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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 often prescribed for ADHD. They are safe and effective. When used in the right way, they also offer 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 treatment that doctors prescribe to treat ADHD is stimulants. They increase the levels of a specific brain chemical and improve concentration and focus as well as impulse control. Most often, doctors prescribe drugs that contain amphetamine or methylphenidate. These medications are available in immediate-release and longer-acting forms. The longer-acting drugs are able to assist in avoiding the "crash" of energy that occurs when short-acting stimulating drugs are worn off. The type of medication a person chooses is determined by their symptoms, preference of the doctor and other health issues. It's normal to have various medications before you can find one that works.
A physician will also take into consideration a person's family history and medical history. A doctor can prescribe nonstimulant medication if a patient has an history of substance abuse or an underlying heart condition. They do not have the same risk of abuse as stimulants, but they're slower to take effect and do not reduce the impulsiveness.
Certain medications can interact with other medications, so it's essential to inform your doctor about any other medication you take. Antidepressants, such as atomoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion, (Wellbutrin and Zyban) can increase the levels of brain chemicals called norepinephrine (dopamine) and dopamine (norepinephrine) and improve mood and concentration. Doctors prescribe these medications to those suffering from ADHD who also have anxiety or depression. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) are not commonly combined with stimulants since they carry an increased risk of serious side effects when taken together.
A doctor can teach coping strategies for ADHD and other professionals can assist in coping with the problems caused by symptoms. For instance, a psychologist or psychiatrist can help you understand the reasons you struggle at school and work and teach you skills to deal with those challenges. Support groups can also be helpful for adults with ADHD. Discuss with your doctor about support groups in your area or online.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants, the most researched ADHD medication, can help improve concentration and decrease impulsivity in many people. But they're not the only option. Certain people may prefer non-stimulant medications and it's crucial to consult with your doctor to determine the appropriate drug and dosage for your child or yourself.
Nonstimulant medicines work by increasing and balancing brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They typically take longer to begin working than stimulants, however they can help improve symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity for some people. They are often prescribed along with stimulant medications to increase their effectiveness and lessen side effects.
Two popular antidepressants are commonly used as nonstimulant medications for ADHD: Wellbutrin (also known as bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). adhd medication for adults uk of these drugs increase the brain chemical norepinephrine as well as enhance concentration. They are also less addictive than stimulants, and don't have as much abuse potential. Your doctor may prescribe Strattera or atomoxetine to treat ADHD. Atomoxetine is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in adults. It targets a specific neurotransmitter.
Another option is guanfacine, or Intuniv. This blood pressure medication has a slight tranquil effect and can increase concentration, although it's not as effective in decreasing impulsivity or hyperactivity as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine.
It's important to remember that just as each person has their own biochemistry, so do the medicines they take. The first drug you or your children are trying might not be effective and the one that does work for you or your child may trigger unpleasant adverse effects. Finding the right medication requires patience and a lot of experimentation.
3. Antidepressants
Although stimulants are among the most commonly used medications for treating ADHD however, they're not the best choice for everyone. People who aren't able to handle adverse effects or feel that the medication doesn't work well for them may benefit from antidepressants. They can help to alleviate anxiety and other mood disorders.
Bupropion is also known as its brand name Wellbutrin or Zyban, is an antidepressant with atypical properties that has been found to be effective in treating adults suffering from ADHD. It targets two neurotransmitters within the brain: dopamine and norepinephrine. It also treats depression and anxiety. If your ADHD symptoms are moderate or mild, and you are at risk of a stimulant abuse Then your doctor could prescribe it.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a prescription medicine that increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which improves focus, concentration and manage impulsive behavior. It was the very first non-stimulant 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.
Your doctor may also use alprazolam, clonidine and guanfacine as blood pressure medications that can reduce the sympathetic nervous system's activity to reduce your heart rate and lower blood pressure. This is particularly helpful for those with 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 offers methods to alter your thinking and behave. This type of therapy is usually done by an therapist. You could also try supplements and diets but you must consult with your doctor first. In many instances, a combination of therapy and medication along with skills training is most effective in treating ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medication
Some adults are diagnosed with ADHD after being diagnosed as children. Adults may be unable to manage their symptoms. This could affect their work performance and their social interactions. Adults with ADHD might benefit from taking medication or psychotherapy as well as lifestyle modifications to help them focus more easily, feel calmer and manage impulsive behaviors.
If stimulants fail to work or cause intolerable 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 and help with concentration and impulse control.
These medications affect various parts of the brain, and can help reduce depression, anxiety, and feelings of aggression. Doctors have been prescribing these medications "off-label" for ADHD for years, but the drugs are now available in long-acting tablets that have been FDA-approved for treating the condition. They can help control symptoms for a period of 10 to 12 hours.
Another medication that is commonly prescribed for ADHD is bupropion, known by 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 also has been proven to decrease insomnia and agitation in people with bipolar disorder.
These non-stimulant ADHD medications have lower abuse and addiction risks than stimulants, however they aren't for everyone. Certain adults must try several medications before finding the one that is most effective for them. The medications aren't a cure, therefore the patient should continue taking them to avoid symptoms returning. Your GP will monitor the effectiveness of your medication as well as your symptoms.
5. Other medication
The medications used to treat ADHD can improve the ability of a person to concentrate, control impulses and follow through with tasks. However, they are not a panacea for all symptoms, and they often cause adverse effects that must be controlled. Some of these side effects can be minor, while others may be more serious. Many of these drugs can cause sleep issues, headaches and loss of appetite. If these adverse reactions are severe, your doctor may increase or change the dosage of a medication, or even try another.
Other medications, such as viloxazine and atomoxetine can be used to treat certain types of ADHD. They are part of the class of antidepressants known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors, which differ from stimulants in that they do not alter dopamine, but increase norepinephrine. These medications are more effective in enhancing attention than stimulants, yet they do not cause hyperactivity. They can also decrease appetite and cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are another type of medication that has been shown to be effective for certain people with ADHD. These are antidepressants that block the breakdown of dopamine and other brain chemicals. Examples include phenelzine and tranylcypromine, and venlafaxine. They are less likely to cause adverse effects like appetite suppression or insomnia than other antidepressants.
Psychological counseling is also available to those suffering from ADHD. It is often referred to as cognitive behavior therapy or CBT which entails working with a qualified therapist to learn skills that can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. It can also be beneficial for family members and loved ones struggling with the challenges of living with someone who has ADHD. People suffering from ADHD are also able to find support groups on the Internet and in their local communities that can offer coping strategies.
