The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
ADHD in adults is treated by a combination of medication education, as well as skills training. Medication improves concentration, focus and reduces impulse-driven behavior.
Stimulants increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Dopamine and norepinephrine are two of them. They are controlled substances. People with glaucoma or advanced arteriosclerosis should not use them.
Stimulants
The most commonly used ADHD medication used by adults is a substance known as a stimulant. It increases certain chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. This helps improve attention and control impulses. The majority of doctors recommend stimulants as the first method of treatment. They may not be appropriate for everyone, since they can cause serious side effects like anxiety or jitters.
Methylphenidate, a stimulant medication that is prescribed to both adults and children, is the most common. It is available as immediate-release tablets, which are small doses taken 2 to 3 times per day. Modified-release tablets, which 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 controlled by taking a lower dose of an antidepressant medicine known as bupropion (Wellbutrin) along with it.
add adhd medications is also known as Strattera, is another stimulant medication that is used for ADHD. It increases the levels of norepinephrine within the brain which is a chemical that transmits messages between nerve cells. This helps to concentrate the mind and lessen the frequency of impulses. It is often prescribed to those who have ADHD symptoms and anxiety disorders.
It's important to remember that medications don't cure ADHD; they only manage it. It can take a while to find the right medication and dose to control your symptoms with the least adverse negative effects. Your doctor might try a variety of dosages and medications to determine what 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 manage your ADHD. Nonstimulant medications include those designed specifically for treating ADHD and also those that lower blood-pressure. These medications can be prescribed by doctors as a supplement to stimulants, or they can be prescribed as a stand-alone medication.
The medicines in this category include guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay). These medications belong to a class of drugs called alpha-2 agonists. They slow down the nervous system by blocking receptors. These medications can be helpful for those with ADHD who have tics which are rapid, repetitive movements or sounds that resemble eye blinking or throat clearing. Clonidine or Guanfacine can be used to treat depression and anxiety for adults with ADHD.
Side effects of these medications can include stomach upsets headaches, stomach upsets and an increased heart rate. Some adults, particularly those with cardiovascular issues might be worried about the increased heart rate. These medicines can also result in a reduction in appetite. They may also cause slowing growth in children, which doesn't affect height at the end of the day.
Talk to your doctor for any concerns or questions about the medication. If you are required, you can always request your doctor to switch medications or change the dosage. Tell your doctor if you have any other health problems and medications that may interact with them. If you have an ongoing condition, such as asthma or high blood pressure, your doctor might need to adjust the dosage of other medications.