ADHD Treatments For Adults
Many of the same treatments that work for children with ADHD also treat adults. These treatments include medication as well as counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. They could also include some combination of these therapies.
treatment of add in adults work by increasing brain chemicals that control attention and self regulation. They include methylphenidate, available under the brand names Ritalin and Concerta and stimulants from the amphetamine family, such as lisdexamphetamine. treatment of add is marketed under the brand name Adderall and Vyvanse.
Stimulant Medications
Stimulants boost the body's metabolism and can cause an increase in mental alertness and physical activity. They include legal substances like caffeine (added in coffee and tea) nicotine, as well as prescription drugs used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy, and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants they can cause overstimulation which can result in anxiety, heart palpitations and high blood pressure. They can also trigger aggression and paranoia. In some people, long-term usage of stimulants can harm the the brain's dopamine system, which can dampen feelings of pleasure. Stimulants are available in pills, liquids or patches that go on the skin. The most commonly used and illegally obtained stimulants include methamphetamines, cocaine and amphetamines.
The drugs in this class are known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They work by increasing the amount of certain brain chemicals which improve concentration, reduce fatigue, and improve alertness. Adults suffering from ADD and ADHD are treated first with these medications. These medicines can be a short-acting formula that is taken in the morning, or a longer-acting medicine that remains active in the body for most of the day, such as Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) or methylphenidate (Concerta Ritalin, Concerta).
The health care team might also recommend psychosocial interventions such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. It is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of medication over time. This is an extremely difficult task.
Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants
About 15%-30% of kids don't respond to stimulant medications, and it's likely that this is true for adults as well. The non-stimulant drugs take longer to start working, and it can take several weeks before you notice the effects. But, they don't come with the same risk of adverse effects as stimulants, and could be a better option if you can't tolerate them or are worried about addiction.