The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
ADHD in adults is treated by the use of medication, education, and skills training. The medication helps increase focus, concentration and reduce impulsive behaviour.
The effects of stimulants increase the levels of certain brain chemicals. Dopamine and norepinephrine comprise two of them. They are controlled substances. Patients with glaucoma or advanced arteriosclerosis should not take them.
Stimulants
The most common ADHD medication for adults is a type of drug known as a psychostimulant. It increases certain chemicals in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. This improves attention and control impulses. Most doctors suggest stimulants as the first treatment. However, they might not be suitable for everyone because they can have some serious adverse effects, like problems sleeping or jitters.
Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed stimulant medication for children and adults. It's available as tablets that release immediately (small doses that are taken between 2 and 3 times per day) and modified-release tablets which are taken only in the morning with the dose being released throughout the day. Methylphenidate is known to cause a slight increase in heart rate, which can be controlled by taking a small dose of an antidepressant drug known as bupropion (Wellbutrin) alongside it.
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is another stimulant medicine that can be used to treat ADHD. It increases the level of norepinephrine in the brain, a chemical that transmits messages between nerve cells. This can help to focus the mind and decrease the impulsivity. It's also given to those suffering from anxiety disorders that are co-existing with ADHD symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind that medications do not cure ADHD; they only manage it. It may take time to find the right dosage and medication to control your symptoms and minimize adverse effects. Your doctor might try a few different medications and doses to see what works best for you.
Nonstimulants
If stimulants don't work for you or cause adverse effects, your doctor could prescribe nonstimulant medications to control your ADHD. Nonstimulant drugs include those that were developed specifically for treating ADHD as well as those that lower blood-pressure. These medications are prescribed by doctors as a supplement to stimulants, or can be prescribed on their own.
The medicines in this category include the guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay). These medications belong to the class of drugs known as alpha-2 agonists. They slow down the nervous system by blocking receptors. These medications are beneficial for people suffering from ADHD who have tics, which are sudden, repetitive motions or sounds such as 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.
These medications can cause stomach upset, headaches, or an increase in the rate of your pulse. Some adults, particularly those who suffer from cardiovascular problems might be concerned about the increased heart rate. These medications can also cause a decrease in appetite. These medications can also slow the growth in children. This doesn't affect the final height.
Talk to your doctor about any concerns or questions you have about the medication. If necessary, you can always ask your physician to switch medications or alter the dosage. It's also important to inform your doctor about any other health issues you suffer from, as the medication could interact with them. If adhd medication uk for adults have an ongoing health issue like asthma or high blood pressure, your doctor could have to alter the dosage of your other medications.