Stimulants can help regulate levels of chemical messengers that control attention in the brain. They are considered first-line medications for ADHD. While they do not cause habit-forming, they can cause adverse effects like headaches and difficulty sleeping.
To reduce impulsivity or hyperactivity, your doctor may prescribe guanfacine under brand names Tenex or Intuniv (Catapres). These medications have a longer duration of action than stimulants.
Stimulants
The most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD are stimulants. They boost and balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They are usually the first drugs that doctors test and can often control symptoms in most people with all adhd medications. They can have serious adverse effects, but they do not solve ADHD. Doctors usually prescribe different dosages and stimulants to determine the one that is most suitable for each person. The aim is to find a medication that manages symptoms with the least adverse effects and is safe to use in the for the long-term.
It is sold under many brand names, including Adderall and Ritalin. It is sold under several brand names including Adderall, Ritalin and others. Methylphenidate aids in increasing activity in parts of the brain responsible for attention and behavior. It is available in immediate-release (small doses taken two to three times per day) or modified release tablets that allow the medicine to be absorbed into the bloodstream slowly over a longer time period. It is a highly effective drug that is low in addiction and abuse.
Some people with ADHD also have other mental health disorders. In these cases, the doctor may prefer to treat the more severe disorder first and see if that improves ADHD symptoms. For instance, a patient who prescribes adhd medication suffers from major depression might be offered antidepressants before trying stimulants. The same applies to anxiety disorders and tic disorders. For instance, a doctor might prescribe guanfacine or clonidine instead of stimulants for someone who prescribes adhd medication suffers from Tourette's or other tics. These drugs are less likely to cause drowsiness or depression and are able to work quickly to ease the symptoms of tics.
The effects of stimulants can alter blood pressure and heart rate. They may also cause side effects such as irritability and headaches. They are not recommended for infants under 8 years old and should not be used during breast-feeding or pregnancy. Anyone with an addiction history or bipolar disorder shouldn't use them. These drugs are also not recommended for those who have a history of seizures or strokes.
Most adults with ADHD receive a mix of treatments that include psychosocial therapy, medication, or other behavioral treatments. Behavioral therapy can teach skills like self-talk, organization techniques and anger management to help deal with the difficulties of living with ADHD. In addition, healthcare professionals can help by educating co-workers and supervisors about ADHD and explaining how to effectively work with those suffering from the condition. They can also make accommodations at school and work to allow people suffering from inattentive adhd medication adults to succeed. Employers are sometimes willing to be flexible in the way certain tasks are assigned or allow workers to take breaks as needed. They can also provide more detailed explanations of assignments and allow employees longer to complete the tasks. This is particularly helpful if the worker struggles to comprehend complicated instructions or concepts. In these instances employers may offer to train the employee to use assistive technology that will assist them in keeping pace with colleagues.