The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
A combination of medication, education and skills training is the standard treatment for ADHD for adults. The use of medication can improve focus, concentration and reduce impulsive behavior.
Stimulants boost levels of certain brain chemicals. These include norepinephrine and dopamine. They are controlled substances. People with glaucoma or advanced arteriosclerosis should not take them.
Stimulants
adhd medication for adults uk used ADHD medication for adults is a medication known as stimulant. It helps by increasing certain chemical, such as dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This helps improve attention and control impulses. The majority of doctors suggest stimulants as the first treatment. However, they might not be suitable for everyone since they could have some serious negative side effects, including insomnia or jitters.
Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed stimulant medicine for adults and children. It is available as immediate-release tablets which are small doses taken two to three times per day. Modified-release tablets, which are taken in the morning and the dose released throughout that day can also be taken. Methylphenidate may cause a slight increase in heart rate which can be managed by taking a small dose of an antidepressant drug known as bupropion (Wellbutrin) along with it.
Atomoxetine also referred to as Strattera, is another stimulant medication that is employed to treat ADHD. It increases the quantity of a substance in the brain called norepinephrine which passes messages between nerve cells. This can help to focus the mind and decrease the impulsivity. It's also sometimes given to people with anxiety disorders that are co-existing with ADHD symptoms.
It's important to keep in mind that medications don't cure ADHD and only help manage it. adhd medication adults uk may take time to determine the appropriate dose and medication that will manage your symptoms while minimizing adverse effects. Your doctor may suggest a few different dosages and medications to see which one is the most effective for you.
Non-stimulants
If stimulants don't work for you or cause adverse effects, your doctor may prescribe nonstimulant drugs to treat your ADHD. There are many kinds of nonstimulant medications which include those specifically designed to treat ADHD and those that reduce blood pressure. Doctors might add these to stimulants or use them as a stand-alone medication.
This category includes guanfacine (Intuniv), and clonidine (Kapvay). These drugs belong to a class of drugs called alpha-2 agonists, which slow down the nervous system by blocking receptors. These medications can be helpful for people with ADHD who exhibit tics that are sudden, repetitive motions or sounds such as eye blinking or clearing of the throat. Clonidine and guanfacine can be used to treat depression and anxiety, which are often found together with ADHD in adults.
These medications can cause stomach upset, headaches or an increased heart rate. The higher heart rate can be a concern for some people, particularly those with cardiovascular problems. These medicines can also cause an appetite reduction. They may also cause slowing growth in children, but this does not affect the height at the end of the day.
Discuss with your doctor any concerns or questions you have about the medication. If needed, you can always request your doctor to switch medications or alter the dosage. Inform your doctor if you suffer from any other health issues or medical conditions, as certain medications could interact with them. If you have an ongoing health issue such as asthma or high blood pressure, your doctor could need to adjust the dosage of other medications.