Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
There are a variety of options to treat ADHD in adults. There are stimulants, nonstimulants and blood pressure medication.
Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD. They are safe and effective. They also have a low risk of abuse if used as directed.
Long-acting stimulants are the most popular. 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 specific brain chemicals and increase concentration, focus, and impulse control. Most often, doctors prescribe medications which contain amphetamine or methylphenidate. These drugs are available in both immediate-release and long-acting versions. The longer-acting drugs can assist in avoiding the "crash" of energy that can happen when short-acting stimulants wear off. The kind of medication a person takes depends on their symptoms, doctor's preferences and other health issues. It is normal to test different medications before finding the one that suits your needs.
A doctor will also take into consideration the medical history of a patient as well as family history. A doctor might prescribe non-stimulant medication when a patient has a history of substance abuse or a heart condition. They do not have the same abuse potential as stimulants but they are slower to work and do not reduce the amount of impulsivity.
Certain medications can 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 Zyban, Wellbutrin) increase the levels of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine and improve concentration and mood. Doctors may prescribe them to people suffering from ADHD, especially in the case of depression or anxiety. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as phenelzine, (Nardil), and tranylcypromine (Parnate) are not often prescribed when combined with stimulants due to the high chance of serious adverse negative side adverse effects.
A doctor can help you learn strategies to manage your ADHD and other professionals can help you overcome the challenges caused by your symptoms. A psychiatrist or psychologist, for example can help you comprehend the reasons behind why you are having trouble at school and work and teach you how to deal with these challenges. Support groups can be helpful for adults with ADHD. Discuss with your doctor about support groups in your local area or online.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants are the most studied ADHD medications and can improve concentration and control the tendency to be impulsive for many. They're not the only option. Some people may respond better to nonstimulant medication It's essential to consult with your doctor to find the right dosage and medication for your child or yourself.
Nonstimulant medications are used to balance and boost neurotransmitters in the brain. They usually take longer to start 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 undesirable side negative effects.
Two popular antidepressants are commonly used as nonstimulant medications for ADHD: Wellbutrin (also known as bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Both of these drugs can increase the brain chemical norepinephrine and improve concentration. They are also less likely to cause habit formation than stimulants and don't have the same potential for abuse. Your doctor might prescribe Strattera or atomoxetine to treat ADHD. Atomoxetine targets a different neurotransmitter inside the brain, and it's the first nonstimulant medication that has been approved by the FDA for treatment of ADHD in adults.
adhd medications for adults is guanfacine, or Intuniv. This blood pressure medication has a slight calming effect, and can improve concentration. However, it's not as efficient as methylphenidate (or Lisdexamfetamine) in decreasing hyperactivity.
Remember that each person's biochemistry is different, and so are the medications they use. The first medication that you or your children are trying might not be effective and the one that works for you or your child may cause unpleasant side effects. It takes experimentation and patience to find the right medication for your family.
3. Antidepressants
Although stimulants are among the most commonly used medications for treating ADHD however, they're not the best choice for everyone. People who have trouble tolerating adverse side effects or who find that the medication doesn't work for them may benefit from antidepressants, which can help to alleviate anxiety and other mood disorders.
Bupropion, known by its brand name Wellbutrin or Zyban, is an antidepressant that has been found to be effective in treating adults suffering from ADHD. It targets two neurotransmitters- norepinephrine, and dopamine within the brain. It can also treat depression and anxiety. If you're ADHD symptoms are moderate or mild, and you are at risk of stimulant abuse Your doctor might prescribe it.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a prescription medication that increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which improves concentration, focus and control of impulsive behavior. It was the first non-stimulant drug approved by the FDA to treat adult ADHD and is generally considered more efficient than amphetamines or methylphenidate for this condition.
There are also prescriptions for alprazolam, clonidine or Guanfacine. These are all blood pressure medications that can reduce your heart rate and lower blood pressure by decreasing the activity of your sympathetic nervous system. This can be especially helpful for those suffering from co-existing ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), another treatment option, is a technique that some sufferers of ADHD use to manage their symptoms. CBT provides strategies to alter your behavior and thinking. This type of treatment is typically performed by a therapy. You may also consider diet and supplementation however, you must consult with your doctor prior to trying these approaches. In most instances, a combination of medication and therapy that includes skills training is the most effective in treating ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medication
Many people who suffer from ADHD get diagnosed in childhood however, some get an diagnosis when they are adults. Adults may still find it challenging to manage their symptoms, which can impact their work performance and social interactions. However, psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle modifications can help those suffering from ADHD to concentrate and calm down, as well as manage impulsive behaviours.
Adults suffering from high blood pressure may try medication that is usually prescribed to treat the condition. These medicines are called alpha-2 agonists and include Clonidine (Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Intuniv). They can have a positive effect on mood and aid in concentration and impulse control.
These medications affect various 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, but the drugs are now available in long-acting tablets that are approved by the FDA for this condition. They can help alleviate symptoms for up to 12 hours.
Bupropion is a different medication that is prescribed for ADHD. It is sold under the brand names Wellbutrin or 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 in people.
These non-stimulant ADHD drugs have lower risks of addiction and abuse than stimulants, but they aren't for all people. Certain adults must try different medications before they find the one that works best for them. The medication is not a cure, so the patient must continue to take them to avoid the symptoms returning. Your GP will 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 cure-all for all symptoms, and may have side effects. Some of these side effects can be minor, while others could be more severe. A lot of these medications can cause headaches, sleep problems and loss of appetite. If these side effects are severe, your doctor may increase or alter the dosage of a medication or suggest a different one.
Other medications can be used to treat specific 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, but rather boost norepinephrine. These medications appear to be more effective than stimulants at improving attention, but not in the sense of hyperactivity, however they can also reduce appetite and cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are a different type of medication that has been shown to be effective for certain individuals suffering from ADHD. These antidepressants stop the breakdown of dopamine and brain chemical. Examples include the phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). They are less likely than other antidepressants to cause side effects such as appetite suppression and insomnia.
People suffering from ADHD may also benefit from psychological counseling. CBT is also referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy and involves working with a therapist in order to build skills that can assist in managing ADHD. It is beneficial for loved ones and family members who struggle to live with a person who suffers from ADHD. People with ADHD are also able to find support groups on the Internet and in their local communities that can offer strategies for dealing with the disorder.