Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
There are a variety of ways to treat ADHD in adults. They include stimulants, non-stimulants, and blood pressure medications.
Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed treatment for ADHD. They are effective and secure. They also carry a low chance for abuse when taken as directed.
Long-acting stimulants are the most popular. These are medicines like Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine patch) or Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
1. Stimulants
The first drug that doctors use to treat ADHD is stimulants. They increase the levels of certain brain chemical and improve concentration, focus, and impulse control. Doctors usually prescribe drugs that contain amphetamine or methylphenidate. They are available in immediate-release and long-acting formulations. The longer-acting drugs help people avoid a "crash" in energy that can occur when short-acting stimulants take effect. The type of medication that an individual chooses is determined by their symptoms, doctor's preference and any other health conditions. It's normal to test a variety of different medications before finding the one that suits your needs.
A doctor will also consider the history of the family member as well as medical history. If a person has a heart condition or an ancestry of substance abuse doctors may choose to prescribe non-stimulant drugs. They do not have the same danger of abuse as stimulants, however they take longer to work and don't decrease the amount of impulsivity.
Certain medications may interact with other medications, therefore it's essential to inform your doctor about any other medication you are taking. Antidepressants such as atomoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion, (Wellbutrin and Zyban) can increase the levels of brain chemicals norepinephrine (dopamine) and dopamine (norepinephrine) and improve concentration and mood. Doctors prescribe these drugs to people with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety or depression. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) are not commonly used in combination with stimulants because they have a high risk for serious side effects when used together.
A doctor can instruct you on strategies for coping with ADHD and other professionals can assist in overcoming the challenges caused by symptoms. A psychologist or psychiatrist, for example can help you comprehend the reasons behind why you are having trouble at work and school and help you learn how to deal with these challenges. Support groups can also be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Discuss with 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 control impulsivity for many people. They're not the only option. Some people may prefer non-stimulant medications It's essential to consult your physician to determine the appropriate dosage and drug for you or your child.
Nonstimulant medicines work by balancing and boosting brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They generally take longer to begin working than stimulants, however they can improve symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity for certain people. They're often prescribed in combination with stimulant medication to enhance their effectiveness and minimize the risk of adverse side effects.
Two popular antidepressants are commonly used as nonstimulant medications for ADHD: Wellbutrin (also known as bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Both of these medications can increase the brain chemical norepinephrine, which can enhance attention. They're also generally less habit-forming than stimulants and don't carry the same risk of abuse. Your doctor might also prescribe atomoxetine or Strattera, to treat ADHD. Atomoxetine is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in adults. It targets a distinct neurotransmitter.
Another option is guanfacine or Intuniv. This blood pressure medicine has a slight calming effect, and can improve concentration. However, it's not as effective as methylphenidate (or the lisdexamfetamine) in decreasing hyperactivity.
Remember that each person's biochemistry is different, and so are the medicines they take. The first medication you or your child is trying might not be the best and the one that works for you or your child could cause unpleasant adverse effects. It takes experimentation and patience to find the right medication for your family.
3. Antidepressants
While stimulants are frequently prescribed to treat ADHD however, they might not be the ideal choice for all. Antidepressants can be helpful for those who are unable to tolerate adverse effects of stimulants or do not find that the medication works for the individual.
Bupropion is known under its brand name Wellbutrin or Zyban, is an antidepressant that has been found to be effective in treating adults with ADHD. It targets two neurotransmitters -dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. It also treats depression and anxiety. The doctor might prescribe it in the event that you have ADHD symptoms are mild to moderate, or you have a risk of consuming stimulants.
Strattera (atomoxetine), an prescription drug with an extended-acting effect, boosts the levels of norepinephrine within the brain. This improves concentration and focus, and also reduce impulse-driven behaviors. It was the first non-stimulant medication approved by the FDA to treat adult ADHD, and it is generally considered to be more effective than methylphenidate or amphetamines for this type of condition.
Your doctor could also prescribe alprazolam, clonidine, or guanfacine as blood pressure medications that can reduce the activity of the sympathetic nervous system to slow down your heart rate and lower blood pressure. This can be especially helpful for those who suffer from coexisting ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another treatment option that some people with ADHD consider a useful tool for managing their symptoms. CBT offers methods to alter your thinking and behave. This kind of therapy is usually carried out by a therapist. You could also try supplements and diets, but consult your doctor first. In most cases, a combination between medication and therapy that includes skills training is the most effective in treating ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medications
Many people who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed in childhood, but some receive an diagnosis when they are adults. Adults may struggle to manage their symptoms, which could affect their work performance as well as social interactions. But medication, psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications can help people with ADHD to concentrate and feel more calm, as well as control impulsive behaviours.
Adults who are experiencing high blood pressure can consider taking a medication prescribed to treat the condition. These are referred to as alpha-2-agonists and include clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine, (Intuniv). They can improve mood, and aid in concentration and control of impulses.
These medications act on different areas of the brain and can also improve depression, anxiety, and feelings of aggression. Since years, doctors have prescribed them "off-label" however, now the FDA has approved long-acting tablets for ADHD. They can control symptoms for a period of 10 to 12 hours.
Another medication that is often prescribed for ADHD is bupropion, which is marketed under the brand names such as 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 reduce agitation and insomnia in bipolar disorder sufferers.
Although these non-stimulant ADHD drugs have a lower risk of addiction and abuse than stimulants, they may not suit everyone. Adults may have to try several different medications before they can find one that works best for them. The medications aren't the only solution for ADHD Therefore, one must continue taking them to prevent the symptoms from recurring. Your GP will monitor the effectiveness of your medication as well as your symptoms.
5. Other medicines
The medications used to manage ADHD can enhance a person's ability to concentrate, control impulses and complete tasks. However, they are not a panacea for all symptoms and frequently cause adverse effects that must be addressed. Some of these side-effects may be mild while others can be severe. Certain medications may cause loss of appetite as well as sleep issues and headaches. If these adverse reactions are severe, the doctor might increase or alter a medication's dosage or try another.
Other medicines, such as viloxazine and atomoxetine, can be used to treat certain types of ADHD. 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 increase norepinephrine. These medications are more effective in improving attention than stimulants, but they do not cause hyperactivity. They also can reduce appetite or cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are a different class of medications that has been shown to be effective in people with ADHD. They are antidepressants that inhibit the breakdown of dopamine and other brain chemicals. Examples include phenelzine and Tranylcypromine, as well as Venlafaxine. They are less likely than other antidepressants that can cause side effects such as appetite suppression and insomnia.
People suffering from ADHD can also receive psychological counseling. It is commonly referred to as cognitive behavior therapy or CBT and involves working with a therapist who is trained to develop skills that will help manage ADHD symptoms. It can also be beneficial for loved ones who are struggling with the challenges of living with someone who has ADHD. Support groups for people with ADHD are available on the Internet as well as in their communities. adhd medication online can provide coping strategies.