Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
Adults can be treated using a variety of drugs to treat ADHD. There are stimulants, nonstimulants, and blood pressure medications.
Stimulants are typically prescribed for ADHD. They are effective and secure. They also have a low risk of abuse if used according to instructions.
Long-acting stimulants are usually preferred. These are medicines like Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine patch) or Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
1. Stimulants
Stimulants are usually a doctor's first choice of treatment for ADHD. They boost the levels of certain brain chemicals, and can improve concentration, focus, and control of impulses. Doctors typically prescribe medications which contain methylphenidate or amphetamine. These drugs are available in both immediate-release and long-acting versions. The longer-acting drugs can help avoid a "crash" in energy levels that can occur when short-acting stimulants take effect. The kind of medication that is determined by their symptoms or preferences of a doctor, as well as other health issues. It's normal for people various medications before you discover one that works.
A physician will also consider the medical history of a patient as well as family history. If a patient suffers from a heart disease or a family history of substance misuse, a doctor may prefer to prescribe nonstimulant medications. They don't have the same abuse potential as stimulants but they're slower to take effect and don't reduce impulsiveness.
Certain medications may interact with other medicines, so it's essential to inform your doctor about any other medication you are taking. Antidepressants like atomoxetine, (Prozac) and bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) boost the levels of brain chemicals, norepinephrine (dopamine) and dopamine (norepinephrine) and boost mood and concentration. Doctors may prescribe them to help people with ADHD particularly when they suffer from anxiety or depression. Monoamine oxidase inhibits like phenelzine, (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate), are rarely prescribed in conjunction with stimulants due the high risk of serious negative side effects.
A doctor can guide you through strategies to manage your ADHD, and other professionals can help you overcome the challenges caused by your symptoms. A psychiatrist or psychologist for instance can help you comprehend the reasons behind why you are having trouble at school and work and show you how to deal with these issues. Support groups can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Consult your physician about local or online support groups.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants, which are the most studied ADHD medication, can help improve concentration and decrease impulsivity in many people. They're not the only choice. Certain people may respond better to nonstimulant medication and it's crucial to consult your physician to find the right drug and dosage for you or your child.
Nonstimulant drugs work by boosting and balancing brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They typically take longer to start working than stimulants but can help some people with hyperactivity and impulsivity. They're also often prescribed in conjunction with stimulant medication to enhance their effectiveness and minimize side effects.
Two popular antidepressants are commonly used as non-stimulant medications for ADHD: Wellbutrin (also known as bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Both of these medications can increase the brain chemical norepinephrine and enhance the ability to focus. They are less addictive than stimulants, and don't have the same potential for abuse. Your doctor may prescribe Strattera or atomoxetine to treat ADHD. Atomoxetine targets an additional neurotransmitter within the brain. It's the first non-stimulant medication to be approved by the FDA for the treatment of ADHD in adults.
Guanfacine or Intuniv is another option. This blood pressure medication has a slight relaxing effect and can help improve concentration, however it's not as effective at decreasing impulsivity or hyperactivity as lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.
It's important to remember that just like each person has a unique biochemistry, so do the medications they are taking. The first medicine you or your child takes might not be effective, and the one that is effective for you or your child might have bothersome adverse effects. It takes a lot of trial and error to find the right medication for your family.
3. Antidepressants
While stimulants are frequently prescribed to treat ADHD however, they might not be the best option for everyone. Antidepressants may be beneficial for those who are unable to handle the negative adverse effects of stimulants or do not find that the medication works for the individual.
Bupropion is also known as its brand name Wellbutrin or Zyban, is an antidepressant with atypical properties that has been proven to be effective in treating adults suffering from ADHD. It targets two neurotransmitters -dopamine and norepinephrine -- in the brain. It can also treat depression and anxiety. It is recommended by your doctor if your ADHD symptoms are moderate to mild, or if you have a chance of using stimulants.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a long-acting prescription medicine that boosts levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which improves concentration, focus and manage impulsive behavior. It was the FDA's first non-stimulant approved drug to treat adult ADHD. It is generally considered to be more effective than methylphenidate or amphetamines.
There are also prescriptions for alprazolam, clonidine, or Guanfacine. These are all blood pressure medication which can slow down your heart rate and lower blood pressure by decreasing the activity of your sympathetic nervous system. This is especially beneficial for those suffering from co-existing ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another treatment option, is a method that some sufferers of ADHD employ to manage their symptoms. CBT offers strategies to change your behavior and thinking. This kind of treatment is typically done by an therapist. You may also consider diet and supplementation, but be sure to consult your doctor before trying these approaches. In many cases, a combination of therapies and medications along with skills training is the most effective method to treating ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medications
Many people suffering from ADHD get diagnosed in childhood however, some get the diagnosis as adults. Adults may find it difficult to manage their symptoms. This could affect their performance at work and social interactions. But medication, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes can assist adults with ADHD to focus and calm down, as well as manage their impulsive behaviors.
If stimulants aren't effective or cause unacceptably adverse negative side effects, some people take medications that are typically used to treat high blood pressure. These medications are known as alpha-2-agonists and include clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine, (Intuniv). They can have a positive effect on mood and can aid with concentration and control of impulses.
These medications affect various parts of the brain, and may also help with depression, anxiety, and feelings of aggression. Since 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 10 to 12 hours.
Another medication commonly prescribed for ADHD is bupropion, known by 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 been demonstrated to decrease insomnia, agitation and bipolar disorder in patients.
These non-stimulant ADHD drugs have lower risk of addiction and abuse than stimulants, but they aren't for all people. Adults may have to try a few different medications before they discover the one that works for them. The medications aren't the only solution for ADHD, so a person must continue taking them to stop the symptoms from recurring. adhd medication pregnancy of your medication as well as your symptoms.
5. Other medication
The medication used to treat ADHD can enhance a person's ability to focus, manage impulses, and complete tasks. They aren't a cure-all for all symptoms and can have adverse effects. Some of these side effects may be minor, while others may be very serious. best adhd medication for adults with anxiety may cause loss of appetite, problems with sleep and headaches. If these adverse effects are severe, the doctor may increase or change the dosage of a medication, or even try another.
Some other medications can be used to treat certain types of ADHD, such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). These antidepressants are known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. They differ from stimulants in that they don't increase dopamine levels, but instead increase norepinephrine. These medications appear to be more effective than stimulants in increasing attention, but not hyperactivity, although they can also reduce appetite and cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are another category of medication that has been shown to work for people suffering from ADHD. These are antidepressants that stop the breakdown of dopamine and other brain chemicals. Examples include phenelzine (Nardil), Tranylcypromine (Parnate) and Venlafaxine (Effexor XR). They are less likely than other antidepressants to cause adverse effects like insomnia and appetite suppression.
People with ADHD may also benefit from psychological counseling. CBT is also known as cognitive behavioral therapy and involves working with a therapist in order to develop skills that can help manage ADHD. It can also be beneficial for family members and loved ones struggling to live with someone who has ADHD. People suffering from ADHD can also join support groups on the Internet and in their local communities that can offer strategies for dealing with the disorder.