The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
ADHD in adults is treated by an array of medications, education, and skills training. Medication helps to improve concentration, focus and decrease impulsive behavior.
Stimulants increase levels of certain brain chemicals. These include dopamine and norepinephrine. They are controlled substances. Patients with glaucoma or advanced arteriosclerosis should not take them.
Stimulants
The most common ADHD treatment for adults is a form of drug called psychostimulant. It increases certain chemical levels in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. This helps control impulses and improve concentration. The stimulants are the first option that doctors typically recommend. However, they may not be appropriate for everyone since they could have some serious negative side effects, including insomnia or jitters.
Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed stimulant medicine for adults and children. It's available as tablets that release immediately (small doses taken two to three times a day) and modified-release tablets which are taken only in the morning and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate can cause a slight increase in heartbeat. This is controlled by taking a lower dose antidepressant called bupropion, also called Wellbutrin.
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera is a different stimulant medication that is used for ADHD. It increases the levels of norepinephrine in the brain which is a chemical responsible for transmitting messages between nerve cells. This helps to focus the mind and reduce the tendency to be impulsive. Sometimes, it's prescribed to people who suffer from ADHD symptoms or anxiety disorders.
It is important to keep in mind that medication cannot cure ADHD but they can help manage it. It may take a while to determine the appropriate dose and medication that will manage your symptoms and minimize side effects. adhd treatment medication may try different doses and medications to determine the one that is most effective for you.
Non-stimulants
If stimulants don't work for you or cause side negative effects, your physician may prescribe nonstimulant medication to manage your ADHD. Nonstimulant drugs include those that were developed specifically to treat ADHD and those that lower blood-pressure. These medications can be prescribed by doctors as a complement to stimulants, or they could be prescribed as a stand-alone medication.
This category includes guanfacine (Intuniv), and clonidine (Kapvay). These are alpha-2 receptor blockers which slow the nervous system down by blocking receptors. These drugs are beneficial for people with tics. Tics are rapid, repetitive movements or sounds like eye blinking or a throat clearing. Guanfacine and clonidine can also be used to treat anxiety and depression, which are frequently associated with ADHD in adults.
The side effects of these medications might include stomach upset headaches, stomach upset or an increase in heart rate. The increased heart rate could be a problem for some adults, particularly those suffering from heart disease. These medicines can also cause an appetite reduction. They can also trigger slowing growth in children, but it does not affect the final height.
Speak to your doctor If you have any questions or concerns regarding the medication. You can always ask your physician to alter the dose or switch medications if required. It's also important to tell your doctor about any other health issues you suffer from, as the medication could interact with them. If you suffer from an ongoing condition, such as asthma or high blood pressure, your doctor may require adjusting the dosage of other medications.