Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
Adults can be treated with a variety of medications to treat ADHD. These include stimulants, non-stimulants, and blood pressure medications.
Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. They work well and are safe. They also have a low risk for abuse if taken according to instructions.
Long-acting stimulants are usually preferred. These are medicines like Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine patch) or Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
1. Stimulants
The first medication that doctors use to treat ADHD is stimulants. They increase the levels of a certain brain chemicals and enhance concentration and focus as well as impulse control. Most commonly, doctors prescribe drugs that contain methylphenidate or amphetamine. They are available in immediate-release as well as long-acting formulas. The longer-acting drugs help people avoid a "crash" in energy that can occur when short-acting stimulants take effect. The type of medication one takes is based on his or her symptoms or preferences of a doctor, as well as other health conditions. It's normal to test a variety of different medications before you find the one that suits your needs.
A physician will also consider the medical history of the patient and family history. If someone has a heart condition or a family history of substance misuse or abuse, a doctor might prefer to prescribe nonstimulant medication. These don't have the same potential for abuse as stimulants, but they take longer to work and don't reduce impulsiveness as effectively.
Certain medications can interact with other medicines, so it is important to inform your doctor about any other medications you take. Antidepressants such as atomoxetine (Prozac), and bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) can increase the levels of brain chemicals, norepinephrine (dopamine) and dopamine (norepinephrine) and improve concentration and mood. Doctors often prescribe these medications to help people with ADHD, especially in the case of anxiety or depression. Monoamine oxidase inhibits like phenelzine, (Nardil), and tranylcypromine (Parnate), are rarely prescribed in combination with stimulants due to the high risk of serious side effects.
A doctor can guide you through strategies to manage your ADHD, and other professionals can help you deal with the issues caused by your symptoms. For instance a psychiatrist or psychologist can help you understand why you are struggling at school or at work, and teach you how to handle those issues. Adults who suffer from ADHD may also benefit from support groups. Ask your doctor about local or online support groups.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants are among the most researched ADHD medication that can help improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity of many. However, they're not the only option. Some people may prefer nonstimulant medication and it's crucial to work with your doctor to determine the appropriate dosage and medication for you or your child.
Nonstimulant medications work by balancing and boosting neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. They typically take longer to get started than stimulants, however they can help improve symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity for certain people. They are often prescribed with stimulant medications in order to boost their effectiveness and decrease unwanted negative side consequences.
Two antidepressants that are popular are employed as non-stimulant drugs for ADHD: Wellbutrin (also known as bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Both of these medications can increase the brain chemical norepinephrine and improve attention. They're also generally less habit-forming than stimulants and don't have the same risk of abuse. Your doctor may prescribe atomoxetine, also known as Strattera, to treat ADHD. Atomoxetine targets a different neurotransmitter inside the brain, and it's the first nonstimulant medication to be approved by the FDA for the treatment of ADHD in adults.
Another option is guanfacine, or Intuniv. This blood pressure medication has a small calming effect and can improve concentration, but it's not as effective at reducing hyperactivity or impulsivity as lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.
It's important to remember that just as every person has a different biochemistry, so do the medications they take. The first medicine you or your children test might not be effective and the one that does work for you or for your child may cause unpleasant adverse side effects. Finding the right medication takes patience and perseverance.
3. Antidepressants
While stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD however, they're not the best choice for everyone. Antidepressants can be helpful for those who aren't able to take the any of the side effects associated with stimulants or who don't feel that the medication works for them.
Bupropion (also known as Wellbutrin, Zyban) is an antidepressant atypical which has been shown to be effective in treating ADHD adults. It targets two neurotransmittersdopamine and norepinephrine -- in the brain. It can also be used to treat depression and anxiety. 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 long-acting prescription medicine that boosts levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to improve focus, concentration, and control the impulsive behavior. It was the first nonstimulant medication that was approved by the FDA to treat adult ADHD, and it is generally considered to be more effective than methylphenidate or amphetamines for this condition.
You may also be prescribed alprazolam, clonidine, or guanfacine. These are all blood pressure medications that can reduce your heart rate and lower blood pressure by reducing the activity of your sympathetic nervous system. This is especially beneficial for people with coexisting ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), another treatment option, is a technique that some sufferers of ADHD use to manage their symptoms. CBT offers strategies to change your thinking and act. This type of therapy is usually performed by a therapy therapist. You could also consider diet and supplementation, but be sure to consult your doctor before trying these approaches. In many cases, a combination between medication and therapy combined with training for skills is the most effective in treating ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medication
Adults are often diagnosed with ADHD after they have been diagnosed as children. Adults may find it difficult to manage their symptoms. This could affect their work performance as well as their social interactions. But medication, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes can assist people with ADHD to concentrate and feel more calm, as well as control impulsive behaviours.
If stimulants fail to work or cause unacceptable negative side effects, some people try medications that are usually used to treat high blood pressure. These medications are known as alpha-2-agonists and include clonidine, (Kapvay), and guanfacine, (Intuniv). non stimulant adhd medication can boost mood and help with concentration and control of impulses.
These medications can also help with depression, anxiety and feelings of aggression. Since years, doctors have prescribed these medications "off-label" however, now the FDA has approved long-acting tablets for ADHD. They can offer relief from symptoms for up to 12 hours.
Bupropion is a different medication that is prescribed for ADHD. It is known under the brand names Wellbutrin or 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 agitation, insomnia and bipolar disorder in people.
These non-stimulant ADHD medications have lower abuse and addiction risks than stimulants, but they don't work for all people. Some adults have to try various medications before settling on the one that works best for them. Medications are not the only solution for ADHD, so a person needs to continue taking them to prevent the symptoms from returning. Your GP will monitor your symptoms and evaluate the effectiveness of the medication.
5. Other medicines
The medications used to treat ADHD can aid in improving the ability of an individual to concentrate, control impulses and follow through with tasks. They aren't a cure-all for all symptoms, and may cause side effects. Some of these side effects may be mild, but some may be more serious. A lot of these medications can cause loss of appetite as well as sleep issues and headaches. If the adverse effects are severe, a physician might increase or decrease the dose of a medication or even try a different one.
Other medications, such as viloxazine and atomoxetine can be used to treat certain types of ADHD. They are part of the class of antidepressants referred to as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors which differ from stimulants because they do not alter dopamine but boost norepinephrine. These medications appear to be more effective than stimulants in increasing attention, but not hyperactivity, although they can also reduce appetite and cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are another group of medications that have been proven to work for some individuals suffering from ADHD. These antidepressants stop the breakdown of dopamine and brain chemical. Examples include phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and venlafaxine. They are less likely than other antidepressants to trigger adverse reactions such as appetite suppression and insomnia.
Psychological counseling is also available for those with ADHD. It is commonly referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT and involves working with a qualified therapist to learn skills that can help manage ADHD symptoms. It is beneficial for loved ones and family members who have to deal with someone with ADHD. Support groups for people suffering from ADHD are available on the Internet as well as in their communities. They can offer strategies for coping.