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ADHD Medications For Adults If you've been diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood the first treatment option is likely to involve medication. Stimulants improve concentration and reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. Long-acting formulations are recommended, as they provide continuous relief and avoid negative side effects (such ringing in ears or changes in vision). Psychotherapy can also aid in managing symptoms. Therapy can help you gain new skills to cope with ADHD, improve relationships and find stability in your work or at home. Long-acting stimulant formulations The medications in this class assist improve attention and focus and reduce impulsivity by boosting the levels of two neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine. These are two essential chemicals that regulate the pre-frontal cortex part of the brain which is commonly known as the “secretary” or “executive functioning” area. This is because this area determines how you plan, organize and execute. It helps you organize your tasks, stay on track and keep your emotions under control. Stimulants, the most common medication prescribed for ADHD are available in a variety of dosages and forms. Your doctor will prescribe a medication based on your symptoms and medical history. Some of the more common long-acting stimulant formulations include methylphenidate/amphetamine (Concerta), methylphenidate/amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Metabolite CD), methylphenidate/amphetamine/dextroamphetamine/dextromethorphan (Ritalin-LA) and methylphenidate/amphetamine/dextroamphetamine/dextroamphetamine/amiloride extended-release (Adderall XR). The differing time-action profiles of these long-acting stimulants allow physicians to select the best drug for the patient. For example, if a patient struggles in the morning, a long-acting methylphenidate/amphetamine/dextroamphetamine formulation may be beneficial because it provides an effect for up to 8 hours. These formulations also have a lower risk of adverse effects like sleepiness and stomach upset, than medications with a shorter duration of action. They do not increase blood pressure or heart rate in the same way as stimulants that act quickly, which is good for people suffering from heart disease. One exception to the above are the AMP salts found in Adderall which can raise heart rate and blood pressure a bit. Your physician can monitor these levels to ensure they remain safe. Clonidine and guanfacine are two other medications that treat ADHD without stimulating your nervous system. They take longer to begin working than stimulants, however they are less likely to be misused. They are not as effective in enhancing attention and focus but can reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. They are available in a variety dosages and forms including extended-release capsules and tablets. A clonidine medicine that is long-acting, Intuniv, is approved for adults and can be combined with other types of treatment, such as behavioral therapy. Remember that any medication is just an instrument. Behavioral therapy can aid in managing your ADHD. Guanfacine or Clonidine Guanfacine, clonidine and other central alpha-2 receptor agonists are FDA-approved medicines to treat high blood pressure. They are also employed “off-label” to treat ADHD. They are able to stimulate alpha-2 adrenergic receptors both preand post synaptically. The medication blocks sympathetic nerve impulses from the blood vessel and heart to the vasomotor centre that result in a decrease of heart rate and peripheral resistance. It can alleviate the main symptoms of ADHD, such as hyperactivity and impulsivity. It also helps reduce the tics that are associated with Tourette Syndrome and other tic disorders. It can be used as a medication on its own or in conjunction with stimulants. In a study on preschool-aged ADHD children 78% of those taking stimulants along with Guanfacine experienced improvements in their symptoms. These drugs have a longer half-life than stimulants, meaning they remain in the body for a period of up to 24 hours. They are also less likely to cause sedation or insomnia. They can be purchased as tablets or an application on the skin. The patch is a good alternative for those who forget to take their pills or don't like taking them by mouth. It is crucial to take these medications exactly according to the prescription. If the dosage is too low the medication won't be efficient. If the dose is too high, it could reduce your blood pressure too much. This could be risky for people who have low blood pressure or heart disease. Clonidine and guanfacine are both older medications that were originally designed to treat hypertension. Both are approved for adult use and can be used as a stand-alone or in combination with stimulants. They can also be used to improve anxiety symptoms in people suffering from ADHD, which can interfere with attention. Clonidine can also be used to treat sleep