Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
Adults can be treated with a variety of drugs to treat ADHD. They include stimulants, non-stimulants, and blood pressure medications.
Stimulants are typically prescribed for ADHD. They are effective and safe. They also have a low risk for abuse if taken as directed.
It is usually best to choose stimulants that have a long-acting effect. 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 boost the levels of certain brain chemicals and enhance concentration and focus as well as impulse control. Most often, doctors prescribe medications that contain methylphenidate or amphetamine. They're available in immediate-release and long-acting formulations. The longer-acting drugs can help to avoid the "crash" in energy that can occur when stimulants that short-act are absorbed. The type of medication is determined by their symptoms as well as the preferences of the doctor and other health issues. It's normal to have to try several different medicines before you discover one that works.
A physician will also consider the medical history of the patient and family history. A doctor might prescribe non-stimulant medication if a patient has an history of substance abuse or heart disease. They don't have the same abuse potential as stimulants but they take longer to work and don't decrease the amount of impulsivity.
Certain medicines may interact with others and you should inform your doctor if taking any other medication. Antidepressants such as atomoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban) boost levels of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine and can improve mood and concentration. Doctors sometimes prescribe these to people suffering from ADHD, especially in the case of depression or anxiety. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) are not often combined with stimulants because they have the potential for serious side effects when used together.
A doctor can help you learn coping strategies to manage your ADHD, and other professionals can assist you to cope with problems caused by your symptoms. For instance a psychiatrist or psychologist can help you understand why you have trouble at school or at work, and teach you how to overcome those issues. Adults suffering from ADHD can also benefit from support groups. Discuss with your doctor about support groups in your local area or online.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants, which are the most studied ADHD medication, can help improve concentration and reduce impulsivity for many people. They're not the only choice. Some people might respond better to nonstimulant medication, and it's important to consult your physician to determine the appropriate dosage and medication for you or your child.
Nonstimulant medications work by boosting and balancing brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. adhd medication and pregnancy take longer to begin working than stimulants, however they can improve symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity for some people. They are typically prescribed with stimulant medications in order to boost their effectiveness and minimize unwanted negative side negative effects.
Two antidepressants that are popular are used as nonstimulant medications for ADHD: Wellbutrin (also known as bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Both of these medications can boost the brain chemical norepinephrine and improve attention. They are less addictive than stimulants, and they don't have the same potential for abuse. Your doctor might prescribe atomoxetine, also known as Strattera to treat ADHD. Atomoxetine is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in adults. It targets a specific neurotransmitter.
Guanfacine or Intuniv is another option. This blood pressure medication has a mild calm effect, and may enhance concentration. However, it is not as efficient as methylphenidate (or the lisdexamfetamine) in decreasing hyperactivity.
Remember that each individual's biochemistry is distinct and so are the medicines they take. The first medicine you or your children are trying might not be effective, and the medication that does work for you or for your child may trigger unpleasant adverse effects. Finding the right medication takes patience and experimentation.
3. Antidepressants
Although stimulants are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD however, they might not be the ideal choice for all. Antidepressants may be beneficial for those who aren't able to tolerate adverse effects of stimulants or do not find that the medication works well for them.
Bupropion (also known as Wellbutrin, Zyban) is an antidepressant atypical that has been proven to be effective in treating ADHD adults. It targets two neurotransmitters -- norepinephrine, and dopamine that are found in the brain. It can also help treat depression and anxiety. If you're ADHD symptoms are mild or moderate and you are at risk of abuse of stimulants Your doctor might prescribe it.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an approved prescription medication that has an extended-acting effect, boosts the levels of norepinephrine within the brain. This helps to improve concentration and focus and decrease impulse-driven behaviors. It was the first nonstimulant drug approved by the FDA to treat adult ADHD, and it is generally considered more efficient than amphetamines or methylphenidate for this condition.
Your doctor might also prescribe alprazolam, clonidine, or guanfacine These are blood pressure medicines that reduce the activity of the sympathetic nervous system to slow down your heart rate and lower blood pressure. This is especially useful for those suffering from ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another treatment option, is a method that some people with ADHD utilize to manage their symptoms. CBT offers methods to alter your thinking and behave. This kind of therapy is usually done by an therapy therapist. You can also try supplements and diets but you must consult with your physician first. In most cases, a combination of therapies and medications along with skills training is the most effective approach to treating ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medication
Many people with ADHD are diagnosed in childhood however, some get an diagnosis when they are adults. Adults may have difficulty to manage their symptoms. This can impact their performance at work and social interactions. But medication, psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications can help adults with ADHD to focus and calm down, as well as manage the impulsive behavior.
If stimulants fail to work or cause intolerable reactions, some adults attempt to take medication that is typically used to treat high blood pressure. These medicines are called alpha-2 agonists, and include the clonidine (Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Intuniv). They can have a positive impact on mood and help with concentration and impulse control.
These medications act on different parts of the brain, and may also help with depression, anxiety, and feelings of aggression. Doctors have been prescribing these medications "off-label" for ADHD for a long time, but they are now available in long-acting tablets that are approved by the FDA for this condition. They can help alleviate symptoms for up to 12 hours.
Another medication that is often prescribed for ADHD is bupropion, known by 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 also has been proven to decrease insomnia and agitation in people with bipolar disorder.
While these non-stimulant ADHD medicines have lower risks of abuse and addiction than stimulants, they may not suit everyone. Adults may have to try several different drugs before they discover the one that is effective for them. The medications aren't a cure, therefore the person must continue to take medications to prevent the symptoms returning. Your GP will evaluate the effectiveness of your medication as well as your symptoms.
5. Other medications
The drugs used to treat ADHD can help improve the ability of an individual to concentrate, manage impulses, and perform tasks. However, they are not a panacea for all symptoms, and they often trigger side effects that need to be managed. Some of these side effects can be minor, while others could be more severe. Certain medications may cause weight loss as well as sleep issues and headaches. If the adverse effects are severe, a doctor might increase or decrease the dose of a medication or even try a different one.
Some other medications can be used to treat certain types of ADHD like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). They are part of the class of antidepressants called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, which differ from stimulants in that they do not alter dopamine, but increase norepinephrine. These medications are more effective in enhancing attention than stimulants, but they do not cause hyperactivity. They can also reduce appetite or cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are another category of medication that has been shown to work for some people with ADHD. These antidepressants inhibit the breakdown of dopamine and brain chemical. Examples include phenelzine, Tranylcypromine, as well as venlafaxine. They are less likely to cause adverse effects such as appetite suppression and insomnia than other antidepressants.
People suffering from ADHD are also able to receive psychological counseling. CBT is also known as cognitive behavior therapy and involves working with a therapist in order to build skills that can aid in managing ADHD. It can be beneficial for family members and friends who are struggling to live with someone with ADHD. People suffering from ADHD can also find support groups on the Internet and in their communities that can offer coping strategies.