Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCharacteristics of ADHD in AdultsMedications for ADHDSide Effects of ADD MedicationSummary

Table of ContentsView All

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Table of Contents

Characteristics of ADHD in Adults

Medications for ADHD

Side Effects of ADD Medication

Summary

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What is the most important information I should know about ADD medication?Stimulant medications have a risk of dependence and addiction, so always take your ADHD medicine as directed.Talk to your doctor if you have another mental health condition, medical condition, substance use disorder, or are taking an MAOI. Some ADHD medications may be contraindicated depending on the nature of your condition or other medications you are taking.

What is the most important information I should know about ADD medication?

Stimulant medications have a risk of dependence and addiction, so always take your ADHD medicine as directed.Talk to your doctor if you have another mental health condition, medical condition, substance use disorder, or are taking an MAOI. Some ADHD medications may be contraindicated depending on the nature of your condition or other medications you are taking.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(previously known as ADD) is a neurological condition that begins in childhood. About 60% of early ADHD cases progress into adulthood.But while children display serious signs ofinattention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity—adults have less intense characteristics of the condition. In particular, behaviors like hyperactivity tend to decrease over time in older people with ADHD.

Despite having decreased and less intense ADHD traits, adults with this disorder still require treatment to manage the that stem from having a form of neurodivergence that is often poorly accommodated in a neurotypical society.Depression,anxiety, daytimesleepiness,poor academic performance, and social functioningare just some of the ways this condition affects well-being.

Does ADHD Go Away?

Experiencing trouble with attention, getting easily distracted, and showing impulsive traits are the broad trait categories of ADHD.

This condition may be suspected when a person routinely displays the following behaviors:

People with ADHD may also speak excessively, forget routine obligations, and often interrupt others during conversations.Other signs includefidgeting, being prone to losing things, or even struggling to engage quietly in leisurely activities.

It is important to note that ADHD is a form of neurodivergence. That means that an ADHDer’s brain processes information differently than someone who is considered neurotypical. ADHD traits can be disruptive, but that is because these traits are often misunderstood and poorly accommodated. Such problems can then affect personal and professional affairs. It may also create a wedge in relationships if your partner or others don’t understand your traits.

When managing ADHD in adults, drugs are prescribed to enhance attention, boost academic achievements, and improve memory. Medication may also improve mental activity, decrease attention, and limit aggressive behavior.

Two forms of medication are used to manage ADHD: stimulants and non-stimulants.

Stimulant Medication

Stimulant medicationshave been used for decades to manage ADHD. They include:

These stimulants improve focus in people with ADHD. They are also beneficial for impulsive and hyperactive behaviors.

Stimulants are broadly classified into short and long-lasting medications:

Intermediate treatments also exist. They include medications like Metadate CD (methylphenidate) and Metadate ER (methylphenidate).

Over-the-Counter (OTC) ADHD Medication

Non-Stimulant Medication

Non-stimulant medication is suitable for the 30% of patients who do not respond properly to stimulant medication.Non-stimulants are considered less effective than stimulating counterparts, so they are usually a second or third-line treatment for managing ADHD symptoms.

Non-stimulant treatments include:

Qelbree (viloxazine) was also recently approved to treat ADHD in adults. It is also a non-stimulant selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI).

Like other drug treatments, ADHD medication may produce side effects when administered.  Specific side effects can vary depending on the type of medication used and the individual characteristics. They may also vary in intensity and diminish as your body becomes accustomed to the drug.

Side Effects of Stimulants

Some of the most common side effects of stimulants in adults with ADHD include:

Risk for Dependence and Addiction

Stimulants such as Adderall XR (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine) are categorized as Schedule II drugs, which means they may have a high potential for abuse. It is possible to develop a dependence on these medications. However, this risk is lower when medications are taken as prescribed.

In addition to side effects, special care is required to begin stimulant medication. In particular, people with the following conditions should steer clear of this treatment:

Side Effects of Non-Stimulants

When using non-stimulants like atomoxetine, caution is required to manage possible side effects. These adverse reactions include:

Side effects associated with these drugs are typically mild or moderate.

Treatment for adult ADHD typically involves the use of stimulant or non-stimulant medications. Stimulants are usually the first-line option, but not everyone responds the same. In cases where a person cannot take stimulants or does not respond well to them, non-stimulant medications may be prescribed. Talk to your doctor about which option might be right for you.

19 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

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