Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
Adults can be treated with a variety of drugs to treat ADHD. There are stimulants, nonstimulants, and blood pressure medications.
Stimulants are typically prescribed for ADHD. They work well and are secure. When used in the right way, they also offer a low-risk of abuse.
Long-acting stimulants are usually 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 certain brain chemicals and increase concentration, focus, and impulse control. Doctors most commonly prescribe medications which contain methylphenidate or amphetamine. 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 type of medication is determined by the symptoms they experience or preferences of a doctor, as well as other health conditions. It is normal to test different medications before you find the one that suits your needs.
A doctor will also take into consideration the medical history of a patient as well as family history. If someone suffers from a heart disease or an extended family history of substance misuse, a doctor may prefer to prescribe non-stimulant drugs. They don't have as much risk of abuse as stimulants, but they are slower to work and do not reduce the impulsiveness.
Certain medications can interact with other medicines, so it's important to tell your doctor about any other medication you take. 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 sometimes prescribe these to people suffering from ADHD particularly when they suffer from anxiety or depression. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) are not often combined with stimulants due to an increased risk of serious side effects when taken together.
A doctor can teach you coping strategies to manage your ADHD and other professionals can assist you to cope with problems caused by your symptoms. A psychologist or psychiatrist, for example, can help you understand the reasons behind why you're having difficulties at work and school and teach you how to manage these challenges. Support groups can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Ask your doctor about online or local support groups.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants are among the most researched ADHD drugs that can boost concentration and control impulsivity for many people. They're not the only choice. Certain people may respond better to nonstimulant medication and it's crucial to consult with your doctor to determine the best dosage and medication for you or your child.
Nonstimulant medications work by boosting and balancing brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. adhd otc medication take longer to begin working than stimulants, but they can assist those suffering from hyperactivity and impulsivity. They're often prescribed in combination with stimulant medications to improve their effectiveness and lessen the risk of adverse side effects.
Wellbutrin is also referred to as bupropion and Effexor (venlafaxine) are two popular antidepressants often prescribed for ADHD. Both of these medications increase levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine, which can boost concentration. They are less addictive than stimulants, and don't have as much 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 different neurotransmitter.
Guanfacine or Intuniv is another alternative. This blood pressure medication has a minor relaxing effect and can help improve concentration, however it's not as effective in reducing hyperactivity or impulsivity as lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.
It's important to remember that just as every person has their own biochemistry, so too do the medications they are taking. The first medication you or your child tries might not be the best and the one that is effective for you or your child might have bothersome side effects. Finding the right medication requires patience and perseverance.
3. Antidepressants
Although stimulants are among the most frequently used drugs to treat ADHD but they're not a good fit for everyone. Antidepressants can be helpful for those who are unable to tolerate side effects of stimulants or don't find that the medication works well for them.
Bupropion is known under its brand name Wellbutrin or Zyban, is an antidepressant with atypical properties that has been found to be effective in treating adults with ADHD. It targets two neurotransmitters that are present in the brain, namely dopamine and norepinephrine. It can also be used to treat depression and anxiety. It is recommended by your doctor if you have ADHD symptoms are mild to moderate, or if you have a chance of consuming stimulants.
Strattera (atomoxetine), an prescription drug 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 drug approved by the FDA to treat adult ADHD and is generally regarded to be more effective than amphetamines or methylphenidate for this condition.
Your doctor may also use guanfacine, clonidine or alprazolam These are blood pressure medications that reduce the sympathetic nervous system's activity to slow your heart rate and lower your blood pressure. This can be particularly beneficial for those who suffer from coexisting ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a different treatment option that a few people with ADHD consider to be beneficial in managing their symptoms. CBT teaches strategies to change your thinking and behavior. This type of treatment is typically performed by an therapy. You may also consider supplements and diets but you must consult with your doctor first. In most instances, a combination of therapy and medication along with skills training is most effective in treating ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medication
Many people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed as children, but some receive the diagnosis as adults. Adults may be unable to manage their symptoms. This can impact their work performance and their social interactions. However, psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes can help adults with ADHD to concentrate, feel calmer and control the impulsive behavior.
If stimulants fail to work or cause unacceptable side effects, some adults take medications that are typically used to treat high blood pressure. These medicines are called alpha-2 agonists. They include the clonidine (Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Intuniv). They can have a positive impact on mood and aid in concentration and impulse control.
These drugs affect different parts of the brain, and can also improve depression, anxiety, and feelings of aggression. Doctors have been prescribing them "off-label" for ADHD for a long time, but the drugs are now available in long-acting tablets that have been FDA-approved for the condition. They can help control symptoms for between 10 and 12 hours.
Another medication that is commonly prescribed for ADHD is bupropion, a drug that is known under the 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 also has been proven to reduce insomnia and agitation in bipolar disorder sufferers.
Although these non-stimulant ADHD medications have lower risk of abuse and addiction than stimulants, they do not work for everyone. Adults may have to test several different medications before they discover the one that works best for them. The medication is not an effective cure, therefore the patient must continue to take them to avoid symptoms returning. non stimulant adhd medication will evaluate the effectiveness of your medication and your symptoms.
5. Other medication
The medicines used to treat ADHD can improve the ability of an individual to concentrate, control impulses, and complete tasks. However, they're not a cure for all symptoms and frequently cause side effects that need to be managed. Some of these side effects could be minor, while others can be more serious. A lot of these medications can cause headaches, sleep problems and a loss of appetite. If the adverse effects are severe, a physician might increase or decrease the dose of a medication or suggest a different one.
Some other medications can be used to treat specific types of ADHD like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). They are part of the class of antidepressants called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors which differ from stimulants because they do not impact dopamine but boost norepinephrine. These medications are more effective in improving attention than stimulants, yet they do not cause hyperactivity. They also can reduce appetite or cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are another type of medication that have been proven to be effective in individuals suffering from ADHD. These antidepressants inhibit the breakdown of dopamine and brain chemicals. Examples include the phenelzine (Nardil), the tranylcypromine (Parnate) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). They are less likely to cause adverse effects like appetite suppression or insomnia than other antidepressants.
Psychological counseling is also available to people with ADHD. CBT is also referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy and involves working with a therapist to learn skills that will assist in managing ADHD. It is beneficial for family members and friends who are struggling to live with someone who has ADHD. Support groups for those with ADHD are available on the Internet as well as in their communities. They can offer coping strategies.