How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults
Stimulant medicines like methylphenidate or amphetamine function by increasing and balancing levels of brain chemicals. Doctors prescribe them in the form of pills, liquids or patches.
Healthcare professionals also use medications known as norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and alpha-2 agonists for treating ADHD. These are usually used "off-label" for this purpose as they're FDA-approved to treat other ailments.
Stimulants
The stimulants are among the most common ADHD medication prescribed. buy adhd medication uk boost levels of the brain chemicals norepinephrine as well as dopamine which aid in improving concentration and control of impulses. Adults with ADHD are usually prescribed stimulants, but they may also be used to treat other conditions like anxiety and depression. These medications are considered controlled substances since they can be habit-forming which is why they should be administered under a physician's supervision. These stimulants can help people suffering from ADHD control their symptoms quickly, but they do not cure the disorder. They can also cause side effects such as heart palpitations, insomnia and sleep disturbances.
There are a myriad of brands of stimulant drugs that healthcare professionals can prescribe for adults suffering from ADHD. The majority of stimulant drugs are classified into two categories: methylphenidates and amphetamines. Methylphenidates are more likely to cause side effects and addiction than amphetamines. They are available in shorter-acting and long-acting versions. Short-acting stimulants are effective within 30 minutes and last for 3-4 hours. Long-acting and intermediate stimulants take 6-8 hours or 16 hours to reach their maximum effects. Long-acting medicines may be recommended by medical professionals for patients who have trouble remembering to take their medication on a regular schedule.
Certain adults may not be responsive to stimulants, and healthcare professionals will likely try nonstimulant medications first. The FDA has approved four medications that are nonstimulant to people suffering from ADHD. These include atomoxetine (guanfacine) and viloxazine (clonidine) and the guanfacine. These medications have less of an impact on the impulsive behavior than stimulants, however they can be extremely efficient in treating certain fundamental ADHD symptoms.
To maximize their effectiveness, medicines can be combined with other types of treatments, including behavior therapy and environmental restructuring. For instance, therapists could provide parents and families with strategies to assist their children with ADHD and give them techniques to manage their symptoms.
The most effective ADHD treatment for adults is usually the one that can control their symptoms the most effectively and has less adverse negative effects. Finding the right dosage, medication and time to take it can be a trial-and-error procedure. To ensure their success people suffering from ADHD should also make lifestyle changes. For instance, getting enough sleep and abstaining from coffee are two of the most important.
Adults who suffer from ADHD may have changes in their symptoms as time passes. Therefore, they should visit their doctor frequently to check and adjust their medication. Ideally, doctors will schedule monthly visits with people who are diagnosed with ADHD or symptoms that are not controlled, and thereafter every three months until their symptoms and functioning are controlled. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all adults with untreated ADHD seek medical care for the disorder. Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from medication that improves their lives and can lead to better health as well as relationships and jobs. The AAP recommends that those suffering from ADHD should not stop taking their medication before consulting with a physician to discuss the potential risks and benefits. This is a difficult decision and the AAP recommends a thorough evaluation by an experienced pediatrician or mental health professional.