The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
A combination of education, medication and skills training is the most common treatment for ADHD in adults. Medication improves concentration, focus and reduces impulse-driven behavior.
The effects of stimulants increase the levels of certain brain chemicals. These include norepinephrine and dopamine. They are controlled substances. People with glaucoma or advanced arteriosclerosis shouldn't take them.
Stimulants
The most common ADHD medication that adults use is a drug called a stimulant. It increases certain chemicals in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. This helps to control impulses and improve attention. The majority of doctors suggest stimulants as the first treatment. However, they might not be appropriate for everyone since they could have serious adverse effects, like trouble sleeping or jitters.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant drug that is prescribed to adults and children is the most commonly prescribed. It is available as immediate-release tablets that are tiny doses taken 2 to 3 times per day. Modified-release tablets, which are taken in the morning, with the dose released throughout that day, can also be taken. Methylphenidate can cause an increase in heart rate. This can be controlled by taking a lower dose antidepressant called bupropion, also called Wellbutrin.
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera is a stimulant medication that can be used to treat ADHD. It increases the level of norepinephrine within the brain which is a chemical responsible for transmitting messages between nerve cells. This can help focus the mind and reduce the impulsivity. Sometimes, it's prescribed to people who suffer from ADHD symptoms or anxiety disorders.
It's important to remember that medication doesn'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 effects. Your doctor might try a few different medications and doses to see what works best for you.
Nonstimulants
If stimulants aren't working for you or cause adverse effects, your doctor could prescribe nonstimulant drugs to treat your ADHD. Nonstimulant medicines include those created specifically for treating ADHD and those that reduce blood pressure. iampsychiatry.com can add these to stimulants or prescribe them alone.
The medicines in this category include guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay). These drugs belong to a class of medications known as alpha-2 agonists, which slow down the nervous system by blocking receptors. These drugs can be beneficial for people with ADHD who exhibit tics that are sudden repeated movements or sounds that resemble eye blinking or clearing of the throat. Clonidine and guanfacine can be used to treat anxiety and depression, which are often associated with ADHD in adults.
Some of the side effects of these drugs can include stomach upsets headaches, stomach upsets, or an increased heart rate. The increased heart rate can be a problem for some adults, particularly those suffering from heart disease. These medications can also cause an increase in appetite. These medicines can also slow the growth in children. This does not affect the final height.
Talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns you have regarding the medication. You can always ask your physician to alter the dose or switch medications if necessary. Tell your doctor if you have any other health problems and medications that may interact with them. If you suffer from an illness that is chronic, such as high blood pressure or asthma your doctor may need to alter your dosage.