issues related to ADHD. It doesn't alter the appetite which is an advantage for those struggling with weight issues. Full Post and Guanfacine are both effective in treating the main symptoms associated with ADHD according to research. They can be used as a stand-alone medication or in combination with a stimulant and are less likely to cause side negative effects than other drugs. Clonidine is particularly effective in reducing severity of tics that are associated with Tourette syndrome and other disorders of the tic. Clonidine isn't as effective in reducing inattention ADHD symptoms. Ritalin Methylphenidate (also called Ritalin) is a central nervous system stimulant. It is able to reduce a variety of ADHD's most common symptoms. It helps to improve concentration, stop fidgeting and reduce impulsive behavior and also improves the ability of those who are not able to concentrate. It is often prescribed in conjunction with other treatments, like behavioral therapy. Ritalin can cause a variety of adverse effects, however they tend to be mild and fade when your body is used to the medication. It is available as tablets that release immediately (small doses taken two to three times per day) or extended-release capsules known as Focalin XR. They are taken once daily in the morning with the dose being released throughout the day. Focalin XR has the advantage of having only the right-handed version of the methylphenidate chemical, which reduces side effects, in comparison to other formulations that contain both the right and left-handed versions of the molecule. adhd uk medication include short-acting tablets or chewable tablets, which are generally taken two times a day and last for about four hours, and the long-acting tablets or solution (Lisdexamfetamine). These are typically prescribed to teenagers and children older than 5 years old and adults who haven't been able to respond to methylphenidate treatment within six weeks. All forms of methylphenidate have been associated with serious heart problems in a few people and should not be taken by anyone with an history of cardiovascular disease. It may also affect the flow of blood through your fingers and toes, and lead to a higher heart rate in some individuals. It can interact with other medications, such as anticholinergics or blood thinners. It is crucial to provide your doctor with the complete list of the prescription and non-prescription drugs you are taking. They can then look for possible interactions. Another alternative is a non-stimulant drug called Strattera is available, which can be prescribed to people with ADHD. It is a dopamine-regulating medication and doesn't trigger the same side effects as stimulant drugs. It might take longer to effect the desired effects, but it is considered an option that is safe for adult patients who don't wish to use stimulant drugs. Adderall Adderall is a stimulant drug that increases the activity of certain brain areas. It aids people in focusing, control their behavior and manage hyperactivity. It may also improve mood by altering the way the brain releases chemicals such as dopamine and sérotonin. These chemicals are typically lower in those with ADHD and can lead to hyperactivity and an inability to control emotions. This is one reason why certain adults with ADHD do not respond to medications by themselves. When used as prescribed, Adderall is not considered to be a drug that causes dependence and does not trigger dependence. Adderall is not completely safe, and any side effects may require medical attention. Speak to your doctor if you have any concerns or questions. Adderall overdose symptoms include restlessness, muscle twitching and an increase in heart rate. They can also cause hallucinations, confusion and an increase in agitation. Get medical attention right away when you experience these symptoms: It is not recommended to take Adderall along with other medications that alter your mood, such as antidepressants and depression medications. These drugs can increase the risk of serious side effects like seizures or death. This medication is not recommended to children younger than 12 years of age. Stimulant medications can cause difficulty sleeping. You can minimize this side-effect by restricting your screen time and caffeine (e.g. TV or video games). You could also try a sleep aid like melatonin. Another option is to switch to a formulation that has a longer acting effect of the drug, such as extended-release Adderall. This will prevent a “rebound” effect in the late afternoon or evening when the medication wears off. Many adults with ADHD supplement a long-acting dose of the medication by taking an immediate-release pill taken in the morning. Some people who do not have ADHD use stimulants like Adderall in order to feel more alert or energetic. This can result in magical beliefs about the drug and its power. Some of these beliefs may even cause addiction. In addition taking Adderall for non-medical reasons could increase the likelihood of a positive drug screening test for amphetamines.