Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
Adults can be treated using a variety of medications to treat ADHD. There are stimulants, nonstimulants and blood pressure medications.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. They are safe and effective. When used in the right way they also pose a low abuse risk.
Long-acting stimulants are the most popular. These are medicines like Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine patch) or Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
1. Stimulants
The first treatment that doctors prescribe to treat ADHD is stimulants. They increase the levels of certain brain chemicals and improve concentration, focus, and control of impulses. Doctors typically prescribe medications that contain amphetamine or methylphenidate. They are available in immediate-release as well as long-acting formulations. The longer-acting drugs help people stay clear of the "crash" in energy that can occur when stimulants that short-act take effect. The type of medication that a person chooses is determined by their symptoms, the doctor's preference and other health issues. It's normal to to try several different medicines before you find one that works.
my website will also consider the history of the family member as well as medical history. A doctor can prescribe nonstimulant medication when a patient has an addiction history or an underlying heart condition. They don't have the same risk of abuse as stimulants, but they are slower to work and don't reduce impulsiveness.
Some medicines can interact with others, so you should tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication. Antidepressants, such as atomoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion, (Wellbutrin and Zyban) can increase the levels of brain chemicals, norepinephrine (dopamine) and dopamine (norepinephrine) and can improve concentration and mood. Doctors may prescribe them to people suffering from ADHD especially if they have coexisting depression or anxiety. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors like phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) are not often combined with stimulants since they carry a high risk for serious side effects when used together.
A doctor can provide coping strategies for ADHD and other professionals can assist you in dealing with the issues caused by symptoms. A psychiatrist or psychologist, for example can help you understand the reasons why you are having trouble at school and work and show you how to manage these issues. Support groups can be helpful for adults with ADHD. Discuss with your doctor about support groups in your community or online.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants are the most well-studied ADHD drugs that can boost concentration and control impulsivity for many people. But they're not the only option. Some people respond to nonstimulant medication. It's important to consult with your doctor to determine the most effective drug and dosage for you or your child.
Nonstimulant medications work by boosting and balancing brain chemical called neurotransmitters. They typically take longer to start working than stimulants but can help those with hyperactivity and impulsivity. They are usually prescribed along with stimulant medications in order to boost their effectiveness and reduce undesirable side consequences.
Wellbutrin is also referred to as bupropion and Effexor (venlafaxine) are two popular antidepressants frequently prescribed for ADHD. Both of these drugs can increase the brain chemical norepinephrine, which can improve concentration. They are also less addictive than stimulants and don't carry as much abuse potential. Your doctor might prescribe atomoxetine, also known as Strattera to treat ADHD. Atomoxetine targets a different neurotransmitter inside the brain, and it's the first nonstimulant drug to be approved by the FDA for the treatment of ADHD in adults.
Another option is guanfacine or Intuniv. This blood pressure medication has a small calming effect and can improve concentration, although it's not as effective at decreasing impulsivity or hyperactivity as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine.
It is important to keep in mind that just as each person has their own biochemistry, so too do the medications they take. The first medication that you or your children test might not be effective and the one that works for you or your child may cause unpleasant adverse side effects. It takes a lot of trial and error to determine the best medication for your family.
3. Antidepressants
Although stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medications for treating ADHD but they're not the best choice for all. Antidepressants can be helpful for those who are unable to handle the negative any of the side effects associated with stimulants or don't find that the medication works well for the individual.
Bupropion (also called Wellbutrin, Zyban) is an antidepressant that has been shown to be effective in treating ADHD adults. It targets two neurotransmitters -dopamine and norepinephrine that are found in the brain. It also treats anxiety and depression. It is recommended by your doctor if your ADHD symptoms are moderate to mild, or you have a risk of using stimulants.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a prescription medication that increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to improve focus, concentration and control of impulsive behavior. It was the first non-stimulant medication that was approved by the FDA to treat adult ADHD, and it is generally considered more effective than methylphenidate or amphetamines for this condition.
Your doctor could also prescribe alprazolam, clonidine, or guanfacine These are blood pressure medicines that reduce the activity of the sympathetic nervous system to slow your heart rate and lower blood pressure. This can be especially helpful for those who suffer from coexisting ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another treatment option, is a technique that some sufferers of ADHD employ to manage 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 may also consider diet and supplements, but consult your physician first. In most cases, a combination of medications with therapy and skills training is the most effective approach to treating ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medication
A few adults are diagnosed with ADHD after being diagnosed as children. Adults may still have difficulty managing their symptoms, which could impact their work performance and social interactions. Adults who suffer from ADHD can benefit from medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes to aid in their focus more effectively, feel more calm and manage their impulsive behavior.
If stimulants aren't effective or cause intolerable negative side effects, some people 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 help with concentration and impulse control.
These medications can also help with anxiety, depression and aggression-related feelings. For years, doctors have prescribed these medications "off-label" however, in the last few years the FDA has approved long-acting tablets for ADHD. They can control symptoms for between 10 and 12 hours.
Another medication commonly prescribed for ADHD is bupropion, which is marketed by its brand names Wellbutrin and 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 shown to reduce agitation, insomnia and bipolar disorder in patients.
While these non-stimulant ADHD medicines have lower risks of addiction and abuse than stimulants, they may not work for everyone. Some adults need to test various medications before settling on the one that works best for them. Medications are not the only solution for ADHD, so a person needs to keep taking them to prevent the symptoms from returning. Your GP will be able to monitor your symptoms and evaluate the effectiveness of the medication.
5. Other medicines
The medications used to treat ADHD can help improve an individual's ability to focus, manage impulses and complete tasks. They aren't a panacea for all symptoms and could have side effects. Some of these side-effects may be minor, while others may be serious. Certain medications can cause sleep issues, headaches and a loss of appetite. If the adverse effects are severe, your doctor may increase or change the dosage of a medication or suggest an alternative.
Other medications are used to treat certain kinds of ADHD such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). They are part of the class of antidepressants referred to as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors which differ from stimulants due to the fact that they do not impact dopamine but boost norepinephrine. These medications are more effective in improving attention than stimulants, but they don't cause hyperactivity. They can also reduce appetite or cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxide inhibitors are a second class of medication that has been shown to be effective in people suffering from ADHD. These antidepressants block the breakdown dopamine and brain chemical. Examples include the phenelzine (Nardil) and Tranylcypromine (Parnate) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). They are less likely than other antidepressants to cause side effects such as appetite suppression and insomnia.
People suffering from ADHD may also benefit from psychological counseling. It is commonly called cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT which entails working with a therapist who is trained to learn skills that can help manage ADHD symptoms. It can be beneficial to loved ones and family members who are struggling to live with someone with ADHD. People suffering from ADHD are also able to find support groups on the Internet and in their communities that can offer strategies for dealing with the disorder.