The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
ADHD in adults is treated with a combination of medication, education, and skills training. The medication improves focus, concentration and decreases impulse-driven behavior.
Stimulants increase levels of certain brain chemicals. These include norepinephrine and dopamine. They are controlled substances. People with glaucoma or advanced arteriosclerosis should not use them.
Stimulants
The most common ADHD medication for adults is a substance known as a stimulant. It increases certain chemicals in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. This can improve the ability to focus and control impulses. Stimulants are the first treatment that doctors generally recommend. However, they might not be suitable for everyone since they could have serious adverse effects, like insomnia or jitters.
Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed stimulant medicine for adults and children. It is available as immediate-release tablets which are small doses that are taken between two and three times a day. Modified-release tablets that are taken in the morning, with the dose released throughout that day are also available. Methylphenidate is known to cause a slight increase in heart rate which can be controlled by taking a small dose of an antidepressant medicine called bupropion (Wellbutrin) along with it.
Atomoxetine also referred to as Strattera is a stimulant medication that can be employed to treat ADHD. It boosts the amount of norepinephrine within the brain, a chemical that transmits messages between nerve cells. adhd medication names helps to focus the mind and decrease the impulsivity. It is often prescribed to those who suffer from ADHD symptoms and anxiety disorders.
It is important to remember that medications don't cure ADHD and only help manage it. It may take a while to determine the appropriate dose and medication to manage your symptoms while minimizing side effects. Your doctor may suggest several different medications and doses to see which one is the most effective for you.
Non-stimulants
If stimulants do not work for you or cause adverse negative effects, your physician may prescribe nonstimulant medication to manage your ADHD. There are a variety of nonstimulant medications such as those created specifically to treat ADHD and those that lower blood pressure. These medications can be prescribed by doctors as a complement to stimulants, or they could be prescribed as a stand-alone medication.
This category includes guanfacine (Intuniv), and clonidine (Kapvay). These are part of the class of drugs known as alpha-2 agonists. They slow down the nervous system by blocking receptors. These medications are helpful for people who have tics. Tics are rapid, repetitive movements or sounds like eye blinking or a throat clearing. Clonidine and Guanfacine can be used to reduce depression and anxiety, which are often associated with ADHD in adults.
These medications can cause stomach upset, headaches, or an increased heart rate. Certain adults, especially those who suffer from cardiovascular problems are likely to be concerned about the increase in heart rate. These medications can also trigger a decrease in appetite. These medications can also slow growth in children. This does not affect the final height.
Talk to your doctor about any concerns or questions you have about the medication. You can always ask your physician to change the dose or switch medications if needed. Tell your doctor if you suffer from any other health issues or medical conditions, as certain medications could interact with them. If you have an ongoing health issue like asthma or high blood pressure, your doctor might have to alter the dosage of your other medicines.