The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
A combination of medication, education and skills training is the preferred treatment for ADHD in adults. Medication helps focus, concentration and reduces impulsive behavior.
Stimulants increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Dopamine and norepinephrine comprise two of them. They are controlled substances. People suffering from glaucoma or arteriosclerosis shouldn't take them.
Stimulants
The most common ADHD treatment for adults is a form of drug called a psychostimulant. It is a way to increase certain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This helps to control impulses and improve concentration. The stimulants are the first option most doctors recommend. They might not be suitable for everyone, since they can cause serious side effects like anxiety or jitters.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant medicine that is prescribed to both adults and children, is the most common. It is available in immediate-release tablets (small doses taken two to three times per day) and modified-release tablets which are taken only in the morning, with the dose released throughout the day. Methylphenidate may cause a slight increase in heart rate which can be controlled by taking a lower dose of an antidepressant drug called bupropion (Wellbutrin) alongside it.
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is another stimulant medication that can be used to treat ADHD. It increases the quantity of a substance in the brain called norepinephrine which passes messages between nerve cells. This can help focus the mind and reduce impulsivity. Sometimes it's given to people who suffer from ADHD symptoms and anxiety disorders.
It is important to keep in mind that medication doesn't cure ADHD and only help to manage it. It could take time to find the right medication and dose to control your symptoms with the fewest adverse consequences. Your doctor could try different dosages and medications to determine which one works best for you.
Nonstimulants
If stimulants aren't working for you or cause bad side effects, your doctor might prescribe nonstimulant medicines to help you manage your ADHD. There are a variety of nonstimulant drugs, including those that were specifically designed to treat ADHD and those that lower blood pressure. These medications are prescribed by doctors as a complement to stimulants, or they could be prescribed on their own.
The medicines in this category include Guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay). These drugs belong to a class of drugs called alpha-2 agonists. They slow down the nervous system by blocking receptors. These medications are helpful for people who have tics. Tics are frequent, erratic movements, or sounds such as eye blinking or throat clearing. adhd uk medication and clonidine can also be used to treat depression and anxiety, both of which are often found together with ADHD in adults.
Side effects of these medications can include stomach upsets headaches, stomach upsets, or an increased heart rate. Certain adults, especially those who have cardiovascular issues are likely to be concerned about the increased heart rate. These medicines can also cause an increase in appetite. They may also cause a slowing of growth in children, which does not affect the height at the end of the day.
Talk to your doctor If you have any questions or concerns regarding the medication. If necessary you are able to ask your doctor to switch medications or adjust the dosage. It is also essential to inform your doctor about any other health issues you have, since the medication could interact with some of them. If you suffer from an ongoing condition such as asthma or high blood pressure, your doctor could require adjusting the dosage of your other medicines.