Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
Adults can be treated using a variety of drugs to treat ADHD. These include stimulants, non-stimulants as well as blood pressure medications.
Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD. They are effective and safe. They also have a low risk for abuse when taken as directed.
Long-acting stimulants are generally preferred. These are medicines like Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine patch) or Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
1. Stimulants
Stimulants are often the first choice for doctors when it comes to medication to treat ADHD. They boost the levels of a certain brain chemicals and enhance concentration, focus, and impulse control. Most often, doctors prescribe drugs that contain methylphenidate or amphetamine. These drugs are available in immediate-release and longer-acting forms. The longer-acting drugs help people avoid the "crash" in energy levels that could occur when stimulants with short-acting effects wear off. The type of medication a person takes depends on his or her symptoms, doctor's preferences and other health issues. It's normal to try several different medications before you find the one that is effective for you.
A doctor will also look at a person's medical history and family history. A doctor might prescribe non-stimulant medication in the event of an history of substance abuse or a heart condition. They don't have the danger of abuse as stimulants, but they take longer to work and aren't as effective in reducing impulsiveness.
Certain medications can interact with other medications, therefore it's essential to inform your doctor about any other medicine you are taking. Antidepressants like atomoxetine, (Prozac) and bupropion, (Wellbutrin and Zyban), increase the levels of brain chemicals, norepinephrine (dopamine) and dopamine (norepinephrine) and improve concentration and mood. Doctors prescribe these medications to people with ADHD who also have depression or anxiety. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) are rarely utilized in conjunction with stimulants due to the potential for serious side effects when taken together.
A doctor can teach strategies to cope with ADHD and other professionals can aid you in coping with the problems caused by symptoms. A psychologist or psychiatrist for instance can help you comprehend the reasons why you are having trouble at school and work and help you learn how to deal with these issues. Adults who suffer from ADHD are also able to benefit from support groups. Consult your physician about local or online support groups.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants, which are the most studied ADHD medication, can improve concentration and decrease impulsivity in many people. However, they're not the only option. Certain people might react to non-stimulant medications. It's crucial to work closely with your doctor to determine the right medication and dosage for your child or you.
Nonstimulant medications help by balancing and increasing neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. They generally take longer to begin working than stimulants, however they can aid in reducing symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity for certain people. They are typically prescribed alongside stimulant drugs in order to increase their effectiveness and decrease unwanted adverse negative effects.
Two popular antidepressants are widely used as nonstimulant medications for ADHD: Wellbutrin (also known as bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Both of these drugs boost levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine which can boost attention. They are also less addictive than stimulants, and they don't have as much potential for 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.
Guanfacine or Intuniv is another option. This blood pressure medication has a small calming effect and can improve concentration, but it's not as effective in reducing hyperactivity or impulsivity as lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.
Be aware that every person's biochemistry is unique, and so are the medicines they take. The first medicine you or your child tries may not be effective and the one that works for you or your child may cause unpleasant side effects. Finding the right medication takes patience and a lot of experimentation.
3. Antidepressants
While stimulants are frequently prescribed to treat ADHD however, they might not be the ideal choice for everyone. Antidepressants are a great option for people who are unable to tolerate adverse effects of stimulants or who don't feel that the medication works for them.
Bupropion is also known as its brand name Wellbutrin or Zyban is an atypical antidepressant that has been proven effective in treating adults suffering from ADHD. It targets two neurotransmittersdopamine and norepinephrine that are found in the brain. It can also be used to treat anxiety and depression. The doctor might prescribe it in the event that you have ADHD symptoms are moderate to mild, or you are at risk of abusing stimulants.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a prescription medication with long-acting effects, raises the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This can improve concentration and focus and decrease impulsive behaviors. It was the FDA's first non-stimulant approved medication for treating adult ADHD. It is generally considered to be more effective than methylphenidate and amphetamines.
There are also prescriptions for alprazolam, clonidine, or guanfacine. These are all blood pressure medications that can lower your heart rate and lower blood pressure by reducing the activity of your sympathetic nervous system. medication for autism and adhd is particularly beneficial for those suffering from ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another treatment option that some with ADHD consider to be a useful tool for managing their symptoms. CBT provides strategies to alter your thinking and act. This type of therapy is typically carried out by a therapy therapist. You may also consider supplements and diets, but be sure to consult with your doctor prior to trying these approaches. In many cases, a combination between treatment and medication with skills training is most effective in treating ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medication
Many people who suffer from ADHD get diagnosed in childhood However, some are given a diagnosis as adults. Adults may have difficulty to manage their symptoms. This can impact their work performance and their social interactions. But medication, psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications can help those suffering from ADHD to focus and calm down, as well as manage their impulsive behaviors.
If stimulants fail to work or cause intolerable negative side effects, some people attempt to take medication that is typically used to treat high blood pressure. These medications are known as alpha-2-agonists. They include clonidine, (Kapvay), and guanfacine, (Intuniv). They can have a positive effect on mood and can aid with concentration and impulse control.
These medications can also help with anxiety, depression and aggression-related feelings. Since the beginning doctors have prescribed them "off-label", but now the FDA has approved long-acting tablets for ADHD. They can offer relief from symptoms for up to 12 hours.
Another medication that is commonly 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 also has been proven to decrease insomnia and agitation in patients with bipolar disorder.
These non-stimulant ADHD drugs have lower abuse and addiction risks than stimulants but they aren't for all people. Some adults have to try different medications before they find the one that works best for them. The medications aren't a cure for ADHD, so a person needs to continue taking them to stop the symptoms from returning. Your GP will monitor your symptoms and evaluate the effectiveness of the medication.
5. Other medication
The drugs used to treat ADHD can help improve the ability of an individual to concentrate, manage impulses, and perform tasks. They aren't a cure-all for all symptoms, and may cause side effects. Some of these side effects may be mild while others can be severe. Certain medications can cause sleep issues, headaches and loss of appetite. If the adverse effects are severe, a physician may increase or decrease the dose of a medication or even try a different one.
Some other medications can be used to treat certain kinds of ADHD such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). They belong to the class of antidepressants called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, which differ from stimulants because they do not impact dopamine but boost norepinephrine. These medications appear to be more effective than stimulants in improving attention, but not in the sense of hyperactivity, although they can also cause a decrease in appetite and insomnia.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors belong to a different group of medications that have been shown to work for people suffering from ADHD. These are antidepressants that block the breakdown of dopamine and other brain chemicals. Examples include the phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) and Venlafaxine (Effexor XR). They are less likely to cause side effects like appetite suppression or insomnia than other antidepressants.
Psychological counseling is also available to those with ADHD. CBT is also referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy. It involves working with a therapist in order to learn skills that will assist in managing ADHD. It can also be beneficial for loved ones who struggle to live with someone who has ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD can also find support groups on the Internet and in their communities which can provide strategies for coping.