Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
There are a myriad of choices to treat ADHD in adults. These include stimulants, non-stimulants and blood pressure medications.
Stimulants are often prescribed for ADHD. They work well and are safe. They also carry a low chance for abuse when taken as directed.
It is usually best to select stimulants with an extended-acting effect. These are medicines like Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine patch) or Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
1. Stimulants
Stimulants are typically a doctor's first choice of treatment for ADHD. They boost the levels of certain brain chemicals and increase concentration, focus, and control of impulses. Doctors typically prescribe medications that contain amphetamine or methylphenidate. They are available in immediate-release and long-acting versions. The longer-acting drugs are able to aid in avoiding the "crash" of energy that occurs when short-acting stimulating drugs wear off. The type of medication a person takes depends on their symptoms, doctor's preferences and other health conditions. It's normal for people to try several different medicines before you discover one that works.
A doctor will also take into consideration the history of the family member as well as medical history. If a person has a heart condition or an extended family history of substance abuse or abuse, a doctor might prefer to prescribe nonstimulant medication. These don't have the same potential for misuse as stimulants, however they take longer to work and aren't as effective in reducing impulsiveness.
Some medicines can interact with others which is why you should inform your doctor if you're taking any other medications. 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 drugs to people with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety or depression. Monoamine oxidese inhibitors, such as phenelzine (Nardil), and tranylcypromine, (Parnate) are rarely prescribed when combined with stimulants due to the risk of risk of serious negative side effects.
A doctor can instruct you on strategies for coping with ADHD and other professionals can assist you in coping with the problems caused by symptoms. For instance psychiatrists or psychologists can assist you in understanding why you have trouble at school and work and teach you skills to handle those issues. Support groups can also be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Consult your physician about local or online support groups.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants, the most researched ADHD medication, can boost concentration and reduce impulsivity for many people. They're not your only option. Certain people might react to non-stimulant medications. It's important to consult with your doctor to determine the best drug and dosage for you or your child.
Nonstimulant medicines work by increasing and balancing brain chemical called neurotransmitters. They typically take longer to start working than stimulants, however they can help improve symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity for some people. They're also often prescribed in combination with stimulant medications to increase their effectiveness and reduce adverse effects.
Two popular antidepressants are widely employed as non-stimulant drugs for ADHD: Wellbutrin (also known as bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Both of these drugs boost levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine, which can boost attention. They're also generally less habit-forming than stimulants and don't have the same potential for abuse. Your doctor might prescribe Strattera or atomoxetine for treating ADHD. Atomoxetine targets an additional neurotransmitter within the brain, and it's the first nonstimulant drug 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 slight relaxing effect and can help improve concentration, but it's not as effective at reducing hyperactivity or impulsivity like lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate.
It is important to keep in mind that just as every person has a different biochemistry, so do the medications they take. The first medication that you or your children test may not work, and the medication that does work for you or your child may cause unpleasant adverse side effects. It takes a lot of trial and error to find the best medication for your family.
3. Antidepressants
Although stimulants are often prescribed to treat ADHD but they may not be the right choice for all. Patients who have difficulty absorbing adverse effects or feel that the medication doesn't work well for them may be able to benefit from antidepressants that can help to alleviate anxiety and other mood disorders.
Bupropion is also known as its brand name Wellbutrin or Zyban is an antidepressant that has been found to be effective in treating adults with ADHD. It targets two neurotransmitters that are present in the brain: norepinephrine and dopamine. It can also treat depression and anxiety. It is recommended by your doctor when you have ADHD symptoms are mild to moderate, or you have a risk of using stimulants.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a long-acting prescription medicine that increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which improves concentration, focus, and control impulse-driven behavior. It was the FDA's first non-stimulant approved medication for treating adult ADHD. It is generally considered to be more effective than methylphenidate and amphetamines.
You could also be prescribed alprazolam, clonidine, or guanfacine. These are all blood pressure medication that can lower your heart rate and lower blood pressure by reducing the activity of your sympathetic nervous system. This is especially beneficial for those who suffer from coexisting ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a second treatment option that some people with ADHD consider to be a useful tool for managing their symptoms. CBT teaches you strategies to change the way you think and act. This kind of therapy is usually carried out by an professional therapist. You can also think about supplements and diets however, you must consult your physician before attempting these strategies. In many instances, a combination of therapy and medication along that includes skills training is the most effective in treating ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medications
Many people with ADHD are diagnosed in childhood, but some receive the diagnosis as adults. Adults may find it difficult to manage their symptoms. This can impact their performance at work and social interactions. However, our website , medication and lifestyle modifications can help adults with ADHD to focus and calm down, as well as manage their impulsive behaviors.
If stimulants aren't effective or cause intolerable side effects, some adults attempt to take medication that is typically used to treat high blood pressure. These medications are known as alpha-2-agonists. They include clonidine (Kapvay), and guanfacine, (Intuniv). They can improve mood, and help with concentration and impulse control.
These medications can also assist with depression, anxiety and aggression-related feelings. Since years doctors have prescribed them "off-label" however, now the FDA has approved long-acting tablets for ADHD. They can help control symptoms for a period of 10 to 12 hours.
Bupropion is another 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 shown to decrease insomnia, agitation and bipolar disorder in people.
These non-stimulant ADHD medications have lower risks of addiction and abuse than stimulants, however they don't work for everyone. Some adults have to try different medications before they find the one that is most effective for them. The medications aren't a cure, so the patient must continue to take medications to prevent the symptoms returning. Your GP will keep track of your symptoms and the efficacy of the medication.
5. Other medications
The medications used to manage ADHD can help improve an individual's ability to focus, manage impulses, and complete tasks. However, they are not a panacea for all symptoms and frequently cause negative side effects that must be controlled. Some of these side effects may be mild, but some may be more serious. Many of these medications can cause a loss of appetite, problems with sleep and headaches. If the side effects are severe, a doctor might increase or decrease a medication's dose or try another one.
Other medications are used to treat specific types of ADHD such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). These are in the class of antidepressants called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors which differ from stimulants in that they do not impact dopamine, but increase norepinephrine. These medications are more effective in enhancing concentration than stimulants, however they do not cause hyperactivity. They can also reduce appetite or cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors belong to a different group of medications that have been proven to work for some individuals suffering from ADHD. They are antidepressants that inhibit the breakdown of dopamine and other brain chemicals. Examples include the phenelzine (Nardil) and the tranylcypromine (Parnate) and Venlafaxine (Effexor XR). They are less likely to cause side effects like appetite suppression and insomnia than other antidepressants.
Psychological counseling is also available to those with ADHD. CBT is also referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy and involves working with a therapist in order to learn skills that will assist in managing ADHD. It can also be beneficial for family members and loved ones who struggle with the challenges of living with someone who has ADHD. Support groups for people suffering from ADHD are available on the Internet and within their communities. They can offer strategies for dealing with the disorder.