Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a disorder in which a person has trouble focusing, problems with sitting still, and impulsivity. It is normally associated with children, but there are many adults who can suffer from this condition as well. The treatments depend on the symptoms experienced by the patient. ADHD is normally treated with a combination of medication and therapy to find healthy coping mechanisms.
The specific treatment options for adults with ADHD can include the following:
1. Stimulant medicines
Stimulant medicines are the primary medicines that are used as treatment options for ADHD. These enable you to focus better since they increase the amounts of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. These help you to think clearly and you can concentrate on one thing for a longer time than before. Stimulant medicines prevent you from acting on an impulse. Some examples of stimulants are Mydayis, Vyvanse, and Daytrana. Your doctor will prescribe a low dose at first to see how it helps you. Depending on the results, you might continue the medication with higher doses or your doctor might prescribe other medications.
Most stimulants work for a long period or a short period. Short-acting medicines have an effect on you for about four hours, and you are required to take these once or twice a day. Long-acting medicines can last for up to 12 hours, and these are usually taken only once a day. Your doctor will discuss your routine so that you can think about the medicine that works best according to your schedule and helps manage symptoms in the best manner. People who have other health issues such as heart disease should inform their doctor about it in advance so that he can suggest the best options.
There are some side effects associated with stimulant medicines. These include loss of appetite, headaches, dry mouth, inability to sleep, anxiety, moodiness, and a spike in your blood pressure. Stimulants are often not prescribed to people who have anxiety issues, have Tourette’s syndrome, bipolar disorder, psychosis, suffer from serious anorexia, or have hypertension.
2. Non-stimulant medicines
Non-stimulant treatment options for ADHD are another option that your doctor can suggest. These are prescribed when you cannot take stimulant medications. Non-stimulants enable you to control your behavior. Non-stimulants are not as fast-acting as stimulant medicines, but they work well for many people who cannot take stimulants. Just like with stimulants, you might be required to increase the dose after a while. This will enable you to know which dosage works best for you. Atomoxetine is the first non-stimulant that was approved for treating ADHD.
Your doctor might suggest that you take guanfacine or clonidine if you are unable to take other medications for managing your ADHD symptoms. Clonidine and guanfacine enable you to control your hyperactivity and ensure you don’t act on impulses. There are many side effects of non-stimulant medications such as a low sex drive, constipation, headache, stomach issues, dizziness, and sleepiness.
3. Supplements and antidepressants
Apart from treatment options for ADHD in the form of stimulants and non-stimulants, there are other options that your doctor can suggest. He may ask you to take omega-3s, as these help deal with behavior issues. Antidepressants such as bupropion might be suggested if you suffer from ADHD and other problems such as mood disorder. Antidepressants have side effects that include insomnia, mood swings, and anxiety.
Treatment options for ADHD are many and which ones are best suited for you depends on the problems you face. Medicines are the foremost treatment options that are prescribed by doctors but your doctor can prescribe other treatments depending on your case. The key is to identify how ADHD is affecting you so that you can work with your doctor to get the best treatment possible.