Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
Adults can be treated using a variety of drugs to treat ADHD. These include stimulants, non-stimulants and blood pressure medications.
Stimulants are often prescribed for ADHD. They are effective and safe. If used as directed they also pose a low abuse risk.
Long-acting stimulants are generally preferred. These are medicines like Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine patch) or Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
1. Stimulants
The first treatment that doctors choose to treat ADHD is stimulants. They boost the levels of certain brain chemicals and improve concentration, concentration, and control of impulses. Doctors most commonly prescribe medications that contain amphetamine or methylphenidate. They are available in immediate-release as well as long-acting formulations. The longer-acting drugs are able to help avoid the "crash" of energy that occurs when stimulants that work in a short-acting way are worn off. The kind of medication that is determined by their symptoms as well as the preferences of the doctor and other health conditions. It's normal to try several different medications before you find one that works for you.
A doctor will also take into consideration the medical history of a patient as well as family history. A doctor may prescribe nonstimulant medication in the event of a history of substance abuse or a heart condition. They do not have the same danger of abuse as stimulants, however they take longer to work and do not reduce impulsiveness.
Certain medications may interact with other medications, therefore it's essential to inform your doctor about any other medication you are taking. Antidepressants like atomoxetine, (Prozac) and bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban), increase the levels of brain chemicals called norepinephrine (dopamine) and dopamine (norepinephrine) and improve mood and concentration. Doctors prescribe these medications to people with ADHD who also suffer from depression or anxiety. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) are not commonly combined with stimulants due to the potential for serious side effects when used together.
A doctor can guide you through strategies for managing your ADHD, and other professionals can assist you to deal with the issues caused by your symptoms. For instance psychiatrists or psychologists can assist you in understanding why you have trouble at work and school and help you learn how to overcome those issues. Adults who suffer from ADHD may also benefit from support groups. Discuss with your doctor about support groups in your local area or online.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants, the most researched ADHD medication, can improve concentration and reduce impulsivity in many people. They're not the only choice. Some people might respond better to nonstimulant medication, and it's important to consult with your doctor to determine the appropriate dosage and medication for you or your child.
Nonstimulant medicines help by balancing and increasing neurotransmitters in the brain. They usually take longer to start working than stimulants, however they can help improve symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity for certain people. They are usually prescribed along together with stimulant medications to increase their effectiveness and decrease undesirable negative side negative effects.
Two antidepressants that are popular are used as nonstimulant medications for ADHD: Wellbutrin (also known as bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Both of these drugs increase levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine which can boost the quality of attention. They're also generally less habit-forming than stimulants and don't carry the same danger of abuse. Your doctor may prescribe atomoxetine, also known as Strattera, to treat ADHD. Atomoxetine is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in adults. It targets a specific neurotransmitter.
Another option is guanfacine or Intuniv. This blood pressure medication has a minor relaxing effect and can help improve concentration, but it's not as effective at reducing hyperactivity or impulsivity like lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate.
Keep in mind that every person's biochemistry is different and so are the medicines they take. The first drug you or your children try may not work and the one that does work for you or for your child may cause unpleasant adverse side effects. Finding the right medication requires patience and a lot of experimentation.
3. Antidepressants
Although stimulants are often prescribed to treat ADHD, they may not be the best option for all. Antidepressants may be beneficial for those who are unable to tolerate adverse effects of stimulants or who don't feel that the medication is effective for them.
Bupropion is also known as its brand name Wellbutrin or Zyban is an antidepressant that has been proven effective in treating adults suffering from ADHD. It targets two neurotransmitters -dopamine and norepinephrine that are found in the brain. It is also used to treat anxiety and depression. The doctor might prescribe it when you have ADHD symptoms are mild to moderate, or if you have a chance of consuming stimulants.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a long-acting prescription medicine that increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain to improve focus, concentration and control of impulse-driven behavior. It was the very first non-stimulant medication that was approved by the FDA to treat adult ADHD and is generally considered to be more efficient than amphetamines or methylphenidate for this type of condition.
Your doctor might also prescribe alprazolam, clonidine and guanfacine These are blood pressure medications that can reduce the activity of the sympathetic nervous system to slow down your heart rate and lower blood pressure. This is especially useful for those with ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a different treatment option that a few people with ADHD find to be an effective tool to manage their symptoms. CBT provides strategies to alter the way you think and act. This kind of treatment is typically done by a professional. best medication for adhd can also try supplements and diets, but consult your doctor first. In most cases, a combination between medication and therapy with skills training is most effective in treating ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medication
A few adults are diagnosed with ADHD after being diagnosed as children. Adults may find it difficult to manage their symptoms. This can impact their performance at work and social interactions. But medication, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes can help people with ADHD to focus, feel calmer and control their impulsive behaviors.
If stimulants don't work or cause unacceptable reactions, some adults attempt to take medication that is typically used to treat high blood pressure. These medicines are called alpha-2 agonists. They include Clonidine (Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Intuniv). They can have a positive effect on mood and aid in concentration and control of impulses.
These medications also aid with depression, anxiety, and feelings of aggression. Doctors have been prescribing them "off-label" for ADHD for years, but they are now available in tablets with a long-acting mechanism that are FDA-approved for the condition. They can help alleviate symptoms for up to 12 hours.
Bupropion is another drug that is prescribed for ADHD. It is also known under the brand names Wellbutrin or Zyban. It is an atypical antidepressant that works as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor, increasing levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain. It has also been shown to decrease insomnia and agitation in patients with bipolar disorder.
These non-stimulant ADHD medications have lower risks of addiction and abuse than stimulants but they're not for all people. Adults may have to try a few different medications before they can find one that works best for them. They aren't an effective treatment for ADHD and therefore, a person must continue taking them to stop the symptoms from returning. Your GP will be able to monitor the effectiveness of your medication as well as your symptoms.
5. Other medications
The medications used to manage ADHD can improve a person’s ability to concentrate, control impulses, and complete tasks. However, they're not a panacea for all symptoms, and they frequently cause adverse effects that must be controlled. Some of these side effects can be mild, but others could be more severe. A lot of these medications can cause sleep issues, headaches and loss of appetite. If the side effects are severe, a doctor may increase or alter a medication's dosage or try another.
Other medications, such as viloxazine and atomoxetine, can be used to treat certain types of ADHD. These are in the class of antidepressants called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors which differ from stimulants in that they do not impact dopamine, but increase norepinephrine. These drugs are more effective in enhancing attention than stimulants, yet they do not cause hyperactivity. They can also reduce appetite and cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxide inhibitors are a second class of medication that has been shown to be effective for certain people suffering from ADHD. These are antidepressants that stop the breakdown of dopamine and other brain chemicals. Examples include phenelzine, the tranylcypromine and Venlafaxine. They are less likely than other antidepressants to cause adverse reactions such as insomnia and appetite suppression.
Psychological counseling is also available to people with ADHD. CBT is also referred to as cognitive behavior therapy and involves working with a therapist to learn skills that will aid in managing ADHD. It can be beneficial for family members and friends who have to deal with someone who has ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD can also find support groups on the Internet and in their communities that can offer strategies for dealing with the disorder.