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Medication Results for Adults With ADHD

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is most often thought of as a childhood disorder, but can also affect adults. It is a disorder of the brain resulting in a short attention span, excessive energy, and a lack of focus. There are several medical therapy options for adults with this condition.

  1. Psychostimulants

    • The most common type of drug for ADHD treatment is psychostimulants. Stimulants work by blocking reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, thereby increasing focus and attention. The most common stimulant medications for ADHD are Ritalin, Adderall, Cylert and Dexedrine. Since the effects of these medications are short-term and fast-acting, they must be taken several times a day to maintain their effectiveness. These drugs have a high success rate with adult ADHD patients: approximately 2/3 of patients show significant improvement. Side effects are uncommon and not severe; they include insomnia, anxiety, headaches and elevated blood pressure.

    Non-stimulant

    • If you choose to avoid stimulant medication, strattera is a popular option. The only non-stimulant approved by the FDA as an ADHD medication, strattera affects the neural pathways of the brain by blocking norepinephrine reuptake. It takes slightly longer to affect behavior than stimulants, but seems to have equal effectiveness. Being a non-stimulant, this drug carries less risk of chemical dependency and abuse. Side effects are similar to those caused by stimulants.

    Conclusion

    • There are several options for medical treatment of adult ADHD. Studies show that the medication provided for children is just as effective for adults. Talk to your doctor about which type of medication is right for you.

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