Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
Adults can be treated with a variety of drugs to treat ADHD. They include stimulants, non-stimulants, and blood pressure medications.
Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD. They work well and are secure. When taken as directed, they also pose a low abuse risk.
It is generally recommended to choose stimulants that have a long-acting effect. 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, focus, and control of impulses. Doctors usually prescribe drugs which contain methylphenidate or amphetamine. They are available in immediate-release and long-acting formulas. The longer-acting drugs are able to assist in avoiding the "crash" of energy that occurs when short-acting stimulating drugs wear off. The type of medication one takes is determined by their symptoms, doctor's preference and other health conditions. It's normal for people various medications before you find one that is effective.
A physician will also consider a person's medical history and family history. If someone is suffering from a heart problem or an ancestry of substance misuse or abuse, a doctor might prefer to prescribe nonstimulant medications. They don't have the same abuse potential as stimulants but they are slower to work and don't reduce the impulsiveness.
Certain medications can interact with other medications and you should inform your doctor if you're taking any other medication. Antidepressants such as atomoxetine (Prozac), and bupropion, (Wellbutrin and Zyban) boost the levels of brain chemicals norepinephrine (dopamine) and dopamine (norepinephrine) and boost mood and concentration. Doctors may prescribe them to treat people suffering from ADHD particularly if they have coexisting anxiety or depression. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) are not often used in combination with stimulants since they carry an increased risk of serious side effects when taken together.
A doctor can instruct you on strategies for coping with ADHD and other professionals can aid you in overcoming the challenges caused by symptoms. For instance, a psychologist or psychiatrist can assist you in understanding why you are struggling at school or at work, and teach you how to handle those issues. Support groups can be helpful for adults with ADHD. Talk to your doctor about support groups in your community or online.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants, the most researched ADHD medication, can boost concentration and decrease impulsivity in many people. But they're not the only option. Certain people might respond to nonstimulant medication. It's crucial to consult with your doctor to determine the best drug and dosage for your child or you.
Nonstimulant medicines are used to balance and boost neurotransmitters in the brain. They typically take longer to start working than stimulants, but they can assist some people with hyperactivity and impulsivity. They are often prescribed together with stimulant medications to improve their effectiveness and minimize undesirable adverse negative effects.
Wellbutrin is also referred to as bupropion, and Effexor (venlafaxine) are two antidepressants that are commonly prescribed for ADHD. Both of these drugs boost the brain chemical norepinephrine as well as enhance attention. They're also generally less habit-forming than stimulants and don't carry the same risk of abuse. Your doctor may prescribe Strattera or atomoxetine for treating ADHD. Atomoxetine targets an additional neurotransmitter within the brain, and it's the first nonstimulant drug to be FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD in adults.
Guanfacine or Intuniv is another option. This blood pressure medication has a minor relaxing effect and can help improve concentration, but it's not as effective in reducing hyperactivity or impulsivity as lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.
Remember that each person's biochemistry is unique, and so are the medicines they take. The first medicine you or your child tries may not be effective, and the one that is effective for you or your child might cause unpleasant adverse effects. It requires a lot of experimentation and patience to determine the best medication for your family.
3. Antidepressants
While stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD, they aren't the best choice for everyone. Patients who have difficulty absorbing adverse effects or feel that the medication doesn't work well for them may benefit from antidepressants. They can ease anxiety and other mood disorders.
Bupropion is known under its brand name Wellbutrin or Zyban is an antidepressant that has been proven to be effective in treating adults with ADHD. It targets two neurotransmitters in the brain, namely dopamine and norepinephrine. It can also help treat anxiety and depression. If you're ADHD symptoms are moderate or mild, and you are at risk of a stimulant abuse, then your doctor may prescribe it.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a prescription medicine that boosts levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to improve focus, concentration and control of impulse-driven behavior. It was the first nonstimulant drug approved by the FDA to treat adult ADHD and is generally considered to be more efficient than amphetamines or methylphenidate for this type of condition.
You could also be prescribed alprazolam, clonidine, 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 is particularly beneficial for those suffering from ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another treatment option that a few people with ADHD consider to be a useful tool for managing their symptoms. CBT offers methods to alter your thinking and behave. This kind of treatment is usually done by the help of a therapist. You could also try supplements and diet, but consult your physician first. In most cases, a combination between medication and therapy that includes skills training is the most effective in treating ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medication
Many people with ADHD are diagnosed in childhood however, some get the diagnosis as adults. Adults may have difficulty to manage their symptoms. This can affect their work performance and their social interactions. Adults with ADHD may benefit from medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle modifications to assist them in focusing more effectively, feel more calm and manage their impulsive behavior.
Adults who suffer from high blood pressure may consider taking a medication prescribed to treat the problem. These medications are known as alpha-2 agonists and include the clonidine (Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Intuniv). They can have a positive impact on mood and help with concentration and impulse control.
These drugs affect different areas of the brain and can also improve depression, anxiety and feelings of aggression. Since years doctors have prescribed them "off-label" however, in the last few years the FDA has approved long-acting tablets for ADHD. They can provide symptom control for between 10 and 12 hours.
Another medication that is often prescribed for ADHD is bupropion, known 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 also been shown to reduce agitation and insomnia in bipolar disorder sufferers.
While these non-stimulant ADHD drugs have a lower risk of abuse and addiction than stimulants, they do not suit everyone. Some adults need to test different medications before they find the one that is most effective for them. Medications are not an effective treatment for ADHD and therefore, a person should continue taking them to stop the symptoms from recurring. Your GP will be able to monitor your symptoms and evaluate the effectiveness of the medication.
5. Other medication
The medication used to treat ADHD can help improve an individual's ability to concentrate, control impulses and complete tasks. However, they are not a cure for all symptoms and frequently cause negative side effects that must be managed. concerta adhd medication of these side effects may be mild while others can be severe. Many of these drugs can cause headaches, sleep problems and a loss of appetite. If these adverse reactions are severe, a doctor might increase or alter a medication's dosage or try another.
Other medications, like viloxazine and atomoxetine can be used to treat certain types of ADHD. These are in the class of antidepressants referred to as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, which differ from stimulants because they do not affect dopamine, but increase norepinephrine. These drugs are more effective at improving concentration than stimulants, however they do not cause hyperactivity. They also can reduce appetite and cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are another category of medication that has been proven to work for people suffering from ADHD. They are antidepressants that inhibit the breakdown of dopamine and other brain chemicals. Examples include phenelzine and tranylcypromine, and venlafaxine. They are less likely to cause adverse effects like appetite suppression or insomnia than other antidepressants.
Psychological counseling is also offered to those suffering from ADHD. It is often referred to as cognitive behavior therapy or CBT and involves working with a qualified therapist to learn skills that can help manage ADHD symptoms. It is also beneficial for loved ones who are struggling with living with someone with ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD can also find support groups on the Internet and in their local communities that can offer coping strategies.