The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
A combination of education, medication and skills training is the standard treatment for ADHD for adults. Medication helps focus, concentration and decreases impulsive behavior.
Stimulants boost levels of certain brain chemicals. Dopamine and norepinephrine are just two of them. They are controlled substances. Patients with glaucoma or advanced arteriosclerosis shouldn't take them.
Stimulants
The most popular ADHD medication that adults use is a drug called a stimulant. It works by increasing certain chemicals, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, within the brain. This improves the ability to focus and control impulses. uk adhd medication of doctors suggest stimulants as the first treatment. However, they may not be appropriate for everyone, as they may have some serious side effects, such as 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 a day) and modified-release tablets which are taken in the morning with the dose being released throughout the day. Methylphenidate can cause a small increase in heart rate, which can be managed by taking a lower dose of an antidepressant medicine known as bupropion (Wellbutrin) along with it.
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is another stimulant medication that can be used to treat ADHD. It increases the amount of a chemical in the brain called norepinephrine, which transmits messages between nerve cells. This can help focus the mind and lessen the frequency of impulses. It's also sometimes given to those suffering from anxiety disorders that are co-existing with ADHD symptoms.
It is important to remember that medications don't cure ADHD; they only manage it. It can take a while to find the right dosage and medication that will manage your symptoms with the fewest side effects. Your doctor may try different dosages and medicines to find the one that is most effective for you.
Nonstimulants
If stimulants don't work for you or cause adverse effects, your doctor could prescribe nonstimulant medication to manage your ADHD. Nonstimulant medications include those designed specifically to treat ADHD and those that lower blood-pressure. Doctors may add these medications to stimulants or prescribe them alone.
This group includes guanfacine, (Intuniv), and clonidine, (Kapvay). adhd uk medication are part of the class of drugs known as alpha-2 agonists. They slow down the nervous system by blocking receptors. These drugs can be beneficial for those with ADHD who exhibit tics, which are rapid repeated movements or sounds like eye blinking or throat clearing. Guanfacine and clonidine can also be used to decrease depression and anxiety, which are often associated with ADHD in adults.
Some of the side effects of these drugs could include stomach upset headaches, stomach upset, or an increased heart rate. Some adults, particularly those who suffer from cardiovascular problems are likely to be concerned about the increased heart rate. These medicines can also cause an increase in appetite. They may also cause an increase in growth rate in children, but it doesn't affect height at the end of the day.
Talk to your doctor about any concerns or questions you have regarding the medication. You can always ask your physician to change the dose or switch medications if necessary. Tell your doctor if you have any other health issues, as some medications may interact with them. If you have an ongoing health issue such as asthma or high blood pressure, your doctor could require adjusting the dosage of other medications.