

Newer nonstimulant medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Quelbree), are approved by the FDA to treat ADHD in adults, while guanfacine (Intuniv) is also approved for children. They also can have less desirable physical effects, such as appetite suppression and increased heart rate and blood pressure, and should only be used as prescribed by a physician. Stimulants have a range of effects, increasing alertness and energy, and (in the case of 70% of people with ADHD) improving ability to focus. They raise brain levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters that play important roles in the prefrontal cortex, a brain region that helps regulate thoughts, actions, and emotions. Prescription stimulants for ADHD include mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall) and methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin).

How do Adderall and related medicines work? "The simple health benefits can even include things like getting enough sleep because they got their work done earlier in the day and don't have to stay up late to finish, and they go to the gym because they remember to bring their shoes," Dr. In addition, stimulants such as Adderall have a high potential for misuse, so prescriptions and refills are controlled.įor people with ADHD who take Adderall and related medications as prescribed, the drugs can make a huge difference, both mentally and physically. Surman, noting that similar shortages have occurred in the past. However, problems like this have long been par for the course, says Dr. Recent news stories have featured anecdotal reports of people calling multiple pharmacies to fill their prescriptions, sometimes in vain.

But if you're concerned about a shortage of ADHD medicine - or experiencing one - here's what to know.
#Best adhd medication for adults how to#
Craig Surman, associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, scientific coordinator for the Adult ADHD Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital, and coauthor of Fast Minds: How to Thrive If You Have ADHD (or Think You Might). "Currently, there isn't reliable information about how many people are affected by the shortage," says Dr. How widespread is this problem? And what are the consequences, and possible solutions, for adults who rely on this medication to manage ADHD, a brain disorder characterized by inattention, being easily distracted, and impulsive behavior? Generic versions known as mixed amphetamine salts are available, but not in sufficient quantities to meet nationwide demand. Adderall, a drug commonly prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), has been in short supply for months.
