Medications to Treat Adult ADHD
July 16, 2011 by admin
Filed under Adult ADHD, All Articles, Featured, Medications for Adult ADHD, Treatment of Adult ADHD
Medications to Treat Adult ADHD
The same drug treatments proven to be efficacious in children appear to benefit adults with ADHD.
- Ritalin
- Concerta
- Vyvanse
- Adderall
- Focalin
- Dexedrin
In the past, the first treatment offered to adults with ADHD has been stimulant drugs. Studies show that approximately two thirds of adults with ADHD who are given these medications show significant improvement in ADHD symptoms.
However, there are some difficulties in using stimulants to treat ADHD in adults. Stimulants are controlled substances and it is not uncommon for adults with ADHD to have or to have had problems with substance abuse. Short acting stimulants may wear off quickly and since adult patients administer the medication themselves, and usually have problems with forgetfulness, compliance can be problematic with multiple day dosing. Adults may experience significant difficulty in the evening when they do housework, pay bills, help children with homework or drive, or are tempted to use substances ‘to relax’.
Stratterra is the only nonstimulant medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of ADHD, not just for children and adolescents, but for adults as well. This is the first medication to receive an FDA indication for treatment of ADHD in adults.
Strattera does not have abuse potential and does not require a special prescription.
