Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
Adults are treated with various medications to treat ADHD. These include stimulants, non-stimulants, and blood pressure medications.
Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed treatment for ADHD. They are safe and effective. When taken as directed, they also have a low risk of abuse.
Long-acting stimulants are generally preferred. These are medicines like Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine patch) or Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
1. Stimulants
Stimulants are typically the first choice of a doctor's treatment for ADHD. They boost the levels of a specific brain chemicals and increase concentration, focus, and impulse control. Most often, doctors prescribe drugs which contain amphetamine or methylphenidate. These medications are available in both immediate-release and longer-acting forms. Longer-acting drugs may assist in avoiding the "crash" of energy that can happen when stimulants that work in a short-acting way wear off. The type of medication one takes is based on the symptoms they experience or preferences of a doctor, as well as other health conditions. It is normal to test different medications before finding the one that is effective for you.
A doctor will also look at the medical history of the patient and family history. A doctor may prescribe nonstimulant medication in the event of an history of substance abuse or heart disease. They don't have the same danger of abuse as stimulants, however they're slower to take effect and don't reduce the impulsiveness.
Some medicines can interact with others, so you should tell your doctor if taking any other medications. Antidepressants, such as atomoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) increase the levels of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine and improve concentration and mood. Doctors prescribe these medications to people with ADHD who also have depression or anxiety. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors like phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) are rarely utilized in conjunction with stimulants because they have a high risk for serious side effects when taken together.
A doctor can instruct you on strategies for coping 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 understand the reasons you're struggling at work or school and teach you how to handle these challenges. Adults who suffer from ADHD can also benefit from support groups. Discuss with your doctor about support groups in your area or online.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants, the most studied ADHD medication, can boost concentration and decrease impulsivity in many people. They're not the only choice. Certain people may respond better to nonstimulant medication It's essential to consult with your doctor to find the right dosage and drug for you or your child.
Nonstimulant medicines work by increasing and balancing brain chemical called neurotransmitters. They generally take longer to begin working than stimulants, but they can aid in reducing symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity for some people. They're also often prescribed in conjunction with stimulant medications to improve their effectiveness and minimize the risk of adverse side effects.
Wellbutrin, also known as bupropion and Effexor (venlafaxine) are two popular antidepressants that are often prescribed for ADHD. Both of these drugs can boost the brain chemical norepinephrine, which can improve concentration. They're also generally less habit-forming than stimulants and don't carry the same potential for abuse. Your doctor may prescribe Strattera or atomoxetine for treating ADHD. Atomoxetine is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in adults. It targets a distinct neurotransmitter.
Another option is guanfacine or Intuniv. This blood pressure medication can have a mild relaxing effect and can improve concentration. However, it is not as effective as methylphenidate (or lisdexamfetamine) in reducing hyperactivity.
It's important to remember that just as each person has their own biochemistry, so do the medications they take. The first medicine you or your children are trying might not be effective, and the medication that works for you or for your child could cause unfavorable adverse side effects. It takes experimentation and patience to find the right medication for your family.
3. Antidepressants
Although stimulants are among the most frequently used drugs to treat ADHD, they aren't a good fit for everyone. Antidepressants may be beneficial for those who are unable to tolerate adverse effects of stimulants or do not find that the medication works for the individual.
Bupropion is known under 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 that are found in the brain. It is also used to treat depression and anxiety. The doctor might prescribe it if your ADHD symptoms are mild to moderate, or you have a risk of consuming stimulants.
Strattera (atomoxetine), a prescription medication with an extended-acting effect, boosts the levels of norepinephrine within the brain. This can improve concentration and focus and reduce impulse-driven behaviors. It was the first non-stimulant medication approved by the FDA to treat adult ADHD, and it is generally considered more effective than amphetamines or methylphenidate for this condition.
Your doctor may also use alprazolam, clonidine and guanfacine, which are both blood pressure medicines that reduce the sympathetic nervous system's activity to reduce your heart rate and lower your blood pressure. This can be especially helpful for people with coexisting ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another treatment option that some people with ADHD consider to be beneficial in managing their symptoms. uk adhd medication offers strategies to change your behavior and thinking. This kind of treatment is usually performed by a professional. You may also consider diet and supplements but you must consult with your physician first. In most cases, a combination between medication and therapy that includes skills training is the most effective in treating ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medication
Some adults are diagnosed with ADHD after they have been diagnosed as children. Adults may still have difficulty managing their symptoms, which could impact their work performance and social interactions. Adults with ADHD might benefit from taking medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle modifications to assist them in focusing more easily, feel calmer and manage impulsive behaviors.
Adults who are experiencing high blood pressure might want to consider taking a medication prescribed to treat the condition. These are known as alpha-2 agonists and include clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv). They can have a positive impact on mood and can aid with concentration and control of impulses.
These medications can also help with depression, anxiety, and feelings of aggression. Doctors have been prescribing them "off-label" for ADHD for years, but the medications are now available in tablets with a long-acting mechanism that are approved by the FDA for this condition. They can help control symptoms for 10 to 12 hours.
get redirected here that is commonly prescribed for ADHD is bupropion, known 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 in patients.
Although these non-stimulant ADHD medications have lower risk of abuse and addiction than stimulants, they may not work for everyone. Adults may have to test several different medications before they find the one that is effective for them. The medication is not an effective cure, therefore the patient must continue taking them to avoid the symptoms returning. Your GP will be able to monitor the effect of your medication and your symptoms.
5. Other medications
The medications used to treat ADHD can help improve an individual's ability to concentrate, control impulses, and complete tasks. However, they are not a panacea for all symptoms and 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, a physician might increase or decrease the dose of a medication or try another one.
Other medications are 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 due to the fact that they do not affect dopamine but boost norepinephrine. These drugs are more effective in enhancing concentration than stimulants, however they do not cause hyperactivity. They also can reduce appetite and cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are a different class of medication that have been proven to be effective for certain people with 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 such as appetite suppression and insomnia than other antidepressants.
People suffering from ADHD are also able to receive psychological counseling. CBT is also referred to as cognitive behavior therapy and involves working with a therapist in order to build skills that can assist in managing ADHD. It is also beneficial for family members and loved ones struggling to live with someone who has ADHD. People with ADHD can also join support groups on the Internet and in their local communities which can provide strategies for coping.