The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
ADHD in adults is treated by a combination of medication and education as well as skill training. The medication helps improve focus, concentration and reduce impulsive behaviour.
Stimulants increase levels of certain brain chemicals. These include norepinephrine and dopamine. They are controlled substances. They should not be taken by those suffering from glaucoma or arteriosclerosis.
Stimulants
The most common ADHD treatment for adults is a form of drug known as a psychostimulant. It works by increasing certain chemicals, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, within the brain. This improves the ability to focus and control impulses. Most doctors recommend stimulants as the first treatment. They might not be suitable for everyone, since they can trigger serious side effects, such as insomnia or jitters.
Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed stimulant medicine for children and adults. It is available as immediate-release tablets which are small doses taken two to three times a day. Modified-release tablets, that are taken in the morning and the dose released throughout that day, can also be taken. Methylphenidate may cause a slight increase in heart rate which can be managed by taking a low dose of an antidepressant medication called bupropion (Wellbutrin) alongside 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 that transmits messages between nerve cells. This helps to concentrate the mind and reduce impulses. It is often prescribed to those who have ADHD symptoms and anxiety disorders.
treating adhd without medication is important to keep in mind that medication cannot cure ADHD and only help manage it. It may take some time to determine the best dosage and medication that will manage your symptoms with the fewest side effects. Your doctor may try different dosages and medicines to determine which one best suits your needs.
Non-stimulants
If stimulants aren't working for you or cause negative side effects, your doctor might prescribe nonstimulant medicines to help manage your ADHD. There are many kinds of nonstimulant drugs which include those specifically designed to treat ADHD and those that help lower blood pressure. These medications are prescribed by doctors as a supplement to stimulants, or they can be prescribed on their own.
The medications in this class include Guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay). These medications are alpha-2 receptor blockers, which slow down the nervous system by blocking receptors. These medications are helpful for people with tics. Tics are rapid, repetitive movements or sounds such as eye blinking or a throat clearing. Clonidine or Guanfacine can be used to treat anxiety and depression in adults suffering from ADHD.
These medications can cause stomach upset, headaches or an increase in the rate of your pulse. Some adults, particularly those who suffer from cardiovascular problems, may be concerned about the increased heart rate. These medicines can also result in an appetite reduction. These medicines can also slow growth in children. This does not affect the final height.
Discuss with your doctor any concerns or questions you have regarding the medication. If you are required you're able to request your doctor to switch medications or alter the dosage. Tell your doctor if you have any other health problems or medical conditions, as certain medications could interact with them. If you suffer from an ongoing condition, such as asthma or high blood pressure, your doctor might require adjusting the dosage of your other medications.