The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
A combination of education, medication and skills training is the standard treatment for ADHD in adults. Medication improves concentration, focus and decreases impulsive behavior.
Stimulants increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Dopamine and norepinephrine comprise two of them. They are controlled substances. Patients with glaucoma or advanced arteriosclerosis should not use them.
Stimulants
The most commonly used ADHD medication for adults is a form of drug called a psychostimulant. It helps by increasing certain chemical like dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain. This helps improve attention and control impulses. The majority of doctors recommend stimulants as the first method of treatment. They might not be suitable for everyone, since they can cause serious side effects like jitters or trouble sleeping.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant drug that is prescribed to both children and adults is the most popular. It is available in immediate-release tablets, which are small doses that are taken between two and three times per day. Modified-release tablets, that are taken one morning and the dose is released throughout the day, can also be taken. Methylphenidate may cause an increase in heart rate. This is controlled by taking a lower dose antidepressant called bupropion. It's also known as Wellbutrin.
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is another stimulant medicine that can be used to treat ADHD. It boosts the amount of norepinephrine in the brain which is a chemical responsible for transmitting messages between nerve cells. This helps to focus the mind and decrease the impulsivity. Sometimes it's given to people who suffer from ADHD symptoms and anxiety disorders.
It's important to remember that medications don't cure ADHD and only help to manage it. Suggested Studying could take time to determine the best medication and dose to control your symptoms with the fewest adverse side consequences. Your doctor may suggest a few different dosages and medications to determine what works best for you.
Non-stimulants
If stimulants aren't working for you or have negative side effects, your doctor might prescribe nonstimulant medicines to help control your ADHD. Nonstimulant drugs include those that were developed specifically to treat ADHD and also those that lower blood-pressure. Doctors might add these to stimulants or prescribe them alone.
The medicines in this category include the guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay). These medications belong to a class of drugs called alpha-2 agonists, which slow down the nervous system by blocking receptors. These medications can be helpful for people suffering from ADHD who have tics, which are sudden, repetitive motions or sounds such as eye blinking or clearing of the throat. Guanfacine and clonidine can also be used to treat anxiety and depression, which are often associated with ADHD in adults.
These medications can cause stomach upset, headaches or an increased heart rate. Some adults, particularly those who suffer from cardiovascular problems might be concerned about the increased heart rate. These medicines can also lead to an appetite reduction. These medications can also slow down growth in children. This isn't a problem for the final height.
Talk to your doctor about any concerns or questions you have regarding the medication. You can always ask your doctor to alter the dosage or switch medications if necessary. It is also essential to inform your doctor about any other health conditions you have, as the medication may interact with some of them. If you suffer from a chronic illness like high blood pressure or asthma your doctor may need to alter the dosage of your medication.
