ADHD Treatments For Adults

Many of the same therapies that are effective for children with adhd first line treatment for adhd in adults without meds (Recommended Web site) are also effective for adults. These treatments include medication, counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They may also involve a combination of these treatments.

Stimulant Medicines

The drugs increase the supply of certain brain chemicals that help control attention and self-regulation. These include the chemical methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants from the amphetamine group including lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).

Stimulant Medicines

Stimulants are substances that boost the body's systems and can increase levels of alertness in the mind and greater physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added in tea and coffee), nicotine, and prescription drugs that treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD) as well as narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants may result in over-stimulation and cause anxiety heart palpitations, hypertension, aggression and paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can cause the dopamine receptors in the brain to malfunction and decrease feelings of satisfaction. Stimulants can be taken in pill form, liquids or patches that go on the skin. Cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines are stimulants that can be gotten illegally and abused.

The drugs in this class are also known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and work by increasing the quantity of certain brain chemicals that improve concentration, decrease fatigue, and boost alertness. Adults with ADD and ADHD are treated first line treatment for adhd in adults by these medications. They are available as the form of a morning-only formulation or longer-acting formulations that remain active throughout the day, such as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine.

The health care provider may also suggest psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy, education or coaching. It is important to monitor the effectiveness of medicines over time. This is an extremely difficult task.

Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants

Around 15%-30% of children do not respond to stimulants, and it's likely that this is the case for adults too. The non-stimulant drugs take longer to start working, and it can take some time before you notice the effects. They don't come with the same negative side effects and are a better choice homeopathic treatment for adhd those who are unable to tolerate stimulants or are afraid of addiction.