ADHD Medication For Adults - What Types of Medications Are Available?
Medical treatments are the primary line of treatment in the UK for adults with ADHD. Talk therapy is another alternative.
To control symptoms, medications that boost brain levels of the neurotransmitter neopinephrine could be employed. These are called stimulants.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most common type of ADHD treatment for children and adults. These medications increase levels of neurotransmitters to enable you to concentrate, be calm and stay on task. They can also reduce impulsive or hyperactive behavior. Stimulant medication can cause dependence and may have numerous side consequences. It is important to discuss stimulant medications with your doctor.
Extended release stimulants (long-acting stimulants) are a highly effective treatment option for people who suffer from ADHD. adult add medications last between 8 and 16 hours, which reduces the likelihood of a "rebound effect" where symptoms return as the drug wears off.
There are several different types of stimulants that have long-acting properties, and the dose you take is dependent on your individual needs. It is possible to start with a smaller dose that is gradually increased as you learn how your body reacts to the treatment.
A longer-acting formulation reduces the chance of rebound effects and increases the effectiveness of your medication. They are typically prescribed to patients who find it difficult to manage short-acting medications and are typically employed in conjunction with other treatments, such as behavioral therapy and/or psychotherapy.
Strattera is a long-acting stimulant that is approved for adults and children with ADHD as well as for those who have co-existing anxiety or depression. It is an inhibitor of the selective noradrenaline receptor that helps you focus and control impulses.
It's taken in capsules or tablet, usually one or twice every day. It can trigger some emotional side effects like agitation and depression, but they can be controlled by lowering the dose or switching to an extended-release formula.
Guanfacine (also known as Intuniv) is another non-stimulant drug that treats ADHD in adults. It activates adrenoreceptors inside the brain. It is able to reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity, and improve sleep.
A blood pressure medication, also known as a selective beta blocker, can be used in conjunction with stimulant medication to boost your response and help you manage impulsive and hyperactive behavior. It can be taken prior sleeping to help get a restful night's sleep.
Other non-stimulant medications that are prescribed to adults suffering from ADHD are antidepressants, which increase the amount of brain chemicals involved with mood and attention. Research has shown that ADHD patients can also be suffering from depression.
Because they treat both ADHD and depression, antidepressants are an ideal option for people with ADHD. They also tend to be more easy for people with ADHD to take than stimulants.
Your doctor should be aware of any adverse reactions you are experiencing while taking these medications. They might recommend a greater dose or an extended release version.
Some medications can cause side effects that can include headaches and insomnia. These side effects can be uncomfortable or dangerous in the event that they aren't addressed.
They can also cause increased suicidal thoughts or actions in some people , and may also worsen tics and Tourette’s Syndrome. They can also cause liver damage, therefore, it is important to talk with your doctor about any health issues.
If you're taking a stimulant or non-stimulant, be sure to tell your doctor about any medications and supplements you're taking. This will enable your doctor to determine if the medicine is safe to use.