The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
A combination of education, medication and skills training is the standard treatment for ADHD in adults. Medication helps focus, concentration and decreases impulsive behavior.
Stimulants boost levels of certain brain chemicals. These include dopamine and norepinephrine. They are controlled substances. People suffering from glaucoma or arteriosclerosis shouldn't take them.
Stimulants
The most commonly used ADHD medication for adults is a kind of drug known as psychostimulant. It works by increasing certain chemicals, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain. This helps to control impulses and improve attention. The majority of doctors recommend stimulants as the first course of treatment. They may not be appropriate for everyone, since they can have serious side effects such as insomnia or jitters.
Methylphenidate, a stimulant medication that is prescribed to adults and children is the most popular. 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 is released throughout the day can also be taken. Methylphenidate may cause an increase in heart rate. This is controlled by taking a low dose antidepressant called bupropion. It's also known as Wellbutrin.
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is another stimulant medication that can be used to treat ADHD. uk adhd medication increases the amount of a chemical in the brain known as norepinephrine which passes messages between nerve cells. This can help to focus the mind and lessen the frequency of impulses. It's also often given to people with anxiety disorders who have coexisting ADHD symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that medications don't cure ADHD; they only manage it. It may take some time to find the right dosage and medication to manage your symptoms with the least adverse consequences. Your doctor could try different dosages and medicines to determine the one that best suits your needs.
Nonstimulants
If stimulants do not work for you or cause side effects, your doctor could prescribe nonstimulant drugs to treat your ADHD. Nonstimulant drugs include those that were developed specifically to treat ADHD as well as those that reduce blood pressure. Doctors might add these to stimulants or prescribe them on their own.
This group includes guanfacine, (Intuniv), and clonidine (Kapvay). These medications are alpha-2 receptor blockers which slow down the nervous system by blocking receptors. These medications are beneficial to those who suffer from tics. Tics are rapid, repetitive movements or sounds like eye blinking or throat clearing. Clonidine and guanfacine can be used to decrease depression and anxiety, which are often found together with ADHD in adults.
These medications can cause stomach upset, headaches or an increase in the rate of your pulse. The increased heart rate could be a problem for some adults, particularly those suffering from heart problems. These medications can also cause a decrease in appetite. These medications can also slow the growth in children. This isn't a problem for the final height.
Discuss with your doctor any concerns or questions you have about the medication. If you are required you are able to ask your doctor to switch medications or alter the dosage. Inform your doctor if suffer from any other health issues, as some medications may interact with them. If you suffer from a chronic illness, such as high blood pressure or asthma, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage.