The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
ADHD in adults is treated with the use of medication, education, and skills training. Medication helps to improve focus, concentration and reduce impulsive behaviour.
Stimulants boost levels of certain brain chemicals. Dopamine and norepinephrine comprise two of them. They are controlled substances. adhd uk medication should not be taken by people with glaucoma, or arteriosclerosis.
Stimulants
The most popular ADHD medication for adults is a substance known as a stimulant. It is a way to increase certain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain. This helps improve the ability to focus and control impulses. Stimulants are the first treatment that doctors generally recommend. However, they might not be appropriate for everyone since they could cause serious negative side effects, including problems sleeping or jitters.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant drug that is prescribed to children and adults is the most commonly prescribed. It is available as immediate-release tablets which are small doses taken two to three times per day. Modified-release tablets, that are taken in the morning, with the dose is released throughout the day can also be taken. Methylphenidate could cause a slight increase in heartbeat. This is managed by taking a low dose antidepressant known as bupropion, also called Wellbutrin.
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is another stimulant medicine that can be used to treat ADHD. It increases the amount of a chemical in the brain called norepinephrine that transmits messages between nerve cells. This can help focus the mind and reduce the impulsivity. It's also often given to those suffering from anxiety disorders who have coexisting ADHD symptoms.
It's important to keep in mind that medication cannot cure ADHD and only help manage it. It could take time to find the right medication and dose to control your symptoms with the least side negative effects. Your doctor might suggest different doses and medications to determine the one that is most effective for you.
Nonstimulants
If stimulants don't work for you or cause bad adverse effects, your doctor may prescribe nonstimulant medications to help control your ADHD. Nonstimulant medicines include those created specifically to treat ADHD and those that lower blood-pressure. These medications can be prescribed by doctors as a supplement to stimulants, or they could be prescribed alone.
The medicines in this category include Guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay). These are alpha-2 receptor blockers which slow the nervous system down by blocking receptors. These medications can be helpful for those with 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 reduce depression and anxiety, which are often found together with ADHD in adults.
Side effects of these medications might include stomach upset, headaches and an increased heart rate. The increased heart rate could be a problem for some adults, especially those with cardiovascular problems. These medications can also trigger an increase in appetite. They can also trigger a slowing of growth in children, but this does not affect the final height.
Consult 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 adjust the dosage. 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 adjust your dosage.