ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same therapies that work for children with ADHD are also effective for adults. These treatments include medicine, counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They may also involve the combination of these therapies.
Stimulant Medications
These medications work by increasing the availability of certain brain chemicals that aid in controlling self-regulation and attention. They include methylphenidate, sold as Ritalin and Concerta, and stimulants in the amphetamine family such as lisdexamphetamine, which is marketed under the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants are drugs that stimulate the body's systems and may result in greater levels of alertness in the mind and greater physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added to coffee and tea) and nicotine, as well as prescription medications that treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy, and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants may cause over-stimulation and lead to anxiety and heart palpitations, as well as hypertension as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can cause the dopamine system in the brain to malfunction, reducing feelings of happiness. Stimulants are available in pills, liquids, or patches. The most commonly used and illegally obtained stimulants include methamphetamines, cocaine and amphetamines.
Medications in this class are also called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work by increasing the quantity of certain brain chemicals that improve concentration, decrease fatigue, and improve alertness. Adults with ADD and ADHD are treated first with these drugs. These medications can be a short-acting formula used in the morning or a more prolonged-acting medication that stays active throughout the course of the day. Examples include the lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin).
The health care team can also suggest psychosocial interventions, such as psychotherapy or education. Monitoring adhd treatments adults of medication over time is important and can be an extremely complex process.
Non-stimulant Medications
About 15% to 30 percent of children do not respond to stimulant medications This is also to be the case for adults as well. The non-stimulant medications take longer time to kick in and can take up to a few weeks for you begin to notice any effects. They don't come with the same negative side effects and are a better choice if you cannot tolerate stimulants or fear addiction.