overstimulation which can lead to anxiety, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure. They may also cause anxiety and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause the dopamine system in the brain to malfunction, reducing feelings of satisfaction. Stimulants are available in liquids, patches or pills. Illegally obtained and abused stimulants include cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines.
The drugs in this class are also known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They function by increasing the quantity of certain chemicals in the brain which improve concentration, reduce fatigue and increase alertness. Adults suffering from ADD and ADHD are treated first by these drugs. They are available as an all-day formula or longer-acting formulations that are active throughout the day, like lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.
The health care team could also recommend 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%-30% of children do not respond to stimulants, and it's likely that this is true for adults as well. Non-stimulant medicines take longer to start working, and it can take some time before you feel the effects. They don't have the same adverse effects, and are a better choice when you are not able to take stimulants or fear addiction.