The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
ADHD in adults is treated by a combination of medication and education as well as skill training. The medication helps increase focus, concentration and decrease impulsive behavior.
Stimulants increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Dopamine and norepinephrine are two of them. They are controlled substances. They should not be used by people with glaucoma, or arteriosclerosis.
Stimulants
The most common ADHD medication that adults use is a medication known as stimulant. It increases certain chemicals in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. This helps improve attention and control impulses. Stimulants are the first treatment that doctors generally recommend. They may not be appropriate for everyone, since they can have serious side effects such as jitters or trouble sleeping.
Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed stimulant medication for children and adults. It is available as immediate-release tablets, which are small doses that are taken between two and three times per day. Modified-release tablets, which are taken one morning and the dose released throughout that day can also be taken. Methylphenidate is known to cause a slight increase in heart rate which can be controlled by taking a lower dose of an antidepressant medication called bupropion (Wellbutrin) alongside it.
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a different stimulant drug that can be used to treat ADHD. It increases the amount of a chemical that is present in the brain called norepinephrine, which passes messages between nerve cells. adhd no medication can help focus the mind and reduce impulses. It is often prescribed to those with ADHD symptoms or anxiety disorders.
It's important to remember that medications don't cure ADHD and only help to manage it. It can take some time to find the right dosage and medication that will manage your symptoms while minimizing adverse effects. Your doctor might suggest different doses and medications to determine the one that is most effective for you.
Nonstimulants
If stimulants aren't working for you or cause negative adverse effects, your doctor might prescribe nonstimulant drugs to help control your ADHD. There are a variety of nonstimulant medicines such as those created specifically to treat ADHD and those that lower blood pressure. Doctors may add these medications to stimulants or use them as a stand-alone medication.
The medications in this class include the guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay). These are part of a class of medications known as alpha-2 agonists. These drugs slow down the nervous system by blocking receptors. These medications are helpful for people with tics. Tics are rapid, repetitive movements or sounds like eye blinking or a throat clearing. Clonidine and guanfacine can be used to reduce anxiety and depression, which are often found together with ADHD in adults.
These medications can cause stomach upset, headaches, or an increased heart rate. Certain adults, especially those who have cardiovascular issues are likely to be concerned about the increase in heart rate. These medications can also cause an increase in appetite. They may also cause a slowing of growth in children, but this does not affect the final height.
Talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns you have regarding the medication. If necessary, you can always ask your physician to switch medications or alter the dosage. Tell your doctor if you suffer from any other health issues, as some medications may interact with them. If you suffer from an illness that is chronic, such as asthma or high blood pressure your doctor may need to adjust your dosage.