The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
A combination of medication, education and skills training is the preferred treatment for ADHD in adults. Medication helps to improve concentration, focus and reduce impulsive behaviour.
The effects of stimulants increase the levels of specific brain chemicals. These include dopamine and norepinephrine. They are controlled substances. People with glaucoma or advanced arteriosclerosis should not take them.
Stimulants
The most popular ADHD medication that adults use is a substance known as stimulant. It works by increasing certain chemicals, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, within the brain. This aids in controlling impulses and improving concentration. The majority of doctors recommend stimulants as the initial course of treatment. They may not be suitable for everyone, since they can trigger serious side effects like anxiety or jitters.
Methylphenidate, a stimulant medication that is prescribed to children and adults is the most commonly prescribed. It's available as immediate-release tablets (small doses that are taken between 2 and 3 times a day) and modified-release tablets which are taken only in the morning and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate could cause an increase in heart rate. This can be controlled by taking a lower dose antidepressant called bupropion, also known as Wellbutrin.
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera is a different stimulant medication that is employed to treat ADHD. It increases the levels of norepinephrine inside the brain which is a chemical that transmits messages between nerve cells. This can help focus the mind and decrease the tendency to be impulsive. It's also often offered to those with anxiety disorders that have coexisting ADHD symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that medication doesn't cure ADHD, they only manage it. It may take time to determine the appropriate dose and medication that will manage your symptoms while minimizing side effects. Your doctor may recommend a few different dosages and medications to determine what is most effective for you.
Non-stimulants
If stimulants don't work well for you or cause negative adverse effects, your doctor may prescribe nonstimulant medications to help manage your ADHD. There are a variety of nonstimulant medications which include those specifically designed to treat ADHD and those that lower blood pressure. Doctors might add these to stimulants or prescribe them on their own.
The medications in this class include the guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay). Iampsychiatry are alpha-2 receptor blockers, which slow the nervous system down by blocking receptors. These medications are beneficial for people with ADHD who have tics that are sudden, repetitive motions or sounds such as eye blinking or clearing of the throat. Guanfacine and clonidine can be used to treat depression and anxiety in adults with ADHD.
These medications can cause stomach upset, headaches or an increased heart rate. The higher heart rate can be a concern for some people, particularly those with heart problems. These medicines can also cause a decrease in appetite. These medications can also slow growth in children. This isn't a problem for the final height.
Talk to your doctor If you have any questions or concerns regarding the medication. If you are required you are able to request your doctor to switch medications or change the dosage. It's also important to tell your doctor about any other health issues you have, as the medication could interact with some of them. If you suffer from a chronic condition like asthma or high blood pressure, your doctor might require adjusting the dosage of your other medications.