The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
ADHD in adults is treated with the use of medication, education, and skills training. Medication helps focus, concentration and reduces impulse-driven behavior.
The effects of stimulants increase the levels of specific brain chemicals. These include norepinephrine and dopamine. They are controlled substances. They should not be consumed by people with glaucoma, or arteriosclerosis.
Stimulants
The most commonly used ADHD medication for adults is a type of drug known as psychostimulant. It increases certain chemicals in the brain, like norepinephrine and dopamine. This helps improve attention and control impulses. The majority of doctors recommend stimulants as the first treatment. They may not be suitable for everyone, as they can trigger serious side effects, such as anxiety or jitters.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant medicine that is prescribed to both adults and children is the most commonly prescribed. It's available as immediate-release tablets (small doses taken 2 to 3 times a day) and modified-release tablets that are taken only in the morning and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate may cause a slight increase in heartbeat. I Am Psychiatry is controlled by taking a lower dose antidepressant called bupropion, also called Wellbutrin.
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a different stimulant medicine that can be used to treat ADHD. It increases the level of norepinephrine in the brain which is a chemical responsible for transmitting messages between nerve cells. This can help focus the mind and reduce impulses. Sometimes, it's prescribed to people who suffer from ADHD symptoms or anxiety disorders.
It is important to keep in mind that medications don't cure ADHD, they only manage it. It can take a while to determine the best dosage and medication to manage your symptoms with the fewest side effects. Your doctor might suggest different dosages and medicines to find the one that works best for you.
Nonstimulants
If stimulants aren't working for you or cause side effects, your doctor could prescribe nonstimulant medication to manage your ADHD. Nonstimulant medicines include those created specifically to treat ADHD and also those that lower blood-pressure. These medications can be prescribed by doctors as a supplement to stimulants, or can be prescribed as a stand-alone medication.
This group includes guanfacine, (Intuniv), and clonidine (Kapvay). These medications are alpha-2 receptor blockers which slow down the nervous system by blocking receptors. These drugs are beneficial for people with tics. Tics are frequent, erratic movements, or sounds such as eye blinking or a throat clearing. Clonidine and Guanfacine can be used to reduce anxiety and depression, which are often associated with ADHD in adults.
Some of the side effects of these drugs can include stomach upsets, headaches or an increase in heart rate. Some adults, particularly those who suffer from cardiovascular problems, may be worried about the increased heart rate. These medications can also cause an increase in appetite. They can also trigger a slowing of growth in children, but it doesn't affect final height.
Talk to your doctor about any concerns or questions you have regarding the medication. If necessary you're able to ask your physician to switch medications or adjust the dosage. Inform your doctor if you suffer from any other health issues, as some medications may interact with them. If you suffer from a chronic illness, such as high blood pressure or asthma Your doctor may have to adjust your dosage.