ADHD Treatments For Adults

Adults can benefit from many of the same therapies as children. These treatments include medicine, counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. These treatments can consist of a combination.

Stimulant Medicines

The drugs increase brain chemicals that regulate self-regulation and attention. They include methylphenidate, sold under the names Ritalin and Concerta, and stimulants in the amphetamine family such as lisdexamphetamine. This is known by the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.

Stimulant Medicines

Stimulants increase the body's energy and can lead to an increase in mental alertness and physical activity. They include legal substances like caffeine (added in tea and coffee) nicotine, as well as prescription drugs that treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) and narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants can cause over-stimulation and lead to anxiety heart palpitations, hypertension, paranoia and aggression. In some people, long-term use of stimulants can damage the the dopamine system in the brain and dampen feelings of pleasure. The stimulants are available as liquids, patches or pills. Methamphetamines, copyright, and amphetamines are stimulants which can be obtained illegally and used to abuse.

Medications in this class are known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They work by increasing the amount of certain chemicals in the brain which improve concentration, reduce fatigue, and improve alertness. They are the initial line of treatment for adults suffering from ADD or ADHD. The medications are available in the form of a morning-only formulation or longer-acting formulations that are active throughout the day, for example the methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine.

The health care team might also recommend psychosocial interventions, such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. Monitoring the effectiveness of medication over time is crucial and is a complex task.

Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants

Around 15%-30% of children don't respond to stimulant drugs and it's possible that this is true for adults as well. Non-stimulant medicines take longer to start working, and can sometimes take a few weeks before you notice the treating adhd without medication effects. They don't come with the same side effects and are a better choice for those who are unable to tolerate stimulants or are afraid of addiction.