Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
Adults can be treated with a variety of medications to treat ADHD. These include stimulants, non-stimulants, and blood pressure medications.
Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed treatment for ADHD. They are effective and safe. When taken as directed, they also have a low risk of abuse.
Long-acting stimulants are the most popular. These are medicines like Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine patch) or Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
1. Stimulants
Stimulants are often a doctor's first choice of treatment for ADHD. They boost the levels of a specific brain chemicals and enhance concentration as well as focus and impulse control. Doctors most commonly prescribe medications that contain methylphenidate or amphetamine. These medications are available in immediate-release and long-acting versions. Longer-acting drugs may help avoid the "crash" of energy that can occur when short-acting stimulants wear off. The type of medication that an individual chooses is determined by their symptoms, the doctor's preference and other health conditions. It's normal for people various medications before you discover one that is effective.
A doctor will also look at the medical history of a patient as well as family history. If a patient has a heart condition or an ancestry of substance abuse or abuse, a doctor might prefer to prescribe nonstimulant medication. They don't have the same risk of abuse as stimulants, but they take longer to work and do not reduce the impulsiveness.
Certain medications may interact with other medicines, so it is important to inform your doctor about any other medicine you take. Antidepressants, such as atomoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion, (Wellbutrin and Zyban), increase the levels of brain chemicals, norepinephrine (dopamine) and dopamine (norepinephrine) and improve concentration and mood. Doctors often prescribe these medications to people suffering from ADHD especially when they suffer from anxiety or depression. Monoamine oxidese inhibitors, such as phenelzine, (Nardil) and tranylcypromine, (Parnate), are rarely prescribed in conjunction with stimulants due the high risk of serious negative side effects.
A doctor can instruct you on strategies for coping with ADHD and other professionals can assist in overcoming the challenges caused by symptoms. For instance a psychiatrist or psychologist can assist you in understanding why you are struggling at work and school and teach you how to overcome those issues. Support groups can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Consult your physician about online or local support groups.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants, which are the most studied ADHD medication, can improve concentration and reduce impulsivity in many people. They're not your only choice. adhd medications for adults may respond to nonstimulant medication. It's essential to work closely with your physician to determine the most effective drug and dosage for you or your child.
Nonstimulant medications are used to balance and boost neurotransmitters in the brain. They generally take longer to start working than stimulants, but they can aid those suffering from hyperactivity and impulsivity. They're also often prescribed along with stimulant medications to improve their effectiveness and minimize adverse effects.
Two popular antidepressants are widely used as non-stimulant medications for ADHD: Wellbutrin (also known as bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Both of these drugs increase levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine which can improve concentration. They are also less addictive than stimulants, and don't have as much potential for abuse. Your doctor may prescribe Strattera or atomoxetine for treating ADHD. add adhd medications within the brain, and it's the first non-stimulant medication to be approved by the FDA for the treatment of ADHD in adults.
Another option is guanfacine, or Intuniv. This medicine for blood pressure has a mild calm effect, and may improve concentration. However, it's not as efficient as methylphenidate (or lisdexamfetamine) in decreasing hyperactivity.
Remember that each individual's biochemistry is distinct, and so are the medicines they take. The first drug you or your children test may not work, and the medication that works for you or your child could cause unfavorable adverse effects. Finding the right medication takes patience and experimentation.
3. Antidepressants
Although stimulants are among the most frequently used drugs to treat ADHD but they're not suitable for all. Antidepressants are a great option for those who aren't able to handle the negative any of the side effects associated with stimulants or don't find that the medication works for them.
Bupropion (also called Wellbutrin, Zyban) is an antidepressant atypical which has been proven effective in treating ADHD adults. It targets two neurotransmitters in the brain, namely norepinephrine and dopamine. It is also used to treat depression and anxiety. If your ADHD symptoms are mild or moderate and you're at risk of abuse of stimulants Then your doctor could prescribe it.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a prescription medication that increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which improves concentration, focus and manage the impulsive behavior. It was the FDA's first nonstimulant approved drug to treat adult ADHD. It is generally believed to be more effective than methylphenidate or amphetamines.
There are also prescriptions for alprazolam, clonidine, or guanfacine. These are all blood pressure medication that can reduce your heart rate and lower blood pressure by reducing the activity of your sympathetic nervous system. This can be particularly beneficial for people with coexisting ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another treatment option that a few people with ADHD find to be beneficial in managing their symptoms. CBT provides strategies to change the way you think and behave. This type of therapy is usually done by an professional therapist. You could also try supplements and diet, but consult your physician first. In most instances, a combination of therapy and medication along combined with training for skills is the most effective in treating ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medications
Many people with ADHD are diagnosed in childhood however, some get the diagnosis as adults. Adults may still have difficulty managing their symptoms, which could affect their work performance and social interactions. But medication, psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications can help people with ADHD to focus and feel more calm, as well as control their impulsive behaviors.
If stimulants aren't effective or cause unacceptably adverse reactions, some adults attempt to take medication that is typically used to treat high blood pressure. These are referred to as alpha-2-agonists. They include clonidine (Kapvay), and guanfacine, (Intuniv). They can have a positive effect on mood and can aid with concentration and control of impulses.
These medications also aid with anxiety, depression and aggression-related feelings. Doctors have been prescribing them "off-label" for ADHD for years, but they are now available in long-acting tablets that are FDA-approved for treating the condition. They can offer relief from symptoms for up to 12 hours.
Bupropion is a different medication 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 been demonstrated to reduce insomnia, agitation and bipolar disorder among people.
While these non-stimulant ADHD medicines have lower risks of abuse and addiction than stimulants, they do not work for everyone. Certain adults must try different medications before they find the one that is most effective for them. The medication is not a cure, therefore the person must continue to take medications to prevent the symptoms returning. Your GP will be able to monitor the effectiveness of your medication and your symptoms.
5. Other medicines
The medicines used to treat ADHD can help improve a person's ability to concentrate, manage impulses and follow through with tasks. They aren't a panacea for all symptoms, and may cause side effects. adhd medications for adults of these side effects can be minor, while others can be more serious. A lot of these medications can cause a loss of appetite, problems with sleep and headaches. If these side effects are severe, your doctor may increase or alter a medication's dosage or try another.
Other medications, like viloxazine and atomoxetine can be used to treat certain types of ADHD. These are in the class of antidepressants known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, which differ from stimulants because they do not affect dopamine, but increase norepinephrine. These medications appear to be more effective than stimulants in increasing attention, but not hyperactivity, though they may also decrease appetite and cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors belong to a different class of drugs that have been proven to be effective for some individuals suffering from ADHD. These are antidepressants that block the breakdown of dopamine and other brain chemicals. Examples include phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate) and Venlafaxine (Effexor XR). They are less likely than other antidepressants that can cause adverse effects like insomnia and appetite suppression.
People with ADHD can also receive psychological counseling. It is often referred to as cognitive behavior therapy or CBT and involves working with a trained therapist to learn skills that can help manage ADHD symptoms. It is also beneficial for loved ones struggling with the challenges of living 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 coping strategies.