Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
There are a variety of choices to treat ADHD in adults. There are stimulants, nonstimulants, and blood pressure medicines.
Stimulants are typically prescribed for ADHD. They work well and are safe. When taken as directed they 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 medication that doctors use to treat ADHD is stimulants. They increase the levels of certain brain chemicals and enhance concentration, focus, and impulse control. Doctors usually prescribe drugs that contain amphetamine or methylphenidate. They are available in immediate-release as well as long-acting formulas. The longer-acting drugs can help stay clear of a "crash" in energy levels that can occur when stimulants that short-act take effect. The kind of medication a person takes depends on his or her symptoms or preferences of a doctor, as well as other health conditions. It is normal to test different medications before you find the one that suits your needs.
A doctor will also consider the history of the family member as well as medical history. If someone suffers from a heart disease or a family history of substance misuse, a doctor may prefer to prescribe non-stimulant drugs. They don't have the same danger of misuse as stimulants, however they take longer to work and do not reduce impulsiveness as effectively.
Certain medicines may interact with others, so you should tell your doctor if taking any other medication. Antidepressants such as Atomoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban, Wellbutrin) increase the levels of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine and boost mood and concentration. Doctors may prescribe them to treat people suffering from ADHD especially if they have coexisting anxiety or depression. Monoamine oxidase inhibits like phenelzine, (Nardil) and tranylcypromine, (Parnate), are rarely prescribed in combination with stimulants due to the risk of chance of serious adverse side negative effects.
A doctor can provide strategies for coping with ADHD and other professionals can assist in coping with the problems caused by symptoms. A psychologist or psychiatrist for instance can help you understand the reasons why you're having difficulties at school and work and teach you how to deal with these issues. 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 drugs that can boost concentration and control the impulsivity of many. However, they're not the only option. Certain people may prefer non-stimulant medications and it's crucial to consult your physician to determine the best drug and dosage for your child or yourself.
Nonstimulant medicines are used to balance and boost brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Full Write-up take longer to get started than stimulants, but they can aid those with hyperactivity and impulsivity. They are usually prescribed along alongside stimulant drugs in order to improve their effectiveness and minimize unwanted adverse consequences.
Two antidepressants that are popular are used as nonstimulant medications for ADHD: Wellbutrin (also known as bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Both of these drugs increase levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine which can enhance the quality of attention. They are less addictive than stimulants and don't have as much abuse potential. Your doctor may prescribe atomoxetine, also known as Strattera to treat ADHD. Atomoxetine targets an additional neurotransmitter within 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 medicine has a slight calm effect, and may improve concentration. However, it is not as effective as methylphenidate (or Lisdexamfetamine) in reducing hyperactivity.
Be aware that every individual's biochemistry is distinct, and so are the medicines they take. The first medication that 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. It takes a lot of trial and error to find the right medication for your family.
3. Antidepressants
Although stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD, they aren't suitable for everyone. Patients who have difficulty absorbing adverse side effects or who find that the medication doesn't work well for them might benefit from antidepressants, which can aid in reducing anxiety and other mood disorders.
Bupropion (also called Wellbutrin, Zyban) is an antidepressant that has been proven effective in treating ADHD adults. It targets two neurotransmitters that are present in the brain: norepinephrine and dopamine. It can also be used to treat anxiety and depression. If your ADHD symptoms are mild or moderate, and you are at risk of abuse of stimulants Then your doctor could prescribe it.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a long-acting prescription medicine that increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to improve concentration, focus and control of impulse-driven behavior. It was the first non-stimulant medication that was approved by the FDA to treat adult ADHD and is generally regarded to be more efficient than amphetamines or methylphenidate for this condition.
You could also be prescribed alprazolam, clonidine, or guanfacine. These are all blood pressure medications that can reduce your heart rate and lower blood pressure by reducing the activity of your sympathetic nervous system. This can be particularly beneficial for those suffering from co-existing ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a different treatment option that a few people with ADHD consider a useful tool for managing their symptoms. CBT offers methods to alter the way you think and act. This type of therapy is typically performed by an therapist. You may also consider supplements and diet however, you should consult your physician first. In many cases, a combination of medications with therapy and skills training is the most effective method to treating ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medication
Many people who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed as children however, some get an diagnosis when they are adults. Adults may find it difficult to manage their symptoms. This could affect their work performance and their social interactions. Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from taking medication therapy, psychotherapy, or lifestyle changes to help them focus more easily, feel calmer and manage impulsive behaviors.
If stimulants don't work or cause intolerable reactions, some adults attempt to take medication that is typically used to treat high blood pressure. These are referred to as alpha-2-agonists and include clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv). They can improve mood, as well as aid in concentration and impulse control.
These drugs affect different parts of the brain, and can help reduce depression, anxiety and feelings of aggression. Doctors have been prescribing them "off-label" for ADHD for years, however they are now available in long-acting tablets that have been FDA-approved for the condition. They can offer relief from symptoms for up to 12 hours.
Another medication that is commonly prescribed for ADHD is bupropion, a drug that is known by its brand names like 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 also been proven to decrease insomnia and agitation in bipolar disorder sufferers.
These non-stimulant ADHD medications are less prone to risk of addiction and abuse than stimulants, however they're not for everyone. Adults may have to try a few different medications before they find the one that works for them. The medications aren't an effective treatment for ADHD Therefore, one must continue taking them to stop the symptoms from returning. Your GP will be able to monitor your symptoms and the effectiveness of the medication.
5. Other medicines
The medications used to treat ADHD can improve a person’s ability to focus, manage impulses and complete tasks. They aren't a panacea for all symptoms and could cause side effects. Some of these side effects may be minor, while others may be serious. A lot of these medications can cause headaches, sleep problems and a loss of appetite. If the side effects are severe, a physician might increase or decrease the dose of a medication or suggest a different one.
Some other medications can be used to treat certain kinds of ADHD like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). These antidepressants are referred to as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. They differ from stimulants in that they do not increase dopamine, but instead increase norepinephrine. These medications are more effective than stimulants in improving attention, but not in the sense of hyperactivity, although they can also reduce appetite and cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are another type of medication that have been proven to be effective for some people with ADHD. They are antidepressants that inhibit the breakdown of dopamine and other brain chemicals. Examples include phenelzine, the tranylcypromine and Venlafaxine. They are less likely to cause side effects such as appetite suppression and insomnia than other antidepressants.
Psychological counseling is also available for people with ADHD. It is often called cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT and involves working with a therapist who is trained to develop skills that will aid in managing ADHD symptoms. It can be beneficial for family members and friends who have to deal with someone who has ADHD. Support groups for people with ADHD are available on the Internet and in their local communities. They can offer strategies for dealing with the disorder.