Stimulants aid in adjusting the levels of chemical messengers in the brain that regulate attention. They are first-line medications to treat ADHD. They aren't considered to be habit-forming, but they can have adverse effects, like headaches and sleep problems.To reduce impulsivity or hyperactivity, your doctor may prescribe guanfacine with the brand names Tenex or Intuniv (Catapres). These medications are more effective than stimulants.
Stimulants
The most common medications prescribed for ADHD are stimulants. They improve and balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They are typically the first drugs that doctors prescribe and they can manage symptoms for most people with adhd medication in the uk. However, they can also cause negative side effects that are serious and can't solve the problem. Doctors prescribe different stimulants in different doses to determine which works best for the individual. The aim is to find a medication that is effective in treating symptoms and has the least side negative effects and is safe to use in the long term.
The most well-known stimulant is methylphenidate, which is part of the class of medicines known as central nervous system stimulants. It is sold under various brand names including Adderall, Ritalin and others. Methylphenidate increases brain activity areas that regulate attention and behavior. It can be taken as immediate-release tablets (small doses taken 2 to 3 times a day) or modified-release tablets that allow the drug to be released into bloodstream over a longer amount of time. It is a highly effective drug that has low rates of abuse and addiction.
Some people who suffer from ADHD suffer from other psychiatric issues. In these cases, the doctor may prefer to treat the disorder that is more severe first and see if this improves ADHD symptoms. Antidepressants can be prescribed to patients who has major depression before stimulants are tried. Similar is the case for anxiety and tic disorders. A doctor might prescribe clonidine or guanfacine instead of stimulants for a person who suffers from Tourette's syndrome or other symptoms of tics. These drugs are less likely to cause drowsiness and depressed mood and work quickly to help reduce the symptoms of tics.
Stimulants can affect the heart rate and blood pressure. They can also cause side effects like irritability, headaches, trouble sleeping and a decrease in appetite. They are not recommended for children less than 8 years old. They should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. People with an addiction history or bipolar disorder should not use these medications. In addition, these medications are not recommended for people who suffer from seizures or strokes.
Most people suffering from ADHD receive a mix of treatments that include psychosocial therapy, medication for adhd and anxiety in adults, or other behavioral treatments. Behavioral therapy can help teach strategies such as self-talk anger management, and organizational skills to overcome the challenges of ADHD. Healthcare professionals can also help by educating supervisors and co-workers about adhd medication and pregnancy uk and how to get adhd meds without diagnosis to effectively work with people suffering from the condition. They can also make adjustments at work and in school to make it easier for people with ADHD to achieve their goals. Employers are sometimes willing to be flexible with the way certain tasks are assigned or allow employees to take breaks as needed. They may also allow employees more time and offer an explanation that is more thorough of the assignment. This is particularly helpful if the worker struggles to comprehend complicated instructions or concepts. In these instances employers may offer to teach the employee on how to use assistive technology that will aid in keeping pace with other employees.