Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
Adults can be treated using a variety of drugs to treat ADHD. There are stimulants, nonstimulants, and blood pressure medications.
Stimulants are typically prescribed for ADHD. They are effective and safe. When taken as directed, they also pose a low abuse risk.
Long-acting stimulants are the most popular. These are medicines like Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine patch) or Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
1. Stimulants
The first medication that doctors prescribe to treat ADHD is stimulants. They boost levels of certain brain chemicals and increase concentration, concentration, and control of impulses. Doctors most commonly prescribe medications that contain methylphenidate or amphetamine. These drugs are available in both immediate-release and longer-acting varieties. The longer-acting drugs can assist in avoiding the "crash" of energy that can happen when stimulants that work in a short-acting way wear off. The kind of medication that a person takes depends on their symptoms as well as the preferences of the doctor and other health issues. It's normal to try several different medications before you find one that works for you.
adhd no medication Iampsychiatry will also take into consideration the medical history of a patient as well as family history. A doctor can prescribe nonstimulant medication in the event of an addiction history or an underlying heart condition. They don't have as much danger of abuse as stimulants, however they're slower to take effect and do not reduce impulsiveness.
Certain medications can interact with other medications, therefore it's important to tell your doctor about any other medication you are taking. Antidepressants such as Atomoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban) increase levels of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine and improve concentration and mood. Doctors sometimes prescribe these to help people with ADHD especially in the case of depression or anxiety. Monoamine oxidase inhibits like phenelzine, (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate), are rarely prescribed in combination with stimulants due to the risk of risk of serious negative side adverse effects.
A doctor can teach strategies for coping with ADHD and other professionals can aid you in dealing with the issues caused by symptoms. A psychiatrist or psychologist for instance, can help you understand the reasons why you are having trouble at work or school and help you learn how to handle these issues. Support groups can also be helpful for adults with ADHD. Discuss with your doctor about support groups in your community or online.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants, the most studied ADHD medication, can improve concentration and reduce impulsivity for many people. However, they're not the only option. Some people may react to non-stimulant medications. It's essential to work closely with your physician to determine the most effective drug and dosage for your child or yourself.
Nonstimulant medications work by boosting and balancing brain chemical called neurotransmitters. They usually take longer to start working than stimulants, however they can improve symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity for certain people. They are typically prescribed alongside stimulant drugs in order to boost their effectiveness and reduce undesirable negative side effects.
Wellbutrin is also referred to as bupropion and Effexor (venlafaxine) are two popular antidepressants commonly prescribed for ADHD. Both of these medications increase levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine which can enhance the quality of attention. They are less addictive than stimulants and don't carry as much abuse potential. Your doctor may prescribe Strattera or atomoxetine for treating ADHD. Atomoxetine targets a different neurotransmitter in the brain. It's the first nonstimulant medication to be approved by the FDA for the treatment of ADHD in adults.
Another option is guanfacine, or Intuniv. This blood pressure medication has a small calming effect and can improve concentration, but it's not as effective in controlling impulsivity or hyperactivity as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine.
It's important to remember that just as every person has a unique biochemistry, so too do the medications they are taking. The first medicine you or your child tries might not be the best, and the one that works for you or your child may have bothersome side effects. Finding the right medication takes patience and perseverance.
3. Antidepressants
Although stimulants are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD, they may not be the right choice for everyone. Patients who have difficulty absorbing adverse side effects or who find that the medication doesn't work for them might benefit from antidepressants. They can aid in reducing anxiety and other mood disorders.
Bupropion, known by its brand name Wellbutrin or Zyban, is an atypical antidepressant that has been proven effective in treating adults suffering from ADHD. It targets two neurotransmitters within the brain -- norepinephrine and dopamine. It also treats depression and anxiety. If you're ADHD symptoms are moderate or mild, and you are at risk of abuse of stimulants, then your doctor may prescribe it.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a prescription medicine that increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain to improve focus, concentration and control of impulse-driven behavior. It was the FDA's first nonstimulant approved drug to treat adult ADHD. It is generally thought to be more effective than methylphenidate or amphetamines.
Your doctor could also prescribe alprazolam, clonidine and guanfacine These are blood pressure medications that can reduce the activity of the sympathetic nervous system to slow down your heart rate and lower your blood pressure. This can be particularly beneficial for those who suffer from coexisting ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a second treatment option that a few people with ADHD find to be a useful tool for managing their symptoms. CBT provides strategies to alter your thoughts and behavior. This kind of therapy is typically done by a therapist. You can also think about supplements and diets however, you must consult with your doctor prior to trying these methods. In most instances, combining therapies and medications along with skills training is the most effective approach to treating ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medication
A few adults are diagnosed with ADHD after they have been diagnosed as children. Adults may find it difficult to manage their symptoms. This could affect their performance at work and social interactions. Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from medication or psychotherapy as well as lifestyle adjustments to aid in their focus more easily, feel calmer and manage their impulsive behavior.
Adults who suffer from high blood pressure can try medication that is usually prescribed to treat the problem. These medications are known as alpha-2-agonists. They include clonidine, (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv). They can boost mood and help with concentration and control of impulses.
These drugs affect different parts of the brain, and can also improve anxiety, depression and feelings of aggression. Doctors have been prescribing them "off-label" for ADHD for years, but the drugs are now available in tablets with a long-acting mechanism that are FDA-approved for the condition. They can help control symptoms for a period of 10 to 12 hours.
Bupropion is a different medication that is prescribed for ADHD. It is also 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 proven to reduce insomnia, agitation and bipolar disorder among people.
These non-stimulant ADHD medications have lower risk of addiction and abuse than stimulants, but they don't work for all people. Adults may have to try a few different medications before they discover the one that works for them. The medications aren't a cure for ADHD and therefore, a person must continue taking them to prevent the symptoms from returning. Your GP will be able to monitor your symptoms and the efficacy of the medication.
5. Other medications
The medications used to treat ADHD can enhance a person's ability to concentrate, control impulses, and complete tasks. They aren't a panacea for all symptoms, and may cause side effects. Some of these side effects can be minor, while others could be more severe. Many of these drugs can cause headaches, sleep problems and a loss of appetite. If the adverse effects are severe, the doctor may increase or alter the dosage of a medication or suggest an alternative.
Some other medications can be used to treat certain 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 do not increase dopamine, but rather increase the amount of norepinephrine. These drugs are more effective than stimulants in improving attention, but not in the sense of hyperactivity, although they can also reduce appetite and cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxide inhibitors are a different class of drugs that have been proven to be effective for people suffering from ADHD. These are antidepressants that block the breakdown of dopamine and other brain chemicals. Examples include phenelzine, Tranylcypromine, as well as venlafaxine. They are less likely than other antidepressants that can cause adverse reactions such as appetite suppression and insomnia.
People suffering from ADHD can also receive psychological counseling. It is often called cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT and involves working with a therapist who is trained to learn skills that can assist in managing ADHD symptoms. It can be beneficial for family members and friends who are struggling to live with someone who has ADHD. Support groups for those with ADHD are available on the Internet and in their local communities. They can offer coping strategies.