Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
There are many options to treat ADHD in adults. They include stimulants, non-stimulants as well as blood pressure medications.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD. They work well and are secure. over the counter adhd medication carry a low chance for abuse if taken as directed.
Long-acting stimulants are usually preferred. These are medicines like Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine patch) or Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
1. Stimulants
The first drug that doctors choose to treat ADHD is stimulants. They increase the levels of a certain brain chemicals and enhance concentration, focus, and impulse control. Doctors usually prescribe drugs that contain amphetamine or methylphenidate. These medications are available in both immediate-release and longer-acting varieties. The longer-acting drugs are able to help avoid the "crash" of energy that can happen when short-acting stimulating drugs are worn off. The type of medication a person takes depends on the symptoms they experience, doctor's preferences and 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 take into account the history of the family member as well as medical history. If someone suffers from a heart disease or an ancestry of substance misuse or abuse, a doctor might prefer to prescribe nonstimulant medications. They don't have the danger of misuse as stimulants, however they are more difficult to use and aren't as effective in reducing impulsiveness.
Certain medications may interact with other medicines, so it's essential to inform your doctor about any other medications you take. Antidepressants such as atomoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion, (Wellbutrin and Zyban) boost the levels of brain chemicals called norepinephrine (dopamine) and dopamine (norepinephrine) and can improve mood and concentration. Doctors prescribe these drugs to patients suffering from ADHD who also have depression or anxiety. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors like phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) are not often used in combination with stimulants because they have the potential for serious side effects when used together.
A doctor can teach you strategies to manage your ADHD and other professionals can help you deal with the issues caused by your symptoms. A psychiatrist or psychologist, for example can help you comprehend the reasons you are having trouble at school and work and teach you how to handle these issues. Support groups can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Talk to your doctor about support groups in your local area or online.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants, which are the most studied ADHD medication, can boost concentration and reduce impulsivity in many people. They're not your only choice. Some people may respond to nonstimulant medication. It's essential to work closely with your physician to determine the most effective drug and dosage for your child or yourself.
Nonstimulant medicines work by balancing and boosting brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They usually take longer to begin working than stimulants, however they can help improve symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity for some people. They're also often prescribed in combination with stimulant medication to enhance their effectiveness and lessen side effects.
Two popular antidepressants are widely used as non-stimulant 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 less addictive than stimulants and don't have as much potential for abuse. Your doctor might prescribe Strattera or atomoxetine to treat ADHD. Atomoxetine is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in adults. It targets a specific neurotransmitter.
Another option is guanfacine, or Intuniv. This blood pressure medicine has a slight relaxing effect and can improve concentration. However, it's not as efficient as methylphenidate (or the lisdexamfetamine) in reducing hyperactivity.
Remember that each person's biochemistry is different, and so are the medicines they take. The first drug you or your children test might not be effective and the one that works for you or for your child could cause unfavorable side effects. Finding the right medication takes patience and perseverance.
3. Antidepressants
Although stimulants are among the most commonly used medications for treating ADHD however, they're not suitable for everyone. Antidepressants can be helpful for those who are unable to handle the negative side effects of stimulants or who don't feel that the medication works for the individual.
Bupropion, known by its brand name Wellbutrin or Zyban is an atypical antidepressant that has been proven to be effective in treating adults suffering from ADHD. It targets two neurotransmitters- norepinephrine, and dopamine -- in the brain. It also treats anxiety and depression. If you're ADHD symptoms are moderate or mild, and you are at risk of stimulant abuse, then your doctor may prescribe it.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a prescription medication with an extended-acting effect, boosts the levels of norepinephrine within the brain. treating adhd without medication can improve concentration and focus, and also reduce impulsive behaviors. It was the FDA's very first non-stimulant approved medication for treating adult ADHD. It is generally believed to be more effective than methylphenidate or amphetamines.
Your doctor might also prescribe alprazolam, clonidine, or guanfacine, which are both blood pressure medicines that reduce the activity of the sympathetic nervous system to slow down your heart rate and lower your blood pressure. This is particularly beneficial for people who have ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another treatment option that some with ADHD find to be an effective tool to manage their symptoms. CBT teaches you methods to alter your thinking and behave. This type of therapy is usually done by an therapist. You may also consider diet and supplements but you must consult with your doctor first. In many instances, combining medications with therapy and skills training is the most effective method to treat ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medication
Some adults are diagnosed with ADHD after they have been diagnosed as children. Adults may still find it challenging to manage their symptoms, which can affect their work performance and social interactions. But medication, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes can assist those suffering from ADHD to concentrate and feel more calm, as well as control their impulsive behaviors.
Adults who are experiencing high blood pressure can try medication that is usually prescribed to treat the problem. These medicines are called alpha-2 agonists. They include the clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv). They can have a positive impact on mood and aid in concentration and control of impulses.
These medications can also help with anxiety, depression and aggression-related feelings. Since years, doctors have prescribed them "off-label" however, now the FDA has approved long-acting tablets for ADHD. They can control symptoms for between 10 and 12 hours.
Another medication commonly 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 has been shown to reduce agitation, insomnia and bipolar disorder among people.
These non-stimulant ADHD medications have lower risk of addiction and abuse than stimulants but they're not for everyone. Some adults have to try various medications before settling on the one that works best for them. Medications are not a cure for ADHD, so a person must continue taking them to prevent the symptoms from recurring. Your GP will be able to monitor your symptoms and the efficacy of the medication.
5. Other medications
The medications used to manage ADHD can improve a person’s ability to concentrate, control impulses and complete tasks. They are not a cure-all for all symptoms and could cause side effects. Some of these side effects could be minor, while others may be more serious. A lot of these medications can cause headaches, sleep problems and a loss of appetite. If the side effects are severe, a doctor may increase or decrease the dosage of a medication or even try a different one.
Other medicines, such as viloxazine and atomoxetine can be used to treat certain types of ADHD. how does medication for adhd work are referred to as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. They differ from stimulants in that they do not increase dopamine levels, but instead 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 decrease appetite and cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are a different class of medication that has been shown to be effective for some individuals suffering from ADHD. These are antidepressants that stop the breakdown of dopamine and other brain chemicals. Examples include the phenelzine (Nardil), Tranylcypromine (Parnate) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). They are less likely than other antidepressants to cause adverse effects like insomnia and appetite suppression.
Psychological counseling is also available for people with ADHD. It is often referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT and involves working with a qualified therapist to acquire skills that help manage ADHD symptoms. It can also be beneficial for loved ones who struggle with the challenges of living with someone who has ADHD. Support groups for people suffering from ADHD are available on the Internet and in their local communities. They can offer strategies for dealing with the disorder.