Stimulants help adjust levels of chemical messengers in the brain that regulate attention. They are the first line of treatment in the treatment of ADHD. They aren’t thought to be habit-forming, however they can cause negative side effects, including headache and trouble sleeping.
Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine (brand names Tenex and Intuniv) or Clonidine (Catapres) to reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. These medications are more effective than stimulants.
Stimulants
The most common medications prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. They balance and boost levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They are often the first drugs that doctors test and are often able to reduce symptoms in people with ADHD. However, they can have serious side effects and don’t cure the disorder. Doctors typically prescribe various stimulants and doses to find the best combination for each person. The goal is to find a medication that is safe and efficient over the long term, while controlling symptoms with minimal side negative effects.
The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate. It falls into the group of medicines known as central nervous system stimulants. It’s sold under many brands, including Adderall and Ritalin. Methylphenidate assists in increasing the activity in parts of the brain responsible for attention and behavior. It is available in immediate-release tablets (small doses taken between 2 and 3 times per day) or modified-release tablets that allow the medication to be released into the bloodstream for a longer period of time. It is a drug that works that has low rates of addiction and abuse.
Some people with ADHD suffer from other psychiatric issues. In these cases, doctors may prefer to treat the more severe disorder first and see if that improves adhd medications symptoms. Antidepressants can be prescribed to patients with major depression prior to stimulants are considered. The same is true for anxiety disorders and tic disorders. A doctor may prescribe guanfacine or clonidine in lieu of stimulants to a person who suffers from Tourette’s syndrome or other symptoms of tics. These drugs perform quickly and are less likely to cause drowsiness.
The effects of stimulants can alter heart rate and blood pressure. They can also trigger negative side effects like irritability headaches, trouble sleeping and decreased appetite. They are not recommended for children under 8 years old and should not be taken during pregnancy or breast-feeding. People with a history of addiction or bipolar disorder shouldn’t use them. Additionally, these drugs are not recommended for those who have a history of seizures or strokes.
Most adults with ADHD have a combination treatment plan that includes medication and psychosocial therapy or other behavioral treatments. Behavioral therapy can help teach strategies such as self-talk anger management, and organizational skills to overcome the challenges of ADHD. In addition, healthcare professionals can help by educating co-workers and supervisors about ADHD and demonstrating how to effectively work with people suffering from the condition. They can also provide adjustments at school and at work to help people with ADHD succeed. Employers are sometimes willing to be flexible in the way certain tasks are assigned, or allow workers to take breaks when they need. They may also allow employees more time and offer a more detailed explanation of the assignment. This is especially beneficial for those who have difficulty understanding complicated instructions or concepts. In these instances the employer may offer to teach the employee on how to use assistive technology that can assist them in keeping the pace of other employees.
