adhd medication ritalin For Adults
A combination of education, medication and skills training is the most common treatment for ADHD for adults. The medication helps improve focus, concentration and decrease impulsive behavior.
Stimulants increase levels of certain brain chemicals. Dopamine and norepinephrine comprise two of them. They are controlled substances. They should not be consumed by people with glaucoma, or arteriosclerosis.
Stimulants
The most commonly used ADHD medication used by adults is a drug called stimulant. It works by increasing certain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain. This helps control impulses and improve concentration. The majority of doctors recommend stimulants as the initial method of treatment. However, they may not be right for everyone since they could cause serious adverse effects, like insomnia or jitters.
Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed stimulant medicine for adults and children. It is available in immediate-release tablets (small doses that are taken between 2 and 3 times a day) and modified-release tablets which are taken only in the morning with the dose being released throughout the day. Methylphenidate can cause an increase in heart rate. This can be managed by taking a low dose antidepressant called bupropion, also called Wellbutrin.
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a different stimulant medication that can be used to treat ADHD. It increases the amount of a chemical that is present in the brain known as norepinephrine which passes messages between nerve cells. This can help focus the mind and decrease the tendency to be impulsive. Sometimes, it's prescribed to people who suffer from ADHD symptoms and anxiety disorders.
It is important to remember that medications don't cure ADHD and only help manage it. It can take some time to find the right dosage and medication that will manage your symptoms while minimizing side effects. Your doctor may try different dosages and medications to determine which one is most effective for you.
Nonstimulants
If stimulants don't work for you or cause negative side effects, your doctor might prescribe nonstimulant medicines to help control your ADHD. There are several types of nonstimulant medications which include those specifically designed to treat ADHD and those that help lower blood pressure. These medications are prescribed by doctors as a supplement to stimulants, or can be prescribed as a stand-alone medication.
Medications in this group include guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay). These are alpha-2 receptor blockers, which slow the nervous system down by blocking receptors. These medications are helpful for those who suffer from tics. Tics are sudden, repetitive movements, or sounds, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. Guanfacine or clonidine may also be used to treat depression and anxiety in adults with ADHD.
These medications can cause stomach upset, headaches, or an increased pulse rate. The increased heart rate can be a concern for certain adults, especially those with heart problems. These medications can also lead to an appetite reduction. They can also cause slowing growth in children, but this doesn't affect final height.
Speak to your doctor for any questions or concerns about the medication. If needed you are able to ask your doctor to switch medications or alter the dosage. Tell your doctor if you have any other health problems and medications that may interact with them. If you have a chronic condition such as asthma or high blood pressure, your doctor might require adjusting the dosage of your other medications.