If you are considering taking medication for ADHD, it is important to work with a qualified mental health professional to make sure that it is the right decision for you. This article will provide an overview of some of the most common medications used to treat ADHD in adults.
How Medication Can Help Adults With ADHD
There are a number of ways that medication can help adults with ADHD:
Medication can improve focus and concentration, which can help individuals to be more productive at work or school. Medication can help to reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity, which can improve an individual’s ability to interact with others. Medication can help to improve sleep and appetite.
Different Types of ADHD Medication Available
There are a number of different options available when it comes to ADHD medication for adults. The type of medication that is best for you will depend on your specific symptoms and biological factors such as genetics. All medications come with risk for side effects, and if you experience a side effect that is intolerable, ask your prescriber about changing your medication to something that works better for you. Some common medications used to treat ADHD in adults include:
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed type of medication for ADHD. They work by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which can help to improve focus and concentration. Common stimulants include the following:
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) Dextroamphetamine (Adderall) Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
Stimulant medication can be short-acting or long-acting. Short-acting medications enter your system quickly after they are taken, and long-acting (or extended-release) medications take longer to process. Some people are prescribed doses of both short and long-acting stimulants to address symptoms quickly while ensuring that the medication is effective for as long as they need.
Non-Stimulants
Non-stimulants are another option for ADHD medication. These drugs work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain, which can help with focus and concentration. Non-stimulants are recommended if you’ve found that stimulants have been unhelpful or if stimulants are not a good fit with other prescribed medications or existing medical conditions. Common non-stimulants include the following:
Atomoxetine (Strattera) Guanfacine (Intuniv)
Side effects of these medications include difficulty sleeping, fatigue, decreased appetite, nausea, and increased blood pressure.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are sometimes used to treat ADHD, especially if you also have symptoms of depression. In addition to treating comorbid depression, antidepressant medications can improve ADHD symptoms by impacting neurotransmitter levels in the brain. Research has shown that antidepressant medication can help those with ADHD reduce impulsive and aggressive behaviors and increase attention span. These drugs work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which can help to improve mood. Common antidepressants include the following:
Imipramine (Tofranil) Fluoxetine (Prozac) Venlafaxine (Effexor)
Antidepressant side effects include abnormal bleeding, cardiovascular issues, dry mouth, vomiting, diarrhea, and sexual side effects. In addition, in a small number of cases, SSRI medication can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, leading the FDA to implement a black box warning in 2004.
How to Find the Right Medication and Dosage
It is important to work with your doctor to find the right medication and dosage for you. Everyone responds differently to medication, so it may take some trial and error to find the right one for you. It is also important to be patient when starting a new medication. It can take several weeks for the full effects of the medication to be seen.
Risks and Side Effects of ADHD Medication
There are a number of risks and side effects associated with ADHD medication. Common side effects include the following:
Difficulty sleeping Loss of appetite Headaches Dry mouth
Stimulant medications, in particular, have the potential for dependence. Non-stimulant medications can also cause dependence, although this is less common. While people with ADHD have a higher lifetime risk for substance use disorders than those without ADHD, research has shown that stimulant treatment for ADHD does not increase the risk for dependence. In addition, prescribed stimulant medications are often not habit-forming. Impulsivity and sensory-seeking behavior can increase the risk of substance dependence; however, stimulant treatment for ADHD reduces these symptoms in individuals with ADHD. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it is important to get help. There are a number of treatment options available for people with substance misuse problems.
Tips for Living Well With ADHD
There are a number of things you can do to help manage your ADHD and live well: For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.
Seek community support. Connecting with other people who share your diagnosis can help you feel less alone. In addition, people can share different tips and tricks that helped them, which can help you discover what works best for you. CHADD is one organization for people with ADHD and their families that provides this community. Find what works for you. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and accommodations or tips that work for one person might cause problems for someone else. Notice what schedule, environment, or accommodations help you feel your best. Move when you need to move. Many people with ADHD struggle with sitting or being still for long periods of time. You can use fidget toys or make a point of getting up and moving around frequently during the day to help with focus. Try body doubling for productivity. Body doubling refers to having another person present while trying to complete a task. They do not have to help with the task, but their presence can help cue you to finish what you started. Habit stack to get into routines. ADHD can make it difficult to make and stick to a routine, even though routine can help with executive functioning and impulse control. Habit stacking makes it easier to make and maintain routines. Figure out your sleep schedule. Many people with ADHD struggle with getting adequate sleep and feeling rested. Finding out what sleep schedule and routine helps you feel rested can improve your relationship with sleep.
