ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults are able to benefit from the same treatments as children. These treatments include medicine, counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. These treatments could consist of a combination.
Stimulant Medications
These drugs work by increasing brain chemicals that control attention and self regulation. They include methylphenidate available under the brand names Ritalin and Concerta and stimulants from the amphetamine family, such as lisdexamphetamine, which is marketed under the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants are medications that stimulate the body's systems and may result in greater mental alertness and more physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added to coffee and tea) and nicotine, and prescription medications that treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) as well as narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants may cause over-stimulation and lead to anxiety, heart palpitations, hypertension, aggression and paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can cause the dopamine system of the brain to malfunction and reduce feelings of happiness. Stimulants are available in pills, liquids, or patches. Illegally obtained and abused stimulants include methamphetamines, cocaine and amphetamines.
The drugs in this class are called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They work by increasing the quantity of certain chemicals in the brain that boost concentration, reduce fatigue, and boost alertness. Adults suffering from ADD and ADHD are treated first with these drugs. These medicines can be a formula that acts quickly used in the morning or a more prolonged-acting medication that stays active throughout the course of the day, such as Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin).
adult add treatment may also recommend psychosocial interventions such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. Monitoring the effectiveness of medications over time is crucial and can be an extremely complex process.
Non-stimulant medications
Around 15%-30% of children don't respond to stimulant drugs, and it's likely that this is true for adults too. The non-stimulant medications take longer time 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 adverse effects, and are a better option for those who are unable to tolerate stimulants or fear addiction.