The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
A combination of medication, education and skills training is the preferred treatment for ADHD for adults. The medication improves focus, concentration and decreases impulsive behavior.
Stimulants boost levels of certain brain chemicals. They include norepinephrine and dopamine. They are controlled substances. Patients with glaucoma or advanced arteriosclerosis should not take them.
Stimulants
The most commonly used ADHD medication for adults is a drug called stimulant. It helps by increasing certain chemical like dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This helps control impulses and improve the ability to focus. Stimulants are the first therapy that doctors generally recommend. However, they may not be right for everyone since they could have some serious adverse effects, like problems sleeping or jitters.
Methylphenidate is the most commonly 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 a day. Modified-release tablets, which are taken one morning and the dose released throughout that day can also be taken. Methylphenidate may cause a slight increase in heartbeat. This is controlled by taking a low dose antidepressant called bupropion. It's also known as Wellbutrin.
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a different stimulant medicine that can be used to treat ADHD. It increases the level of norepinephrine inside the brain which is a chemical that transmits messages between nerve cells. This can help to focus the mind and lessen the frequency of impulses. It is often prescribed to those who have ADHD symptoms or anxiety disorders.
It is important to keep in mind that medications can't cure ADHD, they only manage it. Iampsychiatry may take a while to determine the appropriate dose and medication that will manage your symptoms, while minimizing the adverse effects. Your doctor might try a variety of medications and doses to see what is most effective for you.
Non-stimulants
If stimulants don't work well for you or have negative side effects, your doctor might prescribe nonstimulant drugs to help manage your ADHD. Nonstimulant medications include those designed specifically to treat ADHD and also ones that lower blood pressure. These medications are prescribed by doctors as a supplement to stimulants, or they could be prescribed as a stand-alone medication.
The medicines in this category include the guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay). These drugs belong to a class of medications known as alpha-2 agonists, which slow down the nervous system by blocking receptors. These drugs are beneficial for people who have tics. Tics are frequent, erratic movements, or sounds such as eye blinking or throat clearing. Clonidine and guanfacine can be used to treat anxiety and depression, which are often associated with ADHD in adults.
The side effects of these medications can include stomach upsets headaches, stomach upsets, or an increased heart rate. The increased heart rate could be a concern for certain adults, particularly those suffering from cardiovascular problems. These medicines can also lead to an increase in appetite. These medicines can also slow the growth in children. This doesn't affect the final height.
Consult your doctor for any questions or concerns about the medication. If necessary you're able to ask your doctor to switch medications or alter the dosage. It's also important to tell your doctor about any other health conditions you have, since the medication may interact with some of them. If you have an ongoing condition, such as asthma or high blood pressure, your doctor might have to alter the dosage of your other medicines.