Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
Adults are treated with various medications to treat ADHD. There are stimulants, nonstimulants, and blood pressure medicines.
Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. They work well and are secure. They also carry a low chance for abuse when taken as directed.
Long-acting stimulants are the most popular. These are medicines like Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine patch) or Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
1. Stimulants
The first treatment that doctors use to treat ADHD is stimulants. They increase the levels of certain brain chemicals and increase concentration, focus, and impulse control. Most commonly, doctors prescribe medications which contain amphetamine or methylphenidate. These medications are available in both immediate-release and longer-acting varieties. The longer-acting drugs are able to help avoid the "crash" of energy that can happen when stimulants that work in a short-acting way wear off. The type of medication that a person will be prescribed is determined by their symptoms, preference of their doctor, and other health conditions. It's normal to try several different medicines before settling on the one that suits your needs.
A physician will also consider the history of the family member as well as medical history. A doctor might prescribe non-stimulant medication if a patient has a history of substance abuse or a heart condition. They don't have the potential for abuse as stimulants, but they are more difficult to use and aren't as effective in reducing impulsiveness.
Full Record can interact with other medications, therefore it's essential to inform your doctor about any other medication you take. Antidepressants such as atomoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) increase the levels of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine and improve concentration and mood. Doctors sometimes prescribe these 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 often combined with stimulants due to a high risk for serious side effects when used together.
A doctor can teach you strategies to manage your ADHD and other professionals can help you overcome the challenges caused by your symptoms. For instance, a psychologist or psychiatrist can help you understand why you have trouble at school or at work, and teach you skills to overcome those issues. Adults with ADHD can also benefit from support groups. Discuss with your doctor about support groups in your area or online.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants, the most studied ADHD medication, can improve concentration and decrease impulsivity in many people. However, they're not your only option. Certain people might react to non-stimulant medications. It's crucial to consult with your physician to determine the right medication and dosage for you or your child.
Nonstimulant medications work by boosting and balancing brain chemical called neurotransmitters. They usually take longer to get started than stimulants, but they can aid those suffering from hyperactivity and impulsivity. They are typically prescribed alongside stimulant drugs in order to increase their effectiveness and minimize unwanted side consequences.
Wellbutrin, also known as bupropion, and Effexor (venlafaxine) are two popular antidepressants that are commonly prescribed for ADHD. Both of these drugs increase the brain chemical norepinephrine and improve the ability to focus. They are less addictive than stimulants, and don't carry as much abuse potential. Your doctor might also prescribe atomoxetine, or Strattera to treat ADHD. Atomoxetine targets a different neurotransmitter inside the brain. It's the first nonstimulant medication 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, however it's not as effective at reducing hyperactivity or impulsivity like lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate.
It's important to remember that just like each person has a different biochemistry, so too do the medications they take. The first drug you or your child tries might not be effective, and the one that works for you or your child could have bothersome side effects. Finding the right medication takes patience and perseverance.
3. Antidepressants
While stimulants are frequently prescribed to treat ADHD however, they might not be the ideal choice for all. Antidepressants can be helpful for those who aren't able to handle the negative adverse effects of stimulants or do not find that the medication works well for the individual.
Bupropion, known by 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 that are present in the brain: dopamine and norepinephrine. It is also used to treat anxiety and depression. If your ADHD symptoms are mild or moderate, and you are at risk of abuse of stimulants Your doctor might prescribe it.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an approved prescription medication that has an extended-acting effect, boosts the levels of norepinephrine that are present in the brain. This improves concentration and focus, and also reduce impulsive behaviors. It was the first non-stimulant drug approved by the FDA to treat adult ADHD and is generally considered to be more effective than amphetamines or methylphenidate for this condition.
There are also prescriptions for alprazolam, clonidine or Guanfacine. These are all blood pressure medications that can reduce your heart rate and lower blood pressure by decreasing the activity of your sympathetic nervous system. This is especially beneficial for those who suffer from coexisting ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another treatment option that some with ADHD consider to be an effective tool to manage their symptoms. CBT provides strategies to alter your behavior and thinking. This kind of therapy is typically performed by a professional therapist. You could also consider diet and supplementation, but be sure to consult your physician before attempting these approaches. In most instances, combining medications with therapy and skills training is the most effective method to treatment for ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medications
Adults are often diagnosed with ADHD after being diagnosed as children. Adults may still struggle to manage their symptoms, which could affect their work performance and social interactions. Adults who suffer from ADHD can benefit from medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes to assist them in focusing more effectively, feel more calm, and control impulsive behaviors.
If stimulants don't work or cause unacceptable negative side effects, some people take medications that are typically used to treat high blood pressure. These medications are known as alpha-2-agonists. They include clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv). They can boost mood as well as aid in concentration and control of impulses.
These medications can also assist with depression, anxiety and feelings of aggression. For years, doctors have prescribed these medications "off-label" however, now the FDA has approved long-acting tablets for ADHD. They can provide symptom control for a period of 10 to 12 hours.
Another medication that is commonly prescribed for ADHD is bupropion, which is marketed by its brand names such as 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 shown to decrease insomnia, agitation and bipolar disorder among people.
While these non-stimulant ADHD medicines have lower risks of addiction and abuse than stimulants, they do not suit everyone. Some adults have to try several medications before finding the one that works best for them. The medications are not a cure, so the patient should continue taking medications to prevent the symptoms returning. Your GP will monitor the effectiveness of your medication as well as your symptoms.
5. Other medicines
The medications used to treat ADHD can improve a person’s ability to concentrate, control impulses, and complete tasks. They aren't a cure-all for all symptoms and can have side effects. Some of these side effects may be mild, but some can be more serious. Many of these medications can cause weight loss or sleep problems, as well as headaches. If the adverse reactions are severe, your doctor may increase or change the dosage of a medication, or even try another.
Other medications can be used to treat certain kinds 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 levels, but instead boost norepinephrine. These medications are more effective in improving concentration than stimulants, however they do not cause hyperactivity. They can also decrease appetite or cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors belong to a different class of drugs that have been proven to work for some people with ADHD. These antidepressants block the breakdown dopamine and brain chemical. Examples include phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) and Venlafaxine (Effexor XR). They are less likely to cause side effects such as appetite suppression and insomnia than other antidepressants.
People suffering from ADHD are also able to receive psychological counseling. CBT is also known as cognitive behavioral therapy. It involves working with a therapist in order to develop skills that can aid in managing ADHD. It can also be beneficial for family members and loved ones who struggle with living with someone with ADHD. People with ADHD can also find support groups on the Internet and in their communities that can offer coping strategies.