Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
Adults can be treated with a variety of medications to treat ADHD. There are stimulants, nonstimulants and blood pressure medication.
Stimulants are typically prescribed for ADHD. They are safe and effective. When taken as directed, they also offer a low-risk of abuse.
Long-acting stimulants are generally preferred. 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, concentration, and control of impulses. The majority of doctors prescribe medications that contain methylphenidate or amphetamine. These drugs are available in both immediate-release and longer-acting forms. The longer-acting drugs can help avoid the "crash" of energy that can occur when short-acting stimulants wear off. The type of medication is determined by his or her symptoms as well as the preferences of the doctor and other health conditions. It's normal for people to try several different medicines before you can find one that is effective.
A doctor will also take into consideration the history of the family member as well as medical history. If someone suffers from a heart disease or an ancestry of substance misuse, a doctor may prefer to prescribe non-stimulant drugs. They don't have as much abuse potential as stimulants but they take longer to work and do not reduce impulsiveness.
Certain medications can interact with other medications, so it is important to inform your doctor about any other medication you are taking. Antidepressants, such as atomoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion, (Wellbutrin and Zyban), increase the levels of brain chemicals norepinephrine (dopamine) and dopamine (norepinephrine) and can improve concentration and mood. Doctors prescribe these medications to patients suffering from ADHD who also have depression or anxiety. Monoamine oxidese inhibitors, such as phenelzine, (Nardil) and tranylcypromine, (Parnate) are not often prescribed when combined with stimulants due to the risk of chance of serious adverse side adverse effects.
A doctor can guide you through coping strategies to manage your ADHD, and other professionals can assist you to deal with the issues caused by your symptoms. A psychiatrist or psychologist for instance can help you comprehend the reasons why you're having difficulties at school and work and teach you how to handle these issues. Support groups can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Consult your physician about online or local support groups.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants are among the most researched ADHD medications and can improve concentration and control impulsivity for many people. They're not your only option. Some people react to non-stimulant medications. It's crucial to work closely with your doctor to determine the best drug and dosage for your child or you.
Nonstimulant medications work by boosting and balancing brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They usually take longer to start working than stimulants but can help those with hyperactivity and impulsivity. They are often prescribed together with stimulant medications to boost their effectiveness and decrease undesirable adverse effects.
Wellbutrin, also known as bupropion, and Effexor (venlafaxine) are two popular antidepressants that are often prescribed for ADHD. Both of these medications can increase the chemical in the brain called norepinephrine and improve the ability to focus. medication for adhd are less addictive than stimulants, and they don't have as much potential for abuse. Your doctor may also prescribe atomoxetine or Strattera to treat ADHD. Atomoxetine is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in adults. It targets a different neurotransmitter.
Read the Full Report is guanfacine or Intuniv. This blood pressure medication has a small relaxing effect and can help improve concentration, although it's not as effective in decreasing impulsivity or hyperactivity like lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate.
Keep in mind that every individual's biochemistry is distinct, and so are the medications they take. The first drug you or your children try may not work and the one that does work for you or your child could cause unfavorable adverse effects. Finding the right medication takes patience and perseverance.
3. Antidepressants
Although stimulants are often prescribed to treat ADHD, they may not be the best option for everyone. Antidepressants are a great option for those who aren't able to take the side effects of stimulants or who don't feel that the medication works well for them.
Bupropion (also known as Wellbutrin, Zyban) is an antidepressant atypical that has been shown to be effective in treating ADHD adults. It targets two neurotransmitters within the brain -- norepinephrine and dopamine. It also treats depression and anxiety. If you're ADHD symptoms are moderate or mild, and you're at risk of abuse of stimulants, then your doctor may prescribe it.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a long-acting prescription medicine that increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain, which improves concentration, focus and control of the 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 type of condition.
You may also be prescribed alprazolam, clonidine, or Guanfacine. These are all blood pressure medication that can reduce your heart rate and lower blood pressure by decreasing the activity of your sympathetic nervous system. This is particularly helpful for those suffering from ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a second treatment option that a few people with ADHD find to be beneficial in managing their symptoms. CBT provides strategies to change your thinking and act. This type of therapy is typically performed by a therapist. You may also consider supplements and diets but you must consult with your doctor first. In many instances, a combination of therapy and medication along combined with training for skills 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 have difficulty managing their symptoms, which can affect their work performance and social interactions. Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from taking medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle modifications to assist them in focusing more effectively, feel more calm, and control impulsive behaviors.
If stimulants aren't effective or cause unacceptably adverse reactions, some adults try medications that are usually used to treat high blood pressure. These are referred to as alpha-2-agonists. They include clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv). They can boost mood as well as aid in concentration and control of impulses.
These medications affect various parts of the brain, and can help reduce anxiety, depression and feelings of aggression. Doctors have been prescribing them "off-label" for ADHD for years, but the medications are now available in tablets with a long-acting mechanism that are approved by the FDA for this condition. They can help control symptoms for between 10 and 12 hours.
Bupropion is another medication that is prescribed for ADHD. It is also sold 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 shown to reduce insomnia, agitation and bipolar disorder in people.
These non-stimulant ADHD medications are less prone to abuse and addiction risks than stimulants, however they're not for all people. Some adults need to test various medications before settling on the one that works best for them. They aren't a cure for ADHD and therefore, a person needs to keep taking them to prevent the symptoms from returning. Your GP will evaluate the effect of your medication and your symptoms.
5. Other medication
The drugs used to treat ADHD can improve a person's ability to focus, control impulses and follow through with tasks. However, they are not a cure for all symptoms and often cause negative side effects that must be managed. Some of these side effects could be mild, but others can be more serious. Many of these medications can cause loss of appetite or sleep problems, as well as headaches. If these side effects are severe, the doctor may increase or alter the dosage of a medication, or even try another.
Other medications, like viloxazine and atomoxetine can be used to treat specific forms of ADHD. They are part of the class of antidepressants known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors, which differ from stimulants because they do not alter dopamine, but instead boost norepinephrine. These medications are more effective than stimulants at improving attention but not hyperactivity, however they can also decrease appetite and cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxide inhibitors are a second class of medications that has been shown to be effective for certain individuals suffering from ADHD. These are antidepressants that block the breakdown of dopamine and other brain chemicals. Examples include the phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). They are less likely to cause adverse effects like appetite suppression and insomnia than other antidepressants.
Psychological counseling is also available to those with ADHD. CBT is also known as cognitive behavioral therapy. It involves working with a therapist to learn skills that will aid in managing ADHD. It is beneficial for family members and friends who struggle to live with a person who suffers from ADHD. People with ADHD can also find support groups on the Internet and in their local communities which can provide strategies for coping.