Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
Adults can be treated with a variety of drugs to treat ADHD. There are stimulants, nonstimulants and blood pressure medication.
Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. They are effective and safe. If used as directed, they also have a low risk of abuse.
types of adhd medication is usually best to select stimulants with a long-acting effect. These are medicines like Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine patch) or Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
1. Stimulants
Stimulants are usually a doctor's first choice of medication to treat ADHD. They boost the levels of certain brain chemicals and improve concentration, focus, and control of impulses. Most commonly, doctors prescribe medications that contain amphetamine or methylphenidate. These drugs are available in immediate-release and long-acting versions. The longer-acting drugs help people stay clear of the "crash" in energy levels that could occur when stimulants with short-acting effects take effect. The type of medication one chooses is determined by their symptoms, the preference of the doctor and other health conditions. It's normal to try several different medicines before settling on the one that suits your needs.
A doctor will also look at the medical history of a patient as well as family history. A doctor may prescribe nonstimulant medication in the event of an addiction history or heart disease. They don't have the danger of abuse as stimulants, but they take longer to work and don't reduce impulsiveness as effectively.
Certain medicines may interact with others, so you should tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications. 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 prescribe these medications to patients suffering from ADHD who also have depression or anxiety. Monoamine oxidase inhibits like phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine, (Parnate) are not often prescribed in conjunction with stimulants due to the risk of chance of serious adverse negative side negative effects.
A doctor can guide you through coping strategies to manage your ADHD, and other professionals can assist you to overcome the challenges caused by your symptoms. For instance a psychiatrist or psychologist can assist you in understanding why you have trouble at work and school and teach you skills to overcome those 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 boost concentration and reduce impulsivity for many people. They're not the only option. Certain people might react to non-stimulant medications. It's essential to work closely with your physician to determine the right medication and dosage for your child or you.
Nonstimulant medications work by balancing and boosting neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. They typically take longer to get started than stimulants but can help those with hyperactivity and impulsivity. They are often prescribed along with stimulant medications to increase their effectiveness and lessen adverse effects.
Two antidepressants that are popular are used as nonstimulant medications for ADHD: Wellbutrin (also known as bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Both of these drugs increase the chemical in the brain called norepinephrine and improve attention. They are also less likely to cause habit formation than stimulants and don't have the same risk of abuse. Your doctor might prescribe Strattera or atomoxetine 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 mild relaxing effect and can enhance concentration. However, it is not as effective as methylphenidate (or the lisdexamfetamine) in decreasing hyperactivity.
Keep in mind that every person's biochemistry is different, and so are the medicines they take. 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 trigger unpleasant side effects. It takes experimentation and patience to find the right medication for your family.
3. Antidepressants
While stimulants are the most frequently used drugs for treating ADHD but they're not the best choice for everyone. Antidepressants may be beneficial for those who aren't able to tolerate adverse effects of stimulants or don't find that the medication is effective for the individual.
Bupropion is known under its brand name Wellbutrin or Zyban is an antidepressant that has been proven effective in treating adults with ADHD. types of adhd medication that are present in the brain, namely dopamine and norepinephrine. It can also treat depression and anxiety. The doctor might prescribe it in the event that your ADHD symptoms are mild to moderate, or you have a risk of using stimulants.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a long-acting prescription medicine that increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which improves focus, concentration and manage the impulsive behavior. It was the first non-stimulant medication approved by the FDA to treat adult ADHD, and it is generally considered to be more efficient than amphetamines or methylphenidate for this condition.
Your doctor may also use guanfacine, clonidine or alprazolam as blood pressure medications that can reduce the activity of your sympathetic nervous system to slow your heart rate and lower your blood pressure. This can be particularly beneficial for people with coexisting ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), another treatment option, is a method that some sufferers of ADHD employ to manage their symptoms. CBT offers methods to alter the way you think and act. This type of treatment is usually performed by a professional. You can also think about supplements and diets however, you must consult with your doctor prior to trying these approaches. In many cases, a combination of therapies and medications along with skills training is the most effective method to treat ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medication
Many people with ADHD are diagnosed as children, but some receive a diagnosis as adults. Adults may struggle to manage their symptoms, which can affect their work performance and social interactions. But medication, psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications can help adults with ADHD to concentrate and feel more calm, as well as control impulsive behaviours.
Adults who suffer from high blood pressure may consider taking a medication prescribed to treat the condition. These medicines are called alpha-2 agonists. They include the clonidine (Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Intuniv). They can have a positive effect on mood and aid in concentration and control of impulses.
These drugs affect different parts of the brain, and can also improve depression, anxiety and feelings of aggression. Since years doctors have prescribed these medications "off-label" however, now the FDA has approved long-acting tablets for ADHD. They can help alleviate symptoms for up to 12 hours.
Another medication that is commonly prescribed for ADHD is bupropion, which is marketed by its 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 decrease insomnia, agitation and bipolar disorder among people.
These non-stimulant ADHD medications are less prone to abuse and addiction risks than stimulants, however they're not for all people. Some adults have to try different medications before they find the one that is most effective for them. how does medication for adhd work are not a cure, so the patient must continue to take them to avoid symptoms returning. Your GP will monitor your symptoms and evaluate the effectiveness of the medication.
5. Other medicines
The drugs used to treat ADHD can help improve the ability of an individual to concentrate, control impulses, and perform tasks. However, they are not a panacea for all symptoms, and they often cause negative side effects that must be controlled. Some of these side effects could be mild, but some may be more serious. A lot of these medications can cause sleep issues, headaches and a loss of appetite. If the side effects are severe, the doctor may increase or alter a medication's dosage or try another.
Other medicines, such as viloxazine and atomoxetine, can be used to treat certain forms of ADHD. These antidepressants are known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. They differ from stimulants in that they do not increase dopamine, but rather increase the amount of norepinephrine. These drugs are 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 proven to be effective for some individuals suffering from ADHD. These antidepressants block the breakdown dopamine and brain chemicals. Examples include phenelzine, the tranylcypromine and Venlafaxine. They are less likely to cause adverse effects such as appetite suppression and insomnia than other antidepressants.
People with ADHD are also able to receive psychological counseling. It is often called cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT and involves working with a therapist who is trained to acquire skills that help manage ADHD symptoms. It can also be helpful for loved ones who are struggling to live with someone who has ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD can also find support groups on the Internet and in their communities that can offer coping strategies.