The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
A combination of medication, education and skills training is the most common treatment for ADHD in adults. The medication helps improve concentration, focus and reduce impulsive behaviour.
Stimulants increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Dopamine and norepinephrine are two of them. They are controlled substances. Patients with glaucoma or advanced arteriosclerosis should not take them.
Stimulants
The most common ADHD medication for adults is a form of drug known as psychostimulant. It works by increasing certain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain. This helps to control impulses and improve attention. Stimulants are the first treatment most doctors recommend. They may not be appropriate for everyone, since they can trigger serious side effects like insomnia or jitters.
Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed stimulant medicine for children and adults. treating adhd without medication is available as immediate-release tablets which are small doses taken two to three times a day. Modified-release tablets, which are taken one morning and the dose is released throughout the day can also be taken. Methylphenidate can cause a small increase in heart rate, which can be managed by taking a low dose of an antidepressant drug known as bupropion (Wellbutrin) in conjunction with it.
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a different stimulant medicine that can be used to treat ADHD. It increases the quantity of a substance in the brain called norepinephrine, which transmits messages between nerve cells. This helps to focus the mind and decrease impulsivity. It's also offered to those with anxiety disorders that have coexisting ADHD symptoms.
It's important to remember that medications do not cure ADHD but they can help manage it. It can take some time to determine the appropriate dose and medication to control your symptoms, while minimizing the side effects. Your doctor may try different dosages and medicines to find the one that best suits your needs.
Nonstimulants
If stimulants aren't working for you or have negative side effects, your physician might prescribe nonstimulant medicines to help you manage your ADHD. There are a variety of nonstimulant medicines such as those specifically designed to treat ADHD and those that reduce blood pressure. Doctors may add these medications to stimulants or prescribe them on their own.
The medications in this class include the guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay). These are alpha-2 receptor blockers, which slow the nervous system down by blocking receptors. These medications are beneficial for people suffering from ADHD who suffer from tics which are rapid, repetitive movements or sounds that resemble eye blinking or throat clearing. Clonidine or Guanfacine can be used to treat anxiety and depression in adults suffering from ADHD.
Side effects of these medications might include stomach upset headaches, stomach upset and an increased heart rate. The higher heart rate can be a concern for some adults, particularly those suffering from cardiovascular problems. These medicines can also result in an appetite reduction. how does medication for adhd work can also trigger slowing growth in children, which doesn't impact the height at the end of the day.
Discuss with your doctor any concerns or questions you have about the medication. If needed, you can always ask your doctor to switch medications or alter the dosage. It's also important to tell your doctor about any other health issues you suffer from, as the medication may interfere with certain of them. If you have an illness that is chronic like asthma or high blood pressure, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage.