What Freud Can Teach Us About ADHD Medications For Adults
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ADHD Medications For Adults
Stimulants are able to regulate the levels of chemical messengers that control the brain's attention. They are regarded as the first-line treatment for ADHD. While they do not cause in any way habit-forming, they can trigger negative side effects, such as headaches and difficulty sleeping.
To reduce impulsivity or hyperactivity, your doctor may prescribe guanfacine with the brand names Tenex or Intuniv (Catapres). These medications have a longer duration of action than stimulants.
Stimulants
The most common medications prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. They boost and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. These are often the first drugs that doctors prescribe to control symptoms for most people with ADHD. However, they can cause serious side effects and don't cure the disorder. Doctors usually prescribe different doses of stimulants to determine what works best for each person. The aim is to find a medicine that is safe and efficient for long-term use while also reducing symptoms with a minimum of side effects.
The most common stimulant is methylphenidate. It falls into the group of medicines known as central nervous system stimulants. It is sold under various brand names including Adderall, Ritalin and others. Methylphenidate increases brain activity areas that control attention and behaviour. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets (small doses taken between 2 and 3 times a day) or modified-release tablets that allow the medication to be absorbed into the bloodstream over a longer amount of time. It is a very effective drug with low rates of abuse and addiction.
Certain people with ADHD may also suffer from other mental health disorders. In these instances, doctors may prefer treating the more severe disorder to see whether it helps improve ADHD symptoms. Antidepressants may be prescribed to a patient who has major depression before stimulants are considered. The same goes for anxiety and tic disorders. For example, a doctor might prescribe guanfacine or clonidine instead of stimulants for a person who suffers from Tourette's or other disorders that cause tics. These medicines perform quickly and are less likely to cause drowsiness.
Stimulants can alter blood pressure and heart rate. They also can cause negative effects like headaches and irritability. They are generally not recommended for children younger than 8 years and shouldn't be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Anyone with a history of addiction or bipolar disorder should not take these medications. These medications are also not recommended for people who have a history of seizures or strokes.
Most adults with ADHD are treated with a combination of treatment that includes medication, psychosocial therapy, or other treatment for behavior. Behavioral therapy can teach you skills like organizational techniques, self-talk and anger management to help cope check here with the challenges of living with ADHD. In addition, healthcare professionals can assist by educating co-workers and supervisors about ADHD and demonstrating how to effectively work with those suffering from the disorder. They can also help arrange adjustments at work and in school to allow those with ADHD to succeed. In some instances employers will allow flexibility in how tasks are assigned or let workers take breaks as needed. They may also offer more detailed explanations of tasks and allow employees longer to complete them. This can be especially helpful when the employee has trouble understanding complicated instructions or concepts. In such cases employers might offer to train employees to use assistive technology that can assist them in keeping pace with their peers.