Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
There are many choices to treat ADHD in adults. There are stimulants, nonstimulants, and blood pressure medication.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. They are effective and safe. They also carry a low chance for abuse if taken according to the directions.
Long-acting stimulants are the most popular. These are medicines like Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine patch) or Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
1. Stimulants
Stimulants are usually the first choice of a doctor's medication to treat ADHD. They boost levels of certain brain chemicals and improve concentration, concentration, and control of impulses. Doctors usually prescribe drugs which contain methylphenidate or amphetamine. These drugs are available in immediate-release and long-acting versions. Longer-acting drugs may help avoid the "crash" of energy that can happen when short-acting stimulants wear off. The type of medication one will be prescribed is determined by their symptoms, doctor's preference and other health issues. It's normal to have to try several different medicines before you discover one that works.
A doctor will also take into consideration the medical history of a patient as well as family history. A doctor might prescribe non-stimulant medication when a patient has a history of substance abuse or an underlying heart condition. These don't have the same potential for abuse as stimulants, but they take longer to work and aren't as effective in reducing impulsiveness.
Some medicines can interact with other medications, so you should tell your doctor if taking any other medications. Antidepressants such as atomoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban, Wellbutrin) increase the levels of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine and can improve mood and concentration. Doctors prescribe these drugs to people with ADHD who also have depression or anxiety. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as phenelzine (Nardil), and tranylcypromine (Parnate) are not often prescribed in conjunction with stimulants due to the risk of risk of serious side effects.
A doctor can instruct you on strategies for coping with ADHD and other professionals can aid you in overcoming the challenges caused by symptoms. A psychiatrist or psychologist for instance, can help you understand the reasons behind why you are having trouble at school and work and help you learn how to handle these issues. Adults suffering from ADHD may also benefit from support groups. Talk to your doctor about support groups in your community or online.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants are the most well-studied ADHD medication that can help improve concentration and rein in the impulsivity of many. They're not your 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 your child or yourself.
Nonstimulant medications help by balancing and increasing neurotransmitters in the brain. They typically take longer to get started than stimulants, but they can aid in reducing symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity for certain people. They're often prescribed in conjunction with stimulant medications to improve their effectiveness and lessen the risk of adverse side effects.
Two popular antidepressants are widely employed as non-stimulant drugs for ADHD: Wellbutrin (also known as bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Both of these medications increase levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine which can enhance attention. They are also less addictive than stimulants and don't carry as much abuse potential. Your doctor might also prescribe atomoxetine or Strattera, to treat ADHD. Atomoxetine targets a different neurotransmitter inside the brain, and it's the first nonstimulant medication to be FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD in adults.
Guanfacine or Intuniv is another option. This blood pressure medication has a slight calming effect and can improve concentration, however it's not as effective in reducing hyperactivity or impulsivity as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine.
It is important to keep in mind that just as each person has a different biochemistry, so do the medications they are taking. The first medication that you or your children are trying may not work, and the medication that does work for you or your child may trigger unpleasant adverse side effects. It requires a lot of experimentation and patience to find the best medication for your family.
3. Antidepressants
Although stimulants are often prescribed to treat ADHD however, they might not be the best option for everyone. Patients who have difficulty absorbing adverse side effects or who find that the medication isn't working for them may be able to benefit from antidepressants that can aid in reducing anxiety and other mood disorders.
Bupropion (also known as Wellbutrin, Zyban) is an antidepressant atypical which has been shown to be effective in treating ADHD adults. It targets two neurotransmitters -dopamine and norepinephrine that are found in the brain. It is also used to treat depression and anxiety. If your ADHD symptoms are mild or moderate and you are at risk of a stimulant abuse Your doctor might prescribe it.
Strattera (atomoxetine), an approved prescription medication that has an extended-acting effect, boosts the levels of norepinephrine that are present in the brain. This helps to improve concentration and focus, and also reduce the risk of impulsive behavior. It was the FDA's very first non-stimulant approved drug to treat adult ADHD. It is generally thought to be more effective than methylphenidate and amphetamines.
Your doctor might also prescribe alprazolam, clonidine and guanfacine, which are both blood pressure medicines that reduce the activity of your sympathetic nervous system to slow your heart rate and lower blood pressure. This is especially useful for people who have ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a second treatment option that some people with ADHD consider a useful tool for managing their symptoms. CBT teaches strategies to change your thinking and behavior. This kind of treatment is usually done by an therapist. You may also consider supplements and diets however, make sure to consult with your doctor prior to trying these approaches. In many cases, a combination between therapy and medication along that includes skills training is the most effective in treating ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medications
Many people suffering from ADHD get diagnosed in childhood however, some get a diagnosis as adults. Adults may have difficulty to manage their symptoms. This could affect their work performance as well as their social interactions. Adults with ADHD might benefit from taking medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes to assist them in focusing more easily, feel calmer and manage their impulsive behavior.
Adults who suffer from high blood pressure may consider taking a medication prescribed to treat the problem. These medications are known as alpha-2-agonists and include clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine, (Intuniv). They can have a positive effect on mood and help with concentration and impulse control.
These medications act on different parts of the brain, and can also improve anxiety, depression and feelings of aggression. Since the beginning, doctors have prescribed these medications "off-label" however, in the last few years the FDA has approved long-acting tablets for ADHD. They can offer relief from 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 reduce insomnia and agitation in patients with bipolar disorder.
Although these non-stimulant ADHD medications have lower risk of abuse and addiction than stimulants, they do not suit everyone. Adults may have to test a few different medications before they can find one that works for them. understanding aren't a cure, so the person must continue taking them to avoid symptoms returning. Your GP will monitor your symptoms and the effectiveness of the medication.
5. Other medications
The medications used to treat ADHD can improve a person's ability to focus, control impulses, and complete tasks. However, they are not a cure for all symptoms and frequently cause adverse effects that must be addressed. Some of these side-effects can be mild, while others could be severe. Many of these drugs can cause headaches, sleep problems and a loss of appetite. If the side effects are severe, a physician might increase or decrease the dosage of a medication or suggest a different one.
Other medications are used to treat specific types of ADHD such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). They belong to the class of antidepressants referred to as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors, which differ from stimulants because they do not impact dopamine but boost norepinephrine. These drugs are more effective in improving attention than stimulants, yet they do not cause hyperactivity. They also can reduce appetite or cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors belong to a different class of drugs that have been shown to work for some people with ADHD. These antidepressants inhibit the breakdown of dopamine and brain chemicals. Examples include the phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). They are less likely than other antidepressants that can cause side effects such as appetite suppression and insomnia.
Psychological counseling is also available to people with ADHD. It is often referred to as cognitive behavior therapy or CBT and involves working with a trained therapist to develop skills that will assist in managing ADHD symptoms. It is beneficial for loved ones and family members who struggle to live with someone with ADHD. Support groups for people suffering from ADHD are available on the Internet and in their local communities. They can provide coping strategies.