Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
There are a myriad of options to treat ADHD in adults. These include stimulants, non-stimulants as well as blood pressure medications.
Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. They work well and are safe. When used in the right way they also have a low risk of abuse.
It is recommended to choose stimulants that have a long-acting effect. These are medicines like Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine patch) or Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
1. Stimulants
The first medication that doctors prescribe to treat ADHD is stimulants. They increase the levels of a certain brain chemicals and enhance concentration, focus, and impulse control. The majority of doctors prescribe medications that contain methylphenidate or amphetamine. They are available in immediate-release as well as long-acting versions. The longer-acting drugs are able to help avoid the "crash" of energy that can happen when short-acting stimulants wear off. The type of medication a person takes depends on his or her symptoms as well as the preferences of the doctor and other health issues. It's normal to test a variety of different medications before you find the one that is effective for you.
A physician will also consider the medical history of the patient and family history. If a patient is suffering from a heart problem or a family history of substance abuse or abuse, a doctor might prefer to prescribe nonstimulant medication. They do not have the same abuse potential as stimulants but they take longer to work and don't decrease the amount of impulsivity.
Certain medications can interact with other medicines, so you should tell your doctor if taking any other medications. Antidepressants like atomoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban, Wellbutrin) increase levels of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine and improve concentration and mood. Doctors may prescribe them to help people with ADHD, especially when they suffer from anxiety or depression. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) are not commonly combined with stimulants due to the potential for serious side effects when taken together.
A doctor can provide strategies for coping with ADHD and other professionals can aid you in dealing with the issues caused by symptoms. For instance psychiatrists or psychologists can assist you in understanding the reasons you struggle at work and school and teach you how to deal with those challenges. Adults suffering from ADHD can also benefit from support groups. Talk to your doctor about support groups in your community or online.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants, which are the most studied ADHD medication, can help improve concentration and reduce impulsivity for many people. adhd medication and pregnancy 're not the only choice. Some people may react to non-stimulant medications. It's essential to consult with your physician to determine the right medication and dosage for your child or you.
Nonstimulant medicines help by balancing and increasing neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. They typically take longer to begin working than stimulants but can help those with hyperactivity and impulsivity. They are often prescribed alongside stimulant drugs in order to boost their effectiveness and decrease undesirable negative side effects.
Two popular antidepressants are widely used as nonstimulant medications for ADHD: Wellbutrin (also known as bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Both of these drugs increase the chemical in the brain called norepinephrine, which can enhance attention. They are less addictive than stimulants and they don't have as much abuse potential. Your doctor may also prescribe atomoxetine or Strattera, to treat ADHD. Atomoxetine targets a different neurotransmitter in the brain, and it's the first non-stimulant medication to be FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD in adults.
Another option is guanfacine, or Intuniv. This blood pressure medication has a minor relaxing effect and can help improve concentration, although it's not as effective in controlling impulsivity or hyperactivity like lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate.
Remember that each individual's biochemistry is distinct and so are the drugs they take. The first drug you or your children test might not be effective and the one that works for you or for your child may trigger unpleasant side effects. Finding the right medication requires patience and experimentation.
3. Antidepressants
Although stimulants are among the most commonly used medications for treating ADHD however, they're not a good fit for all. Patients who have difficulty absorbing side effects or find the medication doesn't work for them could be able to benefit from antidepressants that can aid in reducing anxiety and other mood disorders.
Bupropion is also known as its brand name Wellbutrin or Zyban, is an antidepressant that has been found to be effective in treating adults suffering from ADHD. It targets two neurotransmitters within the brain -- norepinephrine and dopamine. It can also be used to treat depression and anxiety. If you're ADHD symptoms are mild or moderate and you are at risk of stimulant abuse Your doctor might prescribe it.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a prescription medicine that boosts levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain to improve focus, concentration, and control impulse-driven behavior. It was the first nonstimulant drug approved by the FDA to treat adult ADHD, and it is generally considered more effective than methylphenidate or amphetamines for this condition.
You may 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 reducing 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 offers strategies to change your thinking and behavior. This type of treatment is typically carried out with the help of a therapist. You can also try diet and supplements however, you should consult your doctor first. In many cases, a combination between therapy and medication along combined with training for skills is the most effective in treating ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medication
Some adults are diagnosed with ADHD after being diagnosed as children. Adults may find it difficult to manage their symptoms. This can affect their performance at work and social interactions. Adults with ADHD can benefit from medication or psychotherapy as well as lifestyle changes to assist them in focusing, feel calmer and manage their impulsive behavior.
If stimulants fail to work or cause unacceptable reactions, some adults try medications that are usually used to treat high blood pressure. These are known as alpha-2 agonists, and include Clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv). They can have a positive impact on mood and aid in concentration and impulse control.
These medications act on different parts of the brain, and can help reduce anxiety, depression and feelings of aggression. Since the beginning, doctors have prescribed them "off-label" however, now the FDA has approved long-acting tablets for ADHD. They can help control symptoms for 10 to 12 hours.
Bupropion is another medication that is prescribed for ADHD. It is also 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 proven to reduce agitation, insomnia and bipolar disorder in patients.
While these non-stimulant ADHD medications have lower risk of addiction and abuse than stimulants, they may not work for everyone. Some adults have to try various medications before settling on the one that works for them. The medication is not a cure, so the patient should continue taking medications to prevent the symptoms returning. Your GP will be able to monitor your symptoms and the efficacy of the medication.
5. Other medications
The drugs used to treat ADHD can improve a person's ability to focus, control impulses and follow through with tasks. They are not a cure-all for all symptoms and could have adverse effects. Some of these side effects can be mild, but some could be more severe. A lot of these medications can cause loss of appetite or sleep problems, as well as headaches. If the adverse effects are severe, a doctor may increase or change the dosage of a medication or suggest a different one.
Other medications, like viloxazine and atomoxetine, can be used to treat specific forms of ADHD. They belong to the class of antidepressants called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, which differ from stimulants due to the fact that they do not affect dopamine, but increase norepinephrine. These drugs are more effective than stimulants in improving attention, but not in the sense of hyperactivity, though they may also cause a decrease in appetite and insomnia.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors belong to a different category of medication that has been proven to be effective for people suffering from ADHD. These are antidepressants that block the breakdown of dopamine and other brain chemicals. Examples include the phenelzine (Nardil) and the tranylcypromine (Parnate) and Venlafaxine (Effexor XR). They are less likely than other antidepressants that can cause adverse effects like appetite suppression and insomnia.
Psychological counseling is also offered to those suffering from ADHD. It is commonly referred to as cognitive behavior therapy or CBT, and it involves working with a therapist who is trained to learn skills that can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. adhd medication and pregnancy is also beneficial for family members and loved ones who struggle to live with someone who has ADHD. People with ADHD can also find support groups on the Internet and in their communities that can offer strategies for dealing with the disorder.