When you think about treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), previously known as ADD, do you immediately jump to Ritalin or Adderall? Many people equate ADHD treatment with medication. But it’s important to understand that medication for ADHD doesn’t work for everyone, and even when it does work, it won’t solve all your problems or completely eliminate symptoms.
In fact, while medication for ADHD often improves attention and concentration, it typically does very little to help symptoms of disorganization, poor time management, forgetfulness, and procrastination—the very issues that cause the most problems for many adults with ADHD.
Medication for ADHD is more effective when combined with other treatments.
You will get much more out of your medication if you also take advantage of other treatments that address emotional and behavioral issues and teach you new coping skills.
Everyone responds differently to ADHD medication.
Some people experience dramatic improvement while others experience little to no relief. The side effects also differ from person to person and, for some, they far outweigh the benefits. Because everyone responds differently, finding the right medication and dose takes time.
ADHD medication should always be closely monitored.
Medication treatment for ADHD involves more than just taking a pill and forgetting about it. You and your doctor will need to monitor side effects, keep tabs on how you’re feeling, and adjust the dosage accordingly. When medication for ADHD is not carefully monitored, it becomes less effective and more risky.
If you choose to take medication for ADHD, that doesn’t mean you have to stay on it forever.
Although it isn’t safe to bounce off and on any drug repeatedly, you can safely decide to stop treating your ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) with medication if things aren’t going well. If you want to stop taking medication, be sure to let your doctor know your plans and work with them to taper off your medication slowly.
Treatment is not limited to medication.
Any action you take to manage your symptoms can be considered treatment. And while you may want to seek professional help along the way, ultimately, you are the one in charge. You don’t have to wait for a diagnosis or rely on professionals. There’s a lot you can do to help yourself—and you can start today.
Regular exercise is a powerful treatment for ADHD Along with Adderall
Exercising regularly is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce the symptoms of ADHD in adults and improve concentration, motivation, memory, and mood. Physical activity burns off extra energy that can lead to impulsivity. It also immediately boosts the brain’s dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levels—all of which affect focus and attention. In this way, exercise and medications for ADHD such as Ritalin and Adderall work similarly. But unlike ADHD medication, exercise doesn’t require a prescription and it’s side-effect free.
Try to exercise on most days.
You don’t have to go to the gym. A 30-minute walk four times a week is enough to provide benefits. Thirty minutes of activity every day is even better.
Pick something enjoyable, so you’ll stick with it.
Choose activities that play to your physical strengths or that you find challenging yet fun. Team sports can be a good choice because the social element keeps them interesting.
Get out into nature.
Studies show that spending time in nature can reduce the symptoms of ADHD. Double up on the benefits by combining “green time” with exercise. Try hiking, trail running, or walking in a local park or scenic area.
The importance of sleep in ADHD treatment
Trouble getting to sleep at night
Often because racing thoughts are keeping you up.
Restless sleep.
You may toss and turn throughout the night, tear the covers off, and wake up at any little noise.
Difficulty waking up in the morning.
Waking up is a daily struggle. You may sleep through multiple alarms and feel groggy and irritable for hours after getting up.
Poor quality sleep makes the symptoms of ADHD worse, so getting on a regular sleep schedule is essential. Improving the quality of your sleep can make a big difference in your attention, focus, and mood.
What should I Avoid During taking Adderall.?
Foods that contain large amounts of citric acid and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) will prevent the absorption of both Adderall 30mg IR and XR into the body. Fruit juices high in vitamin C, soda drinks, and food with high levels of preservatives should be avoided an hour before and after taking Adderall 30mg.
What is equivalent to Adderall?
If Adderall 30mg is not right for you, your healthcare provider may recommend other prescription medications for ADHD, which can include: dexmethylphenidate (Focalin XR) lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin)
Adderall and Vyvanse are both effective in improving ADHD symptoms. Yet it’s hard to tell whether one of these drugs works better than the other. Few head-to-head studies have compared Adderall 30 mg and Vyvanse. It may come down to the fact that everyone reacts differently to medication.
A dose of the original form lasts about 4 hours in your body. The longer-acting form, called Adderall 30 mg can last 8 to 12 hours. This is because half the beads are fast-acting, and the others are slow-acting. Vyvanse is the brand name for lisdexamfetamine dimesylate
Is there a non-stimulant medication a person with ADHD can take With Adderall?
“Non-stimulant medications like these and others don’t have abuse potential. However, the downside is they typically take longer to work,” she says. “Amphetamines like Adderall begin to work within 30 minutes to an hour. Non-stimulants like Strattera can take 4 to 8 weeks to reach maximum effectiveness at the proper dose.”
Dr. Chatigny prefers a non-stimulant treatment regime for patients with ADHD, especially in adults, because central nervous stimulants like Adderall 30mg are controlled substances, meaning they’re regulated by the federal government because they have a high potential for abuse, addiction and physical dependence.