ADHD Medications For Adults
Adults are most likely to use stimulants as ADHD medications. Short-acting stimulants are preferred over long-acting stimulants like the methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine.
Atomoxetine is often prescribed if patients are unable to take methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine. It increases the level of noradrenaline within brain cells, which helps manage impulsive behaviors and improve concentration.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most common treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. They help improve focus, control an impulsive behaviour and decrease anxiety. They function by increasing and balancing the levels of chemicals in the brain, known as neurotransmitters. The first-choice stimulants are methylphenidate and amphetamines. They are available in tablet, liquid and chewable forms. Short-acting stimulants begin working in 30 to 45 minutes and last for approximately three hours. Intermediate-release tablets last longer, ranging from six to eight hours. Once daily, long-acting pills and tablets can last for up to 16 hrs.
Stimulation can cause adverse effects, such as insomnia (a racing mind) headaches, jitters and stomach upset. It can also increase the heart rate or blood pressure which can be dangerous in the event that you already have heart problems.
Adults suffering from ADHD may be able to find relief with other medications and therapies which target their specific symptoms. These include nonstimulants, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and various other medications.
Nonstimulant medications are different from stimulants for those suffering from ADHD. It could take longer to kick in but it is usually well-tolerated. Healthcare providers often pair it with stimulants to enhance the effect and minimize side effects.
The main nonstimulant medicines for adults with ADHD are norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. buy adhd medication online boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels within the brain, which helps improve the ability to focus and control an impulsive behaviour. They're not as rapid-acting as stimulants and are less effective, but they might work better for some people.
Many people with ADHD are able to see that lifestyle changes can ease their symptoms, such as having enough sleep and sticking to the same routine. A healthy diet is important. People suffering from ADHD must eat a balanced diet and avoid eating foods that are high in sugar, fat or artificial ingredients.
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) can be beneficial for people suffering from ADHD as it teaches them how to manage their behavior and cope with anger and stress. Individual talk therapy can help with emotional issues such as low self-esteem, feeling of shame or embarrassment due to previous failures at the workplace or at school.
Families and couples may also benefit from a program of counseling for ADHD. It can help them develop strategies to improve communication and problem-solving and also address problems in relationships that may cause the disorder.
People with both ADHD and anxiety may benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), which can help change negative thinking patterns and enhance social skills. This kind of therapy can be done in the presence of a therapist but it can also be provided online through video chat software such as Skype.
Other treatments that some people with ADHD utilize to manage their condition include supplements to their diet such as omega-3 fatty acids and coenzyme Q10, and removal of certain foods from their diets. These methods aren't supported by strong scientific evidence and should be used only under the guidance of a medical professional. Also, removing foods could be detrimental to your health, especially if you're deficient in some nutrients. It's recommended to treat both ADHD and anxiety simultaneously for people with both conditions.