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 among the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. They are effective and safe. When used in the right way they 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
Stimulants are typically the first choice for doctors when it comes to medication to treat ADHD. They increase the levels of certain brain chemicals and improve concentration, focus, and control of impulses. Most often, doctors prescribe drugs that contain amphetamine or methylphenidate. They are available in immediate-release as well as long-acting versions. The longer-acting drugs can help avoid the "crash" of energy that can happen when short-acting stimulants wear off. The kind of medication that is determined by his or her symptoms as well as the preferences of the doctor and other health conditions. It's normal to have to try several different medicines before you can find one that works.
A physician will also take into account the family history of a patient as well as medical history. If a patient suffers from a heart disease or an extended family history of substance misuse, a doctor may prefer to prescribe nonstimulant medications. They don't have the same danger of misuse as stimulants, however they are more difficult to use and don't reduce impulsiveness as effectively.
Certain medications can interact with other medications, therefore it's important to tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking. Antidepressants, such as Atomoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban) increase the levels of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine and can improve mood and concentration. Doctors prescribe these medications to patients suffering from ADHD who also have depression or anxiety. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) are not often combined with stimulants due to the potential for serious side effects when taken together.
A doctor can teach you strategies to manage your ADHD, and other professionals can assist you to cope with problems caused by your symptoms. For instance psychiatrists or psychologists can assist you in understanding why you are struggling at school and work and teach you how to handle those issues. Support groups can also be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Talk to your doctor about support groups in your area or online.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants are the most studied ADHD medications and can improve concentration and control the impulsivity of many. They're not your only choice. Some people may react to non-stimulant medications. It's essential to consult with your doctor to determine the right medication and dosage for your child or yourself.
Nonstimulant drugs work by boosting and balancing brain chemical called neurotransmitters. They generally take longer to start working than stimulants, however they can help improve symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity for certain people. They're also often prescribed along with stimulant medications to increase their effectiveness and lessen adverse effects.
Two popular antidepressants are commonly used as nonstimulant medications for ADHD: Wellbutrin (also known as bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Both of these drugs increase levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine which can boost the quality of attention. They are less addictive than stimulants and don't have as much abuse potential. Your doctor may prescribe Strattera or atomoxetine to treat ADHD. Atomoxetine is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in adults. It targets a different neurotransmitter.
Guanfacine or Intuniv is another option. This blood pressure medication has a small calming effect and can improve concentration, but it's not as effective at controlling impulsivity or hyperactivity as lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.
Keep in mind that every individual's biochemistry is distinct, and so are the drugs they use. The first drug you or your child is trying might not be the best, and the one that works for you or your child might have bothersome adverse effects. Finding the right medication takes patience and a lot of experimentation.
3. Antidepressants
Although stimulants are often prescribed to treat ADHD however, they might not be the best option for all. People who aren't able to handle adverse effects or feel that the medication doesn't work for them may be able to benefit from antidepressants that can help to alleviate anxiety and other mood disorders.
Bupropion (also called Wellbutrin, Zyban) is an antidepressant atypical which has been proven effective in treating ADHD adults. It targets two neurotransmitters -- norepinephrine, and dopamine within the brain. It can also treat anxiety and depression. If your ADHD symptoms are mild or moderate, and you're at risk of stimulant abuse, then your doctor may prescribe it.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a prescription medication that increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain, which improves focus, concentration, and control impulse-driven behavior. 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 might also prescribe alprazolam, clonidine and guanfacine These are blood pressure medications that can reduce the sympathetic nervous system's activity to reduce your heart rate and lower your blood pressure. This can be particularly beneficial for those suffering from co-existing ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another treatment option, is a tool that some sufferers of ADHD utilize to manage their symptoms. CBT provides methods to alter the way you think and act. This type of therapy is usually carried out by an therapist. You can also try diet and supplements, but consult your doctor first. In most cases, a combination of medications with therapy and skills training is the most effective approach to treat ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medications
A few adults are diagnosed with ADHD after being diagnosed as children. Adults may be unable to manage their symptoms. This can affect their work performance and their social interactions. But medication, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes can help adults with ADHD to concentrate and calm down, as well as manage the impulsive behavior.
Adults who are experiencing high blood pressure can take a medication that is typically prescribed to treat the problem. These medications are known as alpha-2 agonists, and include the clonidine (Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Intuniv). They can have a positive impact on mood and help with concentration and impulse control.
These medications also aid with anxiety, depression and feelings of aggression. Doctors have been prescribing them "off-label" for ADHD for years, however the drugs are now available in long-acting tablets that have been FDA-approved for the condition. They can offer relief from symptoms for up to 12 hours.
Another medication that is often prescribed for ADHD is bupropion, known by brand names such as 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 demonstrated to reduce insomnia, agitation and bipolar disorder in people.
These non-stimulant ADHD medications are less prone to risks of addiction and abuse than stimulants, but they don't work for everyone. Adults may need to test several different drugs before they find the one that is effective for them. The medication is not a cure, therefore the patient should continue to take them to avoid the symptoms returning. Your GP will monitor your symptoms and the effectiveness of the medication.
5. Other medication
The medications used to treat ADHD can enhance a person's ability to concentrate, control impulses and complete tasks. However, they are not a panacea for all symptoms, and they frequently cause adverse effects that must be managed. Some of these side effects can be mild, but others can be more serious. Many of these medications can cause loss of appetite or sleep problems, as well as headaches. If the adverse effects are severe, a doctor may increase or decrease a medication's dose or try another one.
Other medicines, such as viloxazine and atomoxetine can be used to treat specific forms of ADHD. adhd and anxiety medication are called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. They differ from stimulants in that they don't increase dopamine levels, but instead increase norepinephrine. These medications appear to be more effective than stimulants in improving attention, but not in the sense of hyperactivity, however they can also decrease appetite and cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors belong to a different class of drugs that have been proven to work for people suffering from ADHD. These antidepressants inhibit the breakdown of dopamine and brain chemicals. Examples include phenelzine (Nardil) and the tranylcypromine (Parnate) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). They are less likely than other antidepressants that can cause adverse effects like insomnia and appetite suppression.
People suffering from ADHD are also able to receive psychological counseling. It is often referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT which entails working with a trained therapist to acquire skills that help manage ADHD symptoms. It can be beneficial to loved ones and family members who have to deal with a person who suffers from ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD are also able to find support groups on the Internet and in their communities that can offer coping strategies.