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 impulse-driven behavior.
The effects of stimulants increase the levels of specific brain chemicals. Dopamine and norepinephrine comprise two of them. They are controlled substances. They should not be consumed by people with glaucoma, or arteriosclerosis.
Stimulants
The most commonly used ADHD medication for adults is a kind of drug known as a psychostimulant. It increases certain chemical levels in the brain, such as norepinephrine and dopamine. This helps control impulses and improve concentration. Stimulants are the first therapy that doctors typically recommend. However, they might not be appropriate for everyone because they can have serious negative side effects, including trouble sleeping or jitters.
Methylphenidate, a stimulant medication that is prescribed to both adults and children is the most popular. It's available as immediate-release tablets (small doses taken 2 to 3 times per day) and modified-release tablets which are taken only in the morning, with the dose released throughout the day. 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 medication that can be used to treat ADHD. It increases the level of norepinephrine in the brain which is a chemical that transmits messages between nerve cells. This can help to focus the mind and decrease the impulsivity. treating adhd without medication 's also often given to those suffering from anxiety disorders that are co-existing with ADHD symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that medication cannot cure ADHD but they can help manage it. It may take time to find the right dosage and medication that will manage your symptoms, while minimizing the adverse effects. Your doctor may suggest a few different dosages and medications to see what is most effective for you.
Nonstimulants
If stimulants don't work for you or cause adverse negative effects, your physician may prescribe nonstimulant drugs to treat your ADHD. Nonstimulant drugs include those that were developed specifically to treat ADHD as well as ones that lower blood pressure. These medications are prescribed by doctors as a complement to stimulants, or they can be prescribed alone.
Medications in this group include the guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay). These medications belong to the class of drugs 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 throat clearing. Guanfacine and clonidine can also be used to reduce anxiety and depression, which are often associated with ADHD in adults.
The side effects of these medications can include stomach upsets, headaches and an increased heart rate. Certain adults, especially those with cardiovascular issues are likely to be concerned about the increased heart rate. These medicines can also lead to an increase in appetite. They may also cause a slowing of growth in children, but it does not affect the final height.
Talk to your doctor about any concerns or questions you have about the medication. You can always ask your doctor to alter the dosage or switch medications if needed. It's also important to tell your doctor about any other health conditions you suffer from, as the medication may interfere with certain of them. If you suffer from an illness that is chronic like asthma or high blood pressure your doctor may need to adjust your dosage.