Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
There are a variety of options to treat ADHD in adults. There are stimulants, nonstimulants and blood pressure medication.
Stimulants are often prescribed for ADHD. They are effective and secure. If used as directed they have a low risk of abuse.
Long-acting stimulants are generally preferred. These are medicines like Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine patch) or Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
1. Stimulants
The first drug that doctors prescribe to treat ADHD is stimulants. They increase the levels of a certain brain chemical and improve concentration, focus, and impulse control. dealing with adhd without medication prescribe drugs which contain methylphenidate or amphetamine. They're available in immediate-release and long-acting formulas. The longer-acting medications help to avoid a "crash" in energy that can occur when stimulants that short-act are absorbed. The kind of medication a person takes depends on their symptoms or preferences of a doctor, as well as other health conditions. It is normal to test different medicines before settling on the one that is effective for you.
A physician will also take into account the family history of a patient as well as medical history. If a person suffers from a heart disease or an ancestry of substance abuse or abuse, a doctor might prefer to prescribe nonstimulant medication. They don't have the same danger of misuse as stimulants, however they are more difficult to use and do not reduce impulsiveness as effectively.
Certain medications can interact with others, so you should tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications. Antidepressants like atomoxetine, (Prozac), and bupropion, (Wellbutrin and Zyban), increase the levels of brain chemicals, norepinephrine (dopamine) and dopamine (norepinephrine) and improve concentration and mood. Doctors prescribe these medications to those suffering from ADHD who also suffer from anxiety or depression. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) are rarely used in combination with stimulants because they have an increased risk of serious side effects when taken together.
A doctor can provide strategies to cope with ADHD and other professionals can aid you in coping with the problems caused by symptoms. For instance, a psychologist or psychiatrist can help you understand why you are struggling at school or at work, and teach you skills to overcome those issues. Adults suffering from ADHD may also benefit from support groups. Talk to your doctor about support groups in your area or online.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants are the most studied ADHD medications and can improve concentration and control impulsivity for many people. However, they're not your only option. Some people may prefer non-stimulant medications and it's crucial to work with your doctor to determine the appropriate dosage and drug for you or your child.
Nonstimulant medicines help by balancing and increasing brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They typically take longer to begin working than stimulants, but they can help improve symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity for some people. They are often prescribed together with stimulant medications to improve their effectiveness and minimize undesirable adverse effects.
Two popular antidepressants are widely used as nonstimulant medications for ADHD: Wellbutrin (also known as bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Both of these medications increase levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine, which can enhance concentration. They are also less addictive than stimulants and don't have as much potential for abuse. Your doctor might also prescribe atomoxetine, or Strattera to treat ADHD. Atomoxetine is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in adults. It targets a different neurotransmitter.
Guanfacine or Intuniv is another alternative. This blood pressure medicine can have a mild calming effect, and can improve concentration. However, it's not as effective as methylphenidate (or lisdexamfetamine) in reducing hyperactivity.
It is important to keep in mind that just like each person has a unique biochemistry, so do the medications they take. The first drug you or your children test may not work, and the medication that does work for you or for your child may cause unpleasant adverse effects. It takes a lot of trial and error to determine the best medication for your family.
3. Antidepressants
Although stimulants are among the most frequently used drugs to treat ADHD, they aren't suitable for all. Patients who have difficulty absorbing adverse side effects or who find that the medication doesn't work for them could be able to benefit from antidepressants that can ease anxiety and other mood disorders.
Bupropion (also known as Wellbutrin, Zyban) is an antidepressant atypical which has been proven effective in treating ADHD adults. It targets two neurotransmitters within the brain -- dopamine and norepinephrine. It is also used to treat depression and anxiety. It is recommended by your doctor when your ADHD symptoms are mild to moderate, or you are at risk of abusing stimulants.
Strattera (atomoxetine), an prescription drug with an extended-acting effect, boosts the levels of norepinephrine within the brain. This helps to improve concentration and focus and reduce impulse-driven behaviors. It was the FDA's first non-stimulant approved medication for treating adult ADHD. It is generally believed to be more effective than methylphenidate and amphetamines.
Your doctor may also use alprazolam, clonidine and guanfacine as blood pressure medications that reduce the sympathetic nervous system's activity to slow your heart rate and lower blood pressure. This can be especially helpful for people with coexisting ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another treatment option that a few people with ADHD find to be a useful tool for managing their symptoms. CBT provides strategies to alter your thoughts and behavior. This kind of therapy is typically done by a therapist. You could also consider diet and supplementation however, you must consult with your doctor prior to trying these approaches. In many instances, a combination of medication and therapy combined with training for skills is the most effective in treating ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medications
Many people who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed in childhood However, some are given a diagnosis as adults. Adults may struggle to manage their symptoms, which could impact their work performance and social interactions. But medication, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes can help adults with ADHD to focus and calm down, as well as manage their impulsive behaviors.
Adults who are experiencing high blood pressure might want to consider taking a medication prescribed to treat the problem. These are referred to 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 drugs affect different areas of the brain and can also improve depression, anxiety, and feelings of aggression. For years doctors have prescribed them "off-label" however, in the last few years the FDA has approved long-acting tablets for ADHD. They can offer relief from symptoms for up to 12 hours.
Bupropion is another drug that is prescribed for ADHD. It is available 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 patients.
Although these non-stimulant ADHD medications have lower risk of addiction and abuse than stimulants, they may not work for everyone. Certain adults must try different medications before they find the one that is most effective for them. The medications aren't the only solution for ADHD, so a person must continue taking them to prevent the symptoms from returning. Your GP will be able to monitor your symptoms and the efficacy of the medication.
5. non prescription adhd medication uk used to treat ADHD can help improve the ability of a person to concentrate, manage impulses, and complete tasks. They are not a cure-all for all symptoms, and may have adverse effects. Some of these side-effects may be mild, while others could be very serious. Certain medications may cause a loss of appetite as well as sleep issues and headaches. If these adverse reactions are severe, the doctor may increase or alter a medication's dosage or try another.
Other medicines, such as 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 alter dopamine, but increase norepinephrine. These drugs are more effective at improving concentration than stimulants, however they do not cause hyperactivity. They can also reduce appetite or cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxide inhibitors are a second type of medication that have been proven to be effective for some people with ADHD. These are antidepressants that block the breakdown of dopamine and other brain chemicals. Examples include phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). They are less likely than other antidepressants that can cause side effects such as insomnia and appetite suppression.
People with ADHD can also receive psychological counseling. CBT is also known as cognitive behavioral therapy. It involves working with a therapist to build skills that can aid in managing ADHD. It can be beneficial to loved ones and family members who are struggling to live with someone who has ADHD. Support groups for people with ADHD are available on the Internet and within their communities. They can provide strategies for coping.