What medicine should adults take for ADHD?
In recent years, adult ADHD (ADHD) has gradually become a hot topic of public concern. As mental health awareness increases, more and more adults are beginning to realize that they may have ADHD and seek professional diagnosis and treatment. Medication is one of the important means of managing adult ADHD. This article will give you a detailed introduction to the commonly used medications for adult ADHD and related information.
1. Common symptoms of ADHD in adults

Adult ADHD is characterized by inattention, impulsive behavior, and hyperactivity. These symptoms may seriously affect the patient's work, study, and interpersonal relationships. The following are common symptoms of ADHD in adults:
| Symptom type | Specific performance |
|---|---|
| lack of concentration | Difficulty concentrating, easily distracted, and forgetful |
| impulsive behavior | Difficulty controlling emotions, interrupting others, and impulsive spending |
| hyperactive | Restlessness, difficulty relaxing, and inner irritability |
2. Commonly used drugs for adult ADHD
Drug treatments for adult ADHD mainly include central nervous system stimulants and non-central nervous system stimulants. The following are commonly used drugs and their mechanisms of action:
| drug type | Drug name | Mechanism of action | Common side effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| central nervous system stimulants | Methylphenidate (such as Ritalin) | Increased release of dopamine and norepinephrine | Insomnia, decreased appetite, palpitations |
| central nervous system stimulants | Amphetamines (such as Adderall) | Stimulates the release of dopamine and norepinephrine | Anxiety, increased blood pressure, risk of dependence |
| non-central nervous system stimulants | Atomoxetine (as Stratela) | Selective inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake | Fatigue, nausea, dizziness |
| non-central nervous system stimulants | Guanfacine (as in English) | Modulates norepinephrine activity | Drowsiness, dry mouth, low blood pressure |
3. How to choose suitable drugs?
When choosing an adult ADHD medication, consider the patient's symptoms, health, and medication side effects. Here are some suggestions for choosing your medication:
| Considerations | Suggestions |
|---|---|
| Symptom severity | Severe symptoms may require central nervous system stimulants, while mild symptoms may require non-central nervous system stimulants. |
| health status | People with cardiovascular disease should use central nervous system stimulants with caution |
| side effect tolerance | Those who are sensitive to insomnia can choose non-central nervous system stimulants |
| drug dependence risk | People with a history of drug abuse should avoid CNS stimulants |
4. Precautions for drug treatment
Medication treatment for adult ADHD must be carried out under the guidance of a professional doctor, and the following matters must be paid attention to:
1.Regular follow-up visits: Regular follow-up visits are required during drug treatment to evaluate efficacy and side effects.
2.Avoid adjusting dosage on your own: The dosage of medicine must strictly follow the doctor's instructions and cannot be increased or decreased by oneself.
3.combined with behavioral therapy: Medication treatment can be combined with cognitive behavioral therapy for better results.
4.Pay attention to mental health: Adult ADHD patients often suffer from anxiety, depression and other emotional problems and require comprehensive intervention.
5. Summary
Medication for adult ADHD is an important means to improve symptoms, but it must be carried out under the guidance of a professional doctor. Choosing the right medication requires considering symptoms, health conditions, and side effects. At the same time, drug treatment should be combined with behavioral intervention and mental health support to achieve the best results.
If you or someone close to you suspects that you have adult ADHD, it is recommended to consult a professional doctor as soon as possible to obtain a personalized diagnosis and treatment plan.
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