The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
A combination of education, medication and skills training is the preferred treatment for ADHD for adults. Medication helps to improve concentration, focus and reduce impulsive behavior.
Stimulants boost levels of certain brain chemicals. Dopamine and norepinephrine comprise two of them. They are controlled substances. Patients with glaucoma or advanced arteriosclerosis shouldn't take them.
Stimulants
The most commonly used ADHD medication for adults is a type of drug called psychostimulant. It is a way to increase certain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain. This helps control impulses and improve the ability to focus. Stimulants are the first therapy that doctors generally recommend. However, they might not be right for everyone because they can cause serious side effects, such as insomnia or jitters.
Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed stimulant medicine for adults and children. It's available as immediate-release tablets (small doses taken two to three times a day) and modified-release tablets which are taken in the morning, with the dose released throughout the day. Methylphenidate is known to cause a slight increase in heart rate which can be managed by taking a lower dose of an antidepressant medicine known as bupropion (Wellbutrin) alongside it.
medication for autism and adhd (Strattera) is another stimulant medicine that can be used to treat ADHD. It increases the level of norepinephrine in the brain which is a chemical that transmits messages between nerve cells. This helps to concentrate the mind and lessen the frequency of impulses. Sometimes it's given to people with ADHD symptoms and anxiety disorders.
It is important to keep in mind that medications do not cure ADHD and only help manage it. It may take some time to find the right dosage and medication to manage your symptoms with the least side effects. Your doctor may suggest several different dosages and medications to determine which one is the most effective for you.
Nonstimulants
If stimulants don't work well for you or cause negative side effects, your doctor might prescribe nonstimulant medicines to help you manage your ADHD. Nonstimulant medicines include those created specifically for treating ADHD and those that reduce blood pressure. Doctors might add these to stimulants or use them as a stand-alone medication.
This group includes guanfacine, (Intuniv), and clonidine (Kapvay). These are alpha-2 receptor blockers which slow down the nervous system by blocking receptors. These medications are beneficial to people who have tics. Tics are rapid, repetitive movements or sounds, such as eye blinking or a throat clearing. Clonidine and Guanfacine can be used to decrease depression and anxiety, both of which are often associated with ADHD in adults.
These medications can cause headaches, stomach upset or an increased pulse rate. Certain adults, especially those who suffer from cardiovascular problems are likely to be concerned about the increased heart rate. These medicines can also result in an increase in appetite. These medicines can also slow the growth in children. This isn't a problem for the final height.
Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns or questions about the medication. If necessary you're able to ask your doctor to switch medications or alter the dosage. It's also important to tell your doctor about any other health conditions you suffer from, as the medication may interfere with certain of them. If you have chronic illnesses, such as high blood pressure or asthma Your doctor may have to alter the dosage of your medication.