The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
A combination of medication, education and skills training is the preferred treatment for ADHD for adults. Medication helps to improve concentration, focus and reduce impulsive behaviour.
The effects of stimulants increase the levels of certain brain chemicals. Dopamine and norepinephrine are two of them. They are controlled substances. They should not be used by those suffering from glaucoma or arteriosclerosis.
Stimulants
The most common ADHD treatment for adults is a type 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. Stimulants are the first treatment most doctors recommend. They may not be suitable for everyone as they can cause serious side effects, such as jitters or trouble sleeping.
Learn Additional is the most frequently prescribed stimulant medication for children and adults. It is available in immediate-release tablets (small doses taken two to three times a day) and modified-release tablets which are taken once in the morning and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate can cause a slight increase in heartbeat. This is managed by taking a low dose antidepressant called bupropion. It's also known as Wellbutrin.
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is another stimulant drug that can be used to treat ADHD. It increases the amount of a chemical that is present in the brain known as norepinephrine that transmits messages between nerve cells. This helps to focus the mind and decrease the tendency to be impulsive. It's also often given to people with anxiety disorders who have coexisting ADHD symptoms.
It is crucial to remember that medication cannot cure ADHD but they can help manage it. Learn Additional can take some time to find the right dosage and medication that will manage your symptoms and minimize side effects. Your doctor might suggest different doses and medications to determine the one that works best for you.
Non-stimulants
If stimulants do not work for you or cause adverse effects, your doctor may prescribe nonstimulant medications to control your ADHD. Nonstimulant drugs include those that were developed specifically to treat ADHD as well as ones that lower blood pressure. These medications can be prescribed by doctors as a supplement to stimulants, or can be prescribed alone.
This category includes guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay). These are alpha-2 receptor blockers, which slow down the nervous system by blocking receptors. These drugs are beneficial for those who suffer from tics. Tics are sudden, repetitive movements, or sounds, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. Guanfacine and clonidine can also be used to reduce depression and anxiety, which are often found together with ADHD in adults.
These medications can cause headaches, stomach upset or an increase in the rate of your pulse. Some adults, particularly those who have cardiovascular issues are likely to be worried about the increased heart rate. These medicines can also result in an increase in appetite. They can also trigger slowing growth in children, which doesn't impact the final height.
Speak to your doctor If you have any questions or concerns about the medication. If needed 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 conditions you have, as the medication may interact with them. If you have an ongoing health issue like asthma or high blood pressure, your doctor might require adjusting the dosage of other medications.