Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
Adults can be treated with various medications to treat ADHD. They include stimulants, non-stimulants and blood pressure medications.
Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD. They work well and are safe. When taken as directed, they also offer a low-risk of abuse.
It is recommended to select stimulants with an extended-acting effect. These are medicines like Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine patch) or Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
1. Stimulants
Stimulants are often the first choice of a doctor's treatment for ADHD. They boost levels of certain brain chemicals and increase concentration, concentration, and control of impulses. Doctors typically prescribe medications that contain methylphenidate or amphetamine. They are available in immediate-release as well as long-acting formulas. The longer-acting drugs are able to assist in avoiding the "crash" of energy that can happen when stimulants that work in a short-acting way wear off. The type of medication that an individual chooses is determined by their symptoms, the preference of the doctor and other health conditions. It's normal to to try several different medicines before you find one that is effective.
A doctor will also consider the family history of a patient as well as medical history. A doctor can prescribe nonstimulant medication if a patient has an addiction history or an underlying heart condition. They don't have the same risk of abuse as stimulants, but they take longer to work and don't reduce impulsiveness.
Certain medications can interact with others which is why you should inform your doctor if taking any other medications. Antidepressants such as atomoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban, Wellbutrin) boost levels of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine and boost mood and concentration. Doctors prescribe these drugs to those suffering from ADHD who also have anxiety or depression. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) are not commonly used in combination with stimulants because they have the potential for serious side effects when used together.
A doctor can teach you strategies to manage your ADHD, and other professionals can help you cope with problems caused by your symptoms. A psychologist or psychiatrist for instance can help you comprehend the reasons why you are having trouble at work or school and teach you how to manage these challenges. Adults with ADHD can also benefit from support groups. Discuss with your doctor about support groups in your local area 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 option. Some people respond to nonstimulant medication. adhd medication list to work closely with your doctor to determine the best drug and dosage for you or your child.
Nonstimulant medications are used to balance and boost neurotransmitters in the brain. They generally take longer to begin working than stimulants, but they can aid those suffering from hyperactivity and impulsivity. They're also often prescribed in combination with stimulant medications to increase their effectiveness and reduce adverse effects.
Two popular antidepressants are commonly used as nonstimulant medications for ADHD: Wellbutrin (also known as bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Both of these medications can boost the brain chemical norepinephrine and improve attention. They are also less addictive than stimulants, and don't carry as much potential for abuse. Your doctor may prescribe atomoxetine, also known as Strattera, to treat ADHD. Atomoxetine targets a different neurotransmitter in the brain. It's the first nonstimulant drug that has been approved by the FDA for treatment of ADHD in adults.
Another option is guanfacine or Intuniv. This blood pressure medication has a small relaxing effect and can help improve concentration, although it's not as effective at reducing hyperactivity or impulsivity as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine.
Be aware that every person's biochemistry is different, and so are the drugs they take. The first drug you or your children try might not be effective, and the medication that works for you or for your child may trigger unpleasant side effects. It takes experimentation and patience to find the best medication for your family.
3. adhd without medication
While stimulants are frequently prescribed to treat ADHD, they may not be the right choice for all. Antidepressants can be helpful for people who are unable to handle the negative any of the side effects associated with stimulants or who don't feel that the medication works for the individual.
Bupropion (also known as Wellbutrin, Zyban) is an antidepressant atypical which has been proven effective in treating ADHD adults. It targets two neurotransmitters -dopamine and norepinephrine -- in the brain. It can also be used to treat anxiety and depression. Your doctor may prescribe it if your ADHD symptoms are moderate to mild, or you are at risk of abusing stimulants.
Strattera (atomoxetine), a prescription medication with an extended-acting effect, boosts the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This helps to improve concentration and focus and decrease impulse-driven behaviors. It was the very first non-stimulant medication that was approved by the FDA to treat adult ADHD and is generally considered more effective than methylphenidate or amphetamines for this condition.
Your doctor could also prescribe alprazolam, clonidine and guanfacine as blood pressure medications that can reduce the activity of the sympathetic nervous system to slow down your heart rate and lower your blood pressure. This is especially beneficial for people with coexisting ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another treatment option, is a technique that some sufferers of ADHD use to manage their symptoms. CBT provides strategies to alter your thinking and behavior. This type of treatment is typically done by an professional. You can also think about diet and supplementation, but be sure to consult your doctor before trying these approaches. In many instances, combining therapies and medications along with skills training is the most effective approach to treatment for ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medication
A few adults are diagnosed with ADHD after being diagnosed as children. Adults may find it difficult to manage their symptoms. This can affect their work performance as well as their social interactions. Adults who suffer from ADHD can benefit from medication therapy, psychotherapy, or lifestyle changes to help them focus more effectively, feel more calm, and control impulsive behaviors.
If stimulants aren't effective or cause intolerable negative side effects, some people try medications that are usually used to treat high blood pressure. These medications are known as alpha-2-agonists. They include clonidine (Kapvay), and guanfacine, (Intuniv). They can have a positive effect on mood and aid in concentration and impulse control.
These medications can also assist with anxiety, depression and aggression-related feelings. Since years doctors have prescribed these medications "off-label", but now the FDA has approved long-acting tablets for ADHD. They can provide symptom relief for up to 12 hours.
Another medication that is often prescribed for ADHD is bupropion, a drug that is known by its 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 proven to reduce agitation, insomnia and bipolar disorder in people.
These non-stimulant ADHD medications are less prone to risks of addiction and abuse than stimulants, but they don't work for all people. Adults may have to try a few different medications before they find the one that works for them. The medications aren't a cure for ADHD and therefore, a person must continue taking them to prevent the symptoms from recurring. Your GP will be able to monitor the effectiveness of your medication and your symptoms.
5. Other medicines
The medications used to manage ADHD can improve a person’s ability to concentrate, control impulses, and complete tasks. However, they're not a cure for all symptoms, and they often trigger adverse effects that must be controlled. Some of these side effects may be minor, while others may be very serious. Certain medications may cause a loss of appetite, problems with sleep and headaches. If these adverse effects are severe, a doctor might increase or alter a medication's dosage or try an alternative.
Other medications are used to treat certain types of ADHD, such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). These antidepressants are called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. They differ from stimulants in that they don't increase dopamine, but instead boost norepinephrine. These medications appear to be more effective than stimulants at improving attention but not hyperactivity, although they can also reduce appetite and cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxide inhibitors are a different group of medications that have been shown to work for some individuals suffering from ADHD. These antidepressants inhibit the breakdown of dopamine and brain chemical. Examples include phenelzine (Nardil), the tranylcypromine (Parnate) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). They are less likely than other antidepressants to cause adverse reactions such as appetite suppression and insomnia.
People with ADHD may also benefit from psychological counseling. It is often referred to as cognitive behavior therapy or CBT and involves working with a therapist who is trained to develop skills that will help manage ADHD symptoms. It can be beneficial to family members and loved ones who are struggling to live with someone with ADHD. Support groups for those with ADHD are available on the Internet as well as in their communities. They can offer strategies for dealing with the disorder.