Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
There are a myriad of ways to treat ADHD in adults. There are stimulants, nonstimulants and blood pressure medications.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. They are effective and safe. They also carry a low chance for abuse when taken according to the directions.
Long-acting stimulants are usually preferred. These are medicines like Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine patch) or Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
1. Stimulants
The first treatment that doctors use to treat ADHD is stimulants. They increase the levels of certain brain chemicals, and can improve concentration, focus, and control of impulses. Doctors typically prescribe medications that contain methylphenidate or amphetamine. These medications are available in immediate-release and long-acting versions. The longer-acting drugs help people to avoid the "crash" in energy levels that can occur when short-acting stimulants are absorbed. The type of medication a person takes depends on their symptoms or preferences of a doctor, as well as other health conditions. It's normal to various medications before you can find one that works.
for beginners will also take into consideration a person's family history and medical history. If a person is suffering from a heart problem or an ancestry of substance misuse, a doctor may prefer to prescribe non-stimulant drugs. They don't have the danger of misuse as stimulants, however they are more difficult to use and aren't as effective in reducing impulsiveness.
Some medicines can interact with other medicines which is why you should inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications. Antidepressants, such as atomoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion, (Wellbutrin and Zyban) can increase the levels of brain chemicals called norepinephrine (dopamine) and dopamine (norepinephrine) and improve concentration and mood. Doctors prescribe these medications to people with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety or depression. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) are not commonly used in combination with stimulants due to an increased risk of serious side effects when taken together.
A doctor can provide strategies for coping with ADHD and other professionals can aid you in overcoming the challenges caused by symptoms. A psychologist or psychiatrist for instance, can help you understand the reasons why you are having trouble at work or school and show you how to deal with these challenges. Adults who suffer from ADHD may also benefit from support groups. Talk to your doctor about support groups in your area or online.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants are the most studied ADHD medications and can improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity of many. However, they're not your only option. Some people may respond to nonstimulant medication. It's important to consult with your physician to determine the right medication and dosage for you or your child.
Nonstimulant medications work by boosting and balancing brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They generally take longer to start working than stimulants, but they can aid in reducing symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity for some people. They are often prescribed together with stimulant medications to increase their effectiveness and reduce undesirable adverse negative effects.
Two antidepressants that are popular are employed as non-stimulant drugs for ADHD: Wellbutrin (also known as bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Both of these drugs can boost the brain chemical norepinephrine as well as improve attention. They are also less addictive than stimulants, and don't have the same potential for abuse. Your doctor may prescribe Strattera or atomoxetine to treat ADHD. Atomoxetine targets a different neurotransmitter in the brain, and it's the first non-stimulant medication that has been approved by the FDA for treatment of ADHD in adults.
Another option is guanfacine, or Intuniv. This blood pressure medication can have a mild calm effect, and may improve concentration. However, it's not as efficient as methylphenidate (or lisdexamfetamine) in decreasing hyperactivity.
Be aware that every person's biochemistry is unique and so are the medicines they use. The first medication you or your child is trying may not be effective, and the one that works for you or your child might have bothersome adverse effects. Finding the right medication takes patience and perseverance.
3. Antidepressants
Although stimulants are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD, they may not be the right choice for all. People who have trouble tolerating side effects or find the medication isn't working for them may benefit from antidepressants. They can help to alleviate anxiety and other mood disorders.
Bupropion (also known as Wellbutrin, Zyban) is an antidepressant atypical which has been proven to be effective in treating ADHD adults. It targets two neurotransmitters within the brain: dopamine and norepinephrine. It can also help treat anxiety and depression. If your ADHD symptoms are mild or moderate and you are at risk of a stimulant abuse Then your doctor could prescribe it.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a prescription medication with an extended-acting effect, boosts the levels of norepinephrine that are present in the brain. This helps to improve concentration and focus and reduce impulsive behaviors. It was the FDA's first non-stimulant approved medication for treating adult ADHD. It is generally thought to be more effective than methylphenidate and amphetamines.
Your doctor may also use guanfacine, clonidine or alprazolam These are blood pressure medications that reduce the activity of the sympathetic nervous system to reduce your heart rate and lower your blood pressure. This can be especially helpful for those suffering from co-existing ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a second treatment option that some with ADHD find to be a useful tool for managing their symptoms. CBT offers strategies to change your thinking and act. This type of treatment is usually performed by an therapist. You could also try diet and supplements, but consult your doctor first. In many instances, a combination of treatment and medication that includes skills training is the most effective in treating ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medications
Adults are often diagnosed with ADHD after they have been diagnosed as children. Adults may still find it challenging to manage their symptoms, which can affect their work performance and social interactions. Adults with ADHD may benefit from medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments to aid in their focus more effectively, feel more calm and manage their impulsive behavior.
If stimulants aren't effective or cause unacceptable reactions, some adults take medications that are typically used to treat high blood pressure. These medications are known as alpha-2-agonists and include clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv). They can have a positive effect on mood and aid in concentration and impulse control.
These drugs affect different parts of the brain, and can help reduce depression, anxiety, and feelings of aggression. Since the beginning doctors have prescribed these medications "off-label", but now the FDA has approved long-acting tablets for ADHD. They can control symptoms for 10 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 been proven to reduce agitation, insomnia and bipolar disorder in patients.
These non-stimulant ADHD drugs have lower abuse and addiction risks than stimulants, however they don't work for all people. Adults may need to test several different drugs before they discover the one that is effective for them. They aren't the only solution for ADHD, so a person needs to keep taking them to prevent the symptoms from returning. Your GP will evaluate the effectiveness of your medication and your symptoms.
5. Other medications
The medicines used to treat ADHD can improve the ability of a person to concentrate, control impulses and follow through with tasks. However, they're not a cure for all symptoms and often cause side effects that need to be managed. adhd medications for adults of these side-effects can be mild while others can be serious. A lot of these medications can cause sleep issues, headaches and loss of appetite. If the adverse effects are severe, a doctor may increase or decrease a medication's dose or try another one.
Other medicines, such as viloxazine and atomoxetine, can be used to treat certain types of ADHD. They belong to the class of antidepressants called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors, which differ from stimulants because they do not impact dopamine but boost norepinephrine. These drugs are more effective than stimulants at improving attention but not hyperactivity, though they may also decrease appetite and cause insomnia.
add adhd medications are a different type of medication that have been proven to be effective for certain people suffering from ADHD. These antidepressants inhibit the breakdown of dopamine and brain chemical. Examples include phenelzine (Nardil) and Tranylcypromine (Parnate) and Venlafaxine (Effexor XR). They are less likely than other antidepressants that can cause adverse effects like insomnia and appetite suppression.
People suffering from ADHD may also benefit from psychological counseling. CBT is also referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy. It involves working with a therapist to learn skills that will help manage ADHD. It can also be helpful for family members and loved ones who are struggling to live with someone who has ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD can also find support groups on the Internet and in their local communities that can offer strategies for dealing with the disorder.