The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
A combination of medication, education and skills training is the standard treatment for ADHD for adults. Medication helps focus, concentration and decreases the risk of impulsive behavior.
Stimulants increase levels of certain brain chemicals. These include norepinephrine and dopamine. They are controlled substances. They should not be used by people with glaucoma, or arteriosclerosis.
Stimulants
I Am Psychiatry used by adults is a substance known as a stimulant. It helps by increasing certain chemical like dopamine and norepinephrine, within the brain. This improves concentration and control of impulses. The stimulants are the first option that doctors generally recommend. They may not be suitable for everyone as they can cause serious side effects, such as insomnia or jitters.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant medicine that is prescribed to both children and adults, is the most common. It's available as immediate-release tablets (small doses taken two to three times per day) and modified-release tablets that are taken once in the morning and released throughout the day. Methylphenidate could cause an increase in heart rate. This is managed by taking a low dose antidepressant called bupropion, also called Wellbutrin.
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is another stimulant drug that can be used to treat ADHD. It increases the quantity of a substance in the brain known as norepinephrine that transmits messages between nerve cells. This helps to focus the mind and reduce the tendency to be impulsive. Sometimes, it's prescribed to people who suffer from ADHD symptoms or anxiety disorders.
It's 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 adverse side negative effects. Your doctor may suggest a few different medications and doses to see what is most effective for you.
Non-stimulants
If stimulants don't work for you or cause adverse negative effects, your physician may prescribe nonstimulant medications to control your ADHD. There are many kinds of nonstimulant drugs which include those created specifically to treat ADHD and those that help lower blood pressure. Doctors may add these medications to stimulants or prescribe them on their own.
Medications in this group include Guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay). These medications are alpha-2 receptor blockers which slow down the nervous system by blocking receptors. These medications are helpful for people who have tics. Tics are frequent, erratic movements, or sounds, such as eye blinking or a throat clearing. Guanfacine and clonidine can be used to treat depression and anxiety for adults with ADHD.
These medications can cause stomach upset, headaches, or 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 cause an increase in appetite. They can also cause slowing growth in children, but it does not affect the final height.
Discuss with your doctor any concerns or questions you have regarding the medication. You can always ask your physician to change the dose or switch medications if necessary. Inform your doctor if suffer from any other health issues or medical conditions, as certain medications could interact with them. If you have an illness that is chronic like high blood pressure or asthma your doctor may need to adjust your dosage.