Stimulants can help regulate the levels of chemical messengers that control the brain’s attention. They are the first line of treatment for treating ADHD. They aren’t thought to be habit-forming, but they can trigger negative side effects, including headaches and difficulty sleeping.
To decrease impulsivity or hyperactivity Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine under brand names Tenex or Intuniv (Catapres). These medications are more effective than stimulants.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the drugs most commonly prescribed to treat adhd treatment medication. They boost and balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. They are usually the first medications doctors try and can often control symptoms in people with ADHD. They can have serious adverse negative effects, but they can’t solve ADHD. Doctors prescribe different stimulants in different doses to see what is the most effective for the individual. 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 well-known stimulant is methylphenidate. It falls into the group of medicines known as central nervous system stimulants. It is sold under several brand names including Adderall, Ritalin and others. Methylphenidate aids in increasing activity in the parts of the brain responsible for attention and behavior. It is available in immediate-release tablets (small doses taken between 2 and 3 times a day) or modified-release tablets that allow the medicine to be absorbed into the bloodstream over a longer amount of time. It is a very efficient drug that has low rates of abuse and addiction.
Some people who suffer from ADHD are also suffering from other psychiatric disorders. In these instances, doctors might prefer treating the disorder that is more severe first and see if this improves ADHD symptoms. For example, a patient who suffers from major depression might be offered antidepressants prior to attempting stimulants. Similar is the case for anxiety disorders and tic disorders. A doctor may prescribe guanfacine or clonidine instead of stimulants to a person with Tourette’s Syndrome or other disorders. These medications work quickly and are less likely to cause drowsiness.
Stimulants can alter blood pressure and heart rate. They can also trigger adverse effects such as irritability, sleep disturbances, headaches and a decrease in appetite. They are not recommended for infants under 8 years old and should not be taken during breast-feeding or pregnancy. People with a history of substance abuse or bipolar disorder should not use these medications. Additionally, these drugs are not recommended for patients who suffer from seizures or strokes.
Most adults with ADHD receive a combination of treatments that include psychosocial therapy, medication, or other behavioral treatments. Behavioral therapy can teach you skills like organizational techniques, self-talk and anger management in order to help cope with the challenges of living with ADHD. Healthcare professionals can also assist by educating coworkers and supervisors about adhd medication uk elvanse and how to work effectively with people suffering from the condition. They can also arrange for adjustments at work and in school to make it easier for people suffering from starting adhd medication adults to succeed. In some cases employers are willing to offer flexibility in how certain tasks are assigned or allow employees take breaks as they need. They can also offer employees more time and provide an explanation that is more thorough of the task. This is particularly helpful when the employee is struggling to grasp complex instructions or concepts. In these cases the employer may offer to train the employee to use assistive technology that will assist them in keeping pace with colleagues.