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Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
Adults are treated with a variety of medications to treat ADHD. There are stimulants, nonstimulants, and blood pressure medicines.
Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medications for ADHD. They are safe and effective. They also have a low risk of abuse if used as directed.
Long-acting stimulants are usually preferred. These are medicines like Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine patch) or Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
1. Stimulants
Stimulants are usually the first choice for doctors when it comes to treatment for ADHD. They increase the levels of a specific brain chemicals and enhance concentration and focus as well as impulse control. Most often, doctors prescribe medications which contain amphetamine or methylphenidate. They're available in immediate-release and long-acting versions. Longer-acting drugs may aid in avoiding the "crash" of energy that occurs when short-acting stimulants wear off. The type of medication one takes is based on his or her symptoms, doctor's preferences and other health issues. It's normal to many different medications before you can find one that is effective.
A doctor will also consider the family history of a patient as well as medical history. If someone is suffering from a heart problem or an ancestry of substance misuse, a doctor may prefer to prescribe non-stimulant drugs. They don't have the same potential for abuse as stimulants, but they are more difficult to use and don't reduce impulsiveness as effectively.
Certain medicines may interact with other medications, so you should tell your doctor if taking any other medications. Antidepressants like atomoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban) boost levels of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine and improve concentration and mood. Doctors often prescribe these medications to treat people suffering from ADHD, especially if they have coexisting depression or anxiety. Monoamine oxidese inhibitors, such as phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) are rarely prescribed when combined with stimulants due to the high risk of serious negative side effects.
A doctor can provide strategies for coping with ADHD and other professionals can assist in dealing with the issues caused by symptoms. A psychologist or psychiatrist, for example can help you understand the reasons you're struggling at school and work and show you how to handle these challenges. Support groups can also be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Talk to your doctor about support groups in your community or online.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants are among the most researched ADHD medications and can improve concentration and rein in the tendency to be impulsive for many. They're not your only option. Some people respond to nonstimulant medication. It's essential to consult with your doctor to determine the right medication and dosage for your child or yourself.
Nonstimulant medications work by boosting and balancing brain chemical called neurotransmitters. They typically take longer to get started than stimulants, however they can help improve symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity for certain people. They're also often prescribed along with stimulant medications to increase their effectiveness and lessen adverse effects.
Two antidepressants that are popular are employed as non-stimulant drugs for ADHD: Wellbutrin (also known as bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Both of these medications increase levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine, which can improve the quality of attention. They are less addictive than stimulants and don't carry as much potential for abuse. Your doctor might prescribe Strattera or atomoxetine for treating 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 small calming effect and can improve concentration, although it's not as effective in reducing hyperactivity or impulsivity as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine.
Remember that each individual's biochemistry is distinct, and so are the medicines they use. The first medication that you or your children test might not be effective and the one that does work for you or your child may trigger unpleasant adverse side effects. Finding the right medication requires patience and a lot of experimentation.
3. Antidepressants
While stimulants are frequently prescribed to treat ADHD, they may not be the ideal choice for all. Antidepressants are a great option for those who are unable to handle the negative any of the side effects associated with stimulants or do not find that the medication is effective for the individual.
Bupropion (also called Wellbutrin, Zyban) is an antidepressant atypical that has been proven to be effective in treating ADHD adults. It targets two neurotransmitters that are present in the brain -- norepinephrine and dopamine. It also treats depression and anxiety. Your doctor may prescribe it in the event that your ADHD symptoms are mild to moderate or you are at risk of abusing stimulants.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a prescription medication with a long-acting effect, increases the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This can improve concentration and focus and reduce impulse-driven behaviors. It was the FDA's first nonstimulant approved medication for treating adult ADHD. It is generally thought to be more effective than methylphenidate and amphetamines.
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 useful for people who have ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another treatment option that some with ADHD consider to be a useful tool for managing their symptoms. CBT teaches strategies to change your behavior and thinking. This type of treatment is typically carried out with the help of a professional. You can also try supplements and diets however, you should consult your doctor first. In many cases, a combination of therapies and medications along with skills training is the most effective method to treatment for ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medication
A few adults are diagnosed with ADHD after being diagnosed as children. Adults may be unable to manage their symptoms. This can impact their work performance as well as their social interactions. Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from taking medication therapy, psychotherapy, or lifestyle adjustments to help them focus, feel calmer and manage impulsive behaviors.
If stimulants fail to work or cause intolerable side effects, some adults attempt to take medication that is 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 aid in concentration and impulse control.
These medications can also help with anxiety, depression and feelings of aggression. Since the beginning doctors have prescribed these medications "off-label", but now the FDA has approved long-acting tablets for ADHD. They can help alleviate symptoms for up to 12 hours.
Another medication that is often 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 has also been shown to reduce insomnia and agitation in patients with bipolar disorder.
Although these non-stimulant ADHD drugs have a lower risk of addiction and abuse than stimulants, they may not work for everyone. Adults may have to test a few different medications before they can find one that works for them. The medications are not a cure, so the person must continue to take them to avoid the symptoms returning. Your GP will evaluate the effect of your medication and your symptoms.
5. Other medicines
The medications used to treat ADHD can improve a person's ability to concentrate, manage impulses, and perform tasks. However, they're not a panacea for all symptoms and often cause side effects that need to be controlled. Some of these side effects can be mild, but some can be more serious. A lot of these medications can cause weight loss or sleep problems, as well as headaches. If the adverse effects are severe, the doctor may increase or alter the dosage of a medication, or even try a different one.
Other medications are used to treat specific types of ADHD, such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). They belong to the class of antidepressants called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors which differ from stimulants because they do not alter dopamine, but instead boost norepinephrine. These medications are more effective in improving attention than stimulants, but they don't cause hyperactivity. They can also reduce appetite or cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are another category of medication that has been proven to work for some people with ADHD. They are antidepressants that inhibit the breakdown of dopamine and other brain chemicals. Examples include phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). They are less likely to cause adverse effects such as appetite suppression and insomnia than other antidepressants.
People with ADHD are also able to receive psychological counseling. Highly recommended Reading is often called cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT and involves working with a trained therapist to learn skills that can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. It can be beneficial for family members and friends who struggle to live with someone with ADHD. Support groups for people suffering from ADHD are available on the Internet and within their communities. They can provide strategies for dealing with the disorder.
