Adult ADHD Medication

When creating an ADHD treatment plan, adult ADHD medication is generally only an adjunct to behavior modification. Patients may also benefit from counseling and vocational guidance by specialists who help individuals develop coping skills and methods for organization and time management. Common forms of adult ADHD medication may include stimulants or antidepressants.

 

Adult ADHD Medication: An Overview

A number of FDA-approved adult ADHD medications are available to help treat the symptoms of ADHD. Some people have better results from one drug, some from another.
 
Adult ADHD medication options may include:
 
Besides medication, ADHD treatment needs to involve a behavior modification program. Adult ADHD medication is only an adjunct to behavior modification. Adults with ADHD may benefit from counseling, vocational guidance, and professional coaching done by specialists who help individuals develop coping skills and methods for organization and time management.
 
Stimulants
People with ADHD may be hyperactive, but, surprisingly, they are often prescribed a stimulant to help treat the symptoms of ADHD. When used as adult ADHD medication, stimulants can improve alertness and attention without making the hyperactivity worse.
 
FDA-approved stimulants for children ages 6 and older include products containing various forms of methylphenidate, amphetamine, and methamphetamine.
 
In August 2004, the extended-release form of the stimulant Adderall® (Adderall XR®), previously approved to treat children with ADHD, was also approved as an adult ADHD medication. An extended-release form of this adult ADHD medication works in the body over a longer time than an immediate-release form, allowing the medication to be taken less frequently.
 
Adderall or other stimulants should not be taken by people with certain conditions, including:
 
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Glaucoma
  • Moderate-to-severe hypertension
  • Other heart-related conditions
  • History of drug abuse.
     
Some common side effects of stimulants as adult ADHD medication include:
 
Because stimulant medicines have a high potential for abuse, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has placed stringent controls on them. For example, the DEA requires special licenses to manufacture, distribute, and prescribe these controlled substances, and prescription refills aren't allowed.
(Adult ADHD Medication Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD