Treatment Considerations for Adult ADHD Medication
Physicians do not use
adult ADHD medication as frequently as they use medications for children. This is in part due to the fact that adults who haven't been diagnosed with
ADHD as children often have found ways to cope without medication for years. Sometimes, physicians will prescribe a stimulant as needed for specific tasks.
Also, in prescribing adult ADHD medication, special considerations are made. The adult may need less of the medication for his or her weight, and the medication may have a longer "half-life" in an adult. The adult may also take other medications for physical problems such as
diabetes or
high blood pressure. Often, the adult is also taking a medication for
anxiety or
depression. All of these variables must be taken into account before an adult ADHD medication is prescribed.
Drug Risks and Precautions for Adult ADHD Medication
Public health officials are concerned that stimulants may be inappropriately prescribed for adult ADHD medication. Stimulants do work, but they increase
blood pressure and pulse rate, which could lead to
strokes and
heart attacks. These drugs are very strongly labeled for their risk to the
cardiovascular system.
Patients with
hypertension (high blood pressure) shouldn't be getting stimulants. About one-third of U.S. adults have high blood pressure.
There are a lot of people who don't know they have hypertension or
heart disease. In many people, the first symptom of
heart disease is sudden death. Therefore, adults with ADHD who are prescribed stimulants are advised to make sure their doctor is fully informed of their total medical condition -- and to get a complete medical workup to make sure they're not at risk.
Even those without hypertension who take stimulants as adult ADHD medication may be at risk. It's unknown whether adults who take stimulants over long periods of time may have an increased risk of sudden death, stroke, or heart attack. We do know, however, that people who take an overdose of stimulants experience these adverse effects.
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