Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
Adults can be treated using various medications to treat ADHD. These include stimulants, non-stimulants and blood pressure medications.
Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. They are safe and effective. When used in the right way, they also offer a low-risk of abuse.
It is generally recommended to choose stimulants that have an effect that lasts for a long time. These are medicines like Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine patch) or Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
1. Stimulants
Stimulants are often the first choice for doctors when it comes to medication to treat ADHD. They boost the levels of certain brain chemicals, and can improve concentration, concentration, and control of impulses. Most commonly, doctors prescribe medications that contain methylphenidate or amphetamine. These medications are available in both immediate-release and longer-acting forms. The longer-acting drugs are able to aid in avoiding the "crash" of energy that occurs when short-acting stimulants wear off. The kind of medication is determined by the symptoms they experience as well as the preferences of the doctor and other health issues. It's normal to have various medications 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 someone has a heart condition or a family history of substance abuse doctors may choose to prescribe non-stimulant drugs. They don't have the same potential for misuse as stimulants, however they take longer to work and do not reduce impulsiveness as effectively.
Certain medications can interact with other medicines which is why you should inform your doctor if you're taking any other medications. Antidepressants like atomoxetine, (Prozac), and bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) boost the levels of brain chemicals, norepinephrine (dopamine) and dopamine (norepinephrine) and can improve concentration and mood. Doctors prescribe these medications to people with ADHD who also have depression or anxiety. Monoamine oxidase inhibits like phenelzine, (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) are not often prescribed in conjunction with stimulants due the high risk of serious negative side adverse effects.
A doctor can teach you strategies for managing your ADHD, and other professionals can assist you to cope with problems caused by your symptoms. For instance psychiatrists or psychologists can help you understand the reasons you struggle at work and school and teach you how to deal with those challenges. Adults with ADHD are also able to benefit from support groups. Discuss with your doctor about support groups in your community or online.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants, the most studied ADHD medication, can boost concentration and reduce impulsivity for many people. They're not your only choice. Certain people may respond better to nonstimulant medication and it's crucial to work with your doctor to determine the appropriate dosage and drug for you or your child.
Nonstimulant medications work by boosting and balancing brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They usually take longer to begin working than stimulants, but they can improve symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity for certain people. They are often prescribed along with stimulant medications to improve their effectiveness and lessen the risk of adverse side effects.
Two popular antidepressants are widely used as non-stimulant medications for ADHD: Wellbutrin (also known as bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Both of these medications can increase the brain chemical norepinephrine and enhance concentration. They're also generally less habit-forming than stimulants and don't carry the same potential for abuse. Your doctor may also prescribe atomoxetine, or Strattera to treat ADHD. Atomoxetine targets a different neurotransmitter in the brain, and it's the first non-stimulant medication to be approved by the FDA for the treatment of ADHD in adults.
Another option is guanfacine, or Intuniv. This medicine for blood pressure can have a mild calming effect, and can enhance concentration. However, it's not as efficient as methylphenidate (or Lisdexamfetamine) in reducing hyperactivity.
Remember that each person's biochemistry is unique, and so are the medicines they use. The first drug you or your child takes may not be effective and the one that is effective for you or your child might have unpleasant adverse effects. It requires a lot of experimentation and patience to find the right medication for your family.
3. Antidepressants
Although stimulants are among the most commonly used medications for treating ADHD, they aren't a good fit for everyone. People who have trouble tolerating adverse effects or feel that the medication isn't working for them may be able to benefit from antidepressants that can ease anxiety and other mood disorders.
Bupropion (also known as Wellbutrin, Zyban) is an antidepressant that has been proven to be effective in treating ADHD adults. It targets two neurotransmitters -- norepinephrine, and dopamine -- in the brain. It can also help treat depression and anxiety. It is recommended by your doctor if your ADHD symptoms are mild to moderate or you have a risk of using stimulants.
Strattera (atomoxetine), an approved prescription medication that has a long-acting effect, increases the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This can improve concentration and focus and decrease impulsive behaviors. It was the FDA's very first non-stimulant approved drug for treating adult ADHD. It is generally considered to be more effective than methylphenidate and amphetamines.
Your doctor might also prescribe guanfacine, clonidine or alprazolam as blood pressure medicines that reduce the activity of your sympathetic nervous system to reduce your heart rate and lower your blood pressure. This can be especially helpful 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 an effective tool to manage their symptoms. CBT teaches strategies to change your thoughts and behavior. This kind of treatment is usually performed by the help of a therapy. You may also consider supplements and diet but you must consult with your physician first. In many instances, a combination of medication and therapy that includes skills training is the most effective in treating ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medication
A few adults are diagnosed with ADHD after they have been diagnosed as children. Adults may still have difficulty managing their symptoms, which may impact their work performance and social interactions. However, psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes can help those suffering from ADHD to focus and calm down, as well as manage impulsive behaviours.
Adults who are experiencing high blood pressure may consider taking a medication prescribed to treat the condition. These are referred to as alpha-2-agonists. They include clonidine, (Kapvay) and guanfacine, (Intuniv). They can have a positive effect on mood and aid in concentration and control of impulses.
These medications also aid with depression, anxiety, and feelings of aggression. Since the beginning, doctors have prescribed these medications "off-label", but now the FDA has approved long-acting tablets for ADHD. They can control symptoms for a period of 10 to 12 hours.
Bupropion is a different medication that is prescribed for ADHD. It is also known under the brand names Wellbutrin or Zyban. buy adhd medication uk is an atypical antidepressant that works as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor, increasing levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain. It has also been proven to reduce agitation and insomnia in bipolar disorder sufferers.
While these non-stimulant ADHD medications have lower risk of addiction and abuse than stimulants, they do not suit everyone. Some adults need to test different medications before they find the one that works best for them. The medications aren't a cure, therefore the patient must continue taking them to avoid symptoms returning. Your GP will be able to monitor your symptoms and the efficacy of the medication.
5. Other medicines
The medication used to treat ADHD can enhance a person's ability to concentrate, control impulses, and complete tasks. However, they're not a panacea for all symptoms, and they frequently cause adverse effects that must be controlled. Some of these side effects may be mild, while others could be serious. Many of these drugs can cause headaches, sleep problems and loss of appetite. If the adverse effects are severe, a physician might increase or decrease a medication's dose or try another one.
Other medications are used to treat specific types of ADHD like 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 levels, but instead increase norepinephrine. These medications are more effective at improving concentration than stimulants, however they don't cause hyperactivity. They can also decrease appetite and cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxide inhibitors are a second class of medication that has been shown to be effective for certain individuals suffering from ADHD. These antidepressants stop the breakdown of dopamine and brain chemical. Examples include phenelzine (Nardil), Tranylcypromine (Parnate) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). They are less likely to cause adverse effects such as appetite suppression and insomnia than other antidepressants.
Psychological counseling is also available to people with ADHD. CBT is also known as cognitive behavior therapy and involves working with a therapist in order to build skills that can help manage ADHD. It can be beneficial to family members and loved ones 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 strategies for coping.