ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same treatments that are effective for children with ADHD are also effective for adults. These include medicine and counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They may also involve the combination of these treatments.
Stimulant Medicines
These medications work by increasing the brain chemicals that control self-regulation and attention. These include the chemical methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants in the amphetamine class like the amphetamine lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants are medications that stimulate the body's systems and may increase mental alertness and more physical activity. These include legal substances like caffeine (added in coffee and tea) nicotine, as well as prescription drugs used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) and narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants, they can trigger overstimulation which can lead to anxiety, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure. They may also cause anxiety and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause the dopamine system in the brain to malfunction and reduce feelings of happiness. The stimulants are available as liquids, patches or pills. Illegally obtained and abused treating adult adhd include methamphetamines, cocaine and amphetamines.
They are also known as central nervous system stimulants. They work by increasing certain brain chemicals which improve concentration, reduce fatigue and improve alertness. Adults with ADD and ADHD are treated first with these medications. These medications may be a quick-acting formula that is taken in the morning, or a more prolonged-acting medication that stays active throughout the duration of the day such as Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin, Concerta).
The health care team may also recommend psychosocial interventions such as education, psychotherapy 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
About 15% to 30% of children do not respond to stimulant drugs This is also to be the case for adults as well. The non-stimulant medications take longer time to work and could take as long as several weeks to notice any effects. They do not have the same negative side effects and are a better choice if you cannot tolerate stimulants or fear of addiction.