adhd treatment medication Treatments For Adults

Adults can benefit from many of the same treatments as children. These include medicine, counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They could also include some combination of these alternative treatments for untreated adhd in adults (her explanation).

Stimulant Medicines

These drugs work by increasing the availability of certain brain chemicals that aid in controlling self-regulation and attention. These include the methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants in the amphetamine class including Lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).

Stimulant Medications

Stimulants increase the body's energy and can cause an increase in mental alertness and physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added in coffee and tea) nicotine, prescription drugs that treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy, and hyperactivity. In large doses symptoms of untreated adhd stimulants they can cause overstimulation, which can cause anxiety, heart palpitations and high blood pressure. They may also cause aggression and paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can cause the dopamine system in the brain to malfunction, reducing feelings of satisfaction. Stimulants can be taken in pill form, liquids or patches that are applied to the skin. Methamphetamines, cocaine, and amphetamines are stimulants that can be purchased illegally and used to abuse.

The drugs in this class are also called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They work by increasing the amount of certain brain chemicals that boost concentration, reduce fatigue and increase alertness. Adults suffering from ADD and adhd impulsivity treatment are treated first with these medications. The medications are available in a morning-only formula or in a longer-acting formulation that remains active throughout the day, like lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.

The health care provider may also recommend psychosocial interventions, such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. Monitoring the effectiveness of medication over time is crucial, and can be an extremely difficult task.

Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants

About 15%-30% of kids don't respond to stimulant drugs, and it's likely that this is the case for adults as well. Non-stimulant medications take longer to kick in and could take as long as several weeks to feel any effects. However, they don't have the same risk of adverse effects as stimulants and can be a better option if you can't tolerate the effects of stimulants or are worried about addiction.