The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
ADHD in adults is treated using a combination of medication and education as well as skill training. adhd without medication improves concentration, focus and decreases impulsive behavior.
Stimulants increase levels of certain brain chemicals. They include norepinephrine and dopamine. They are controlled substances. People suffering from glaucoma or arteriosclerosis should not use them.
Stimulants
The most popular ADHD medication that adults use is a substance known as a stimulant. It is a way to increase certain chemicals, such as dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This aids in controlling impulses and improving concentration. Stimulants are the first therapy that doctors typically recommend. However, they may not be suitable for everyone since they could cause serious adverse effects, like problems sleeping or jitters.
Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed stimulant medicine for children and adults. It is available as immediate-release tablets which are small doses taken 2 to 3 times a day. Modified-release tablets that are taken one morning and the dose released throughout that day, can also be taken. Methylphenidate is known to cause a slight increase in heart rate which can be managed by taking a low dose of an antidepressant drug called bupropion (Wellbutrin) along with it.
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is another stimulant medication that can be used to treat ADHD. It increases the amount of a chemical that is present in the brain called norepinephrine which passes messages between nerve cells. This helps to focus the mind and reduce impulsivity. It is often prescribed to those with ADHD symptoms or anxiety disorders.
It is crucial to keep in mind that medication cannot cure ADHD and only help manage it. It can take a while to determine the best dosage and medication that will manage your symptoms with the least adverse consequences. Your doctor might suggest different dosages and medications to find the one that is most effective for you.
Nonstimulants
If stimulants don't work for you or cause negative adverse effects, your doctor may prescribe nonstimulant medications to help you manage your ADHD. Nonstimulant drugs include those that were developed specifically for treating ADHD and also ones that lower blood pressure. These medications are prescribed by doctors as a supplement to stimulants, or can be prescribed on their own.
The medicines in this category include Guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay). These medications are alpha-2 receptor blockers which slow the nervous system down by blocking receptors. These medications can be helpful for people suffering from ADHD who exhibit tics that are rapid, repetitive motions or sounds such as eye blinking or clearing of the throat. Guanfacine and clonidine can be used to treat anxiety and depression in adults suffering from ADHD.
Some of the side effects of these drugs might include stomach upset headaches, stomach upsets or an increase in heart rate. The increased heart rate could be a concern for certain adults, especially those with heart disease. These medications can also cause an increase in appetite. These medications can also slow down growth in children. This isn't a problem for the final height.
Discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you have regarding the medication. If you are required, you can always ask your physician to switch medications or adjust the dosage. Inform your doctor if suffer from any other health issues and medications that may interact with them. If you suffer from an ongoing health issue like asthma or high blood pressure, your doctor could have to alter the dosage of your other medicines.