Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
There are a variety of choices to treat ADHD in adults. There are stimulants, nonstimulants and blood pressure medication.
Stimulants are often prescribed for ADHD. They are effective and secure. If used as directed they pose a low abuse risk.
It is generally recommended to select stimulants with a long-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 chemical and improve concentration and focus as well as impulse control. The majority of doctors prescribe medications that contain methylphenidate or amphetamine. These medications are available in immediate-release and longer-acting forms. The longer-acting drugs help people stay clear of the "crash" in energy that can occur when stimulants that short-act wear off. The type of medication an individual chooses is determined by their symptoms, preference of their doctor, and other health conditions. It is normal to test different medicines before settling on the one that suits your needs.
A physician will also consider a person's family history and medical history. If someone has a heart condition or an extended family history of substance misuse doctors may choose to prescribe nonstimulant medications. They don't have the same danger of misuse as stimulants, however they are more difficult to use and aren't as effective in reducing impulsiveness.
Certain medicines may interact with other medications and you should inform your doctor if you are taking any other medication. Antidepressants, such as atomoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) can increase the levels of brain chemicals norepinephrine (dopamine) and dopamine (norepinephrine) and boost mood and concentration. Doctors sometimes prescribe these to treat people suffering from ADHD, especially when they suffer from anxiety or depression. Monoamine oxidese inhibitors, such as phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine, (Parnate), are rarely prescribed in conjunction with stimulants due to the high risk of serious negative side effects.
A doctor can teach strategies for coping with ADHD and other professionals can assist you in dealing with the issues caused by symptoms. A psychiatrist or psychologist for instance can help you understand the reasons you are having trouble at work and school and show you how to manage these challenges. Support groups can be helpful for adults with ADHD. Ask your doctor about local or online support groups.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants are the most well-studied ADHD drugs that can boost concentration and control the impulsivity of many. However, they're not your only option. best adhd medication for adults with anxiety might respond to nonstimulant medication. It's essential to work closely with your physician to determine the most effective drug and dosage for your child or you.
Nonstimulant medicines are used to balance and boost neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. They usually take longer to begin working than stimulants, but they can help improve symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity for certain people. They are often prescribed with stimulant medications in order to boost their effectiveness and minimize undesirable negative side negative effects.
Two popular antidepressants are commonly used as non-stimulant medications for ADHD: Wellbutrin (also known as bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Both of these drugs can increase the chemical in the brain called norepinephrine as well as enhance attention. They are also less addictive than stimulants and don't carry as much potential for abuse. Your doctor might prescribe Strattera or atomoxetine for treating ADHD. Atomoxetine is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in adults. It targets a specific neurotransmitter.
Guanfacine or Intuniv is another alternative. This blood pressure medicine has a slight calm effect, and may increase concentration. However, it's not as efficient as methylphenidate (or the lisdexamfetamine) in reducing hyperactivity.
Remember that each person's biochemistry is different and so are the medications they use. The first medication that you or your children test may not work and the one that does work for you or your child may cause unpleasant side effects. Finding the right medication requires patience and experimentation.
3. Antidepressants
Although stimulants are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD, they may not be the best option for all. Antidepressants are a great option for people who are unable to take the adverse effects of stimulants or who don't feel that the medication is effective for the individual.
Bupropion is known under its brand name Wellbutrin or Zyban is an antidepressant that has been proven to be effective in treating adults suffering from ADHD. It targets two neurotransmitters- norepinephrine, and dopamine within the brain. It is also used to treat anxiety and depression. If your ADHD symptoms are mild or moderate, and you're at risk of abuse of stimulants, then your doctor may prescribe it.
adhd medication ritalin (atomoxetine) is a long-acting prescription medicine that increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to improve concentration, focus and control of impulse-driven behavior. It was the first nonstimulant drug approved by the FDA to treat adult ADHD and is generally regarded to be more efficient than amphetamines or methylphenidate for this condition.
There are also prescriptions for clonidine, alprazolam or Guanfacine. These are all blood pressure medication which can slow down your heart rate and lower blood pressure by decreasing the activity of your sympathetic nervous system. This can be particularly beneficial for people with coexisting ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another treatment option, is a technique that some sufferers of ADHD employ to manage their symptoms. CBT teaches strategies to change your thoughts and behavior. This kind of therapy is usually carried out by a therapy therapist. You can also try supplements and diet however, you should consult your physician first. In most instances, a combination of therapy and medication along combined with training for skills is the most effective in treating ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medication
Many people who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed as children however, some get an diagnosis when they are adults. Adults may still struggle to manage their symptoms, which may impact their work performance and social interactions. Adults who suffer from ADHD might benefit from taking medication or psychotherapy as well as lifestyle changes to assist them in focusing more effectively, feel more calm and manage their impulsive behavior.
Adults who are experiencing high blood pressure may take a medication that is typically prescribed to treat the condition. These medications are known as alpha-2-agonists. They include clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine, (Intuniv). They can improve mood and aid in concentration and control of impulses.
These medications also aid with depression, anxiety, and feelings of aggression. Since years doctors have prescribed them "off-label", but now the FDA has approved long-acting tablets for ADHD. They can offer relief from symptoms for up to 12 hours.
Another medication commonly prescribed for ADHD is bupropion, which is marketed by brand names like 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 among people.
These non-stimulant ADHD medications are less prone to risks of addiction and abuse than stimulants, but they aren't for everyone. Adults may have to try a few different medications before they can find one that is effective for them. The medications aren't an effective cure, therefore the patient should continue taking them to avoid the symptoms returning. Your GP will keep track of your symptoms and evaluate the effectiveness of the medication.
5. Other medications
The medications used to treat ADHD can help improve an individual's ability to focus, manage impulses and complete tasks. However, they're not a cure for all symptoms and often trigger adverse effects that must be managed. Some of these side effects could be mild, but others may be more serious. Many of these drugs can cause headaches, sleep problems and loss of appetite. If the side effects are severe, a physician might increase or decrease the dose of a medication or even try a different one.
Other medications, like viloxazine or atomoxetine are used to treat certain forms of ADHD. These antidepressants are known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. They differ from stimulants in that they don't increase dopamine, but instead increase the amount of norepinephrine. These medications are more effective at improving attention than stimulants, yet they do not cause hyperactivity. They can also decrease appetite or cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are a different type of medication that has been shown to be effective for certain people with ADHD. These antidepressants block the breakdown dopamine and brain chemical. Examples include phenelzine, the tranylcypromine and venlafaxine. They are less likely to cause side effects such as appetite suppression and insomnia than other antidepressants.
Psychological counseling is also available for those suffering from ADHD. It is often referred to as cognitive behavior therapy or CBT which entails working with a trained therapist to develop skills that will assist in managing ADHD symptoms. It is beneficial for family members and loved ones who have to deal with a person who suffers from ADHD. Support groups for people with ADHD are available on the Internet and within their communities. They can offer coping strategies.