Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
There are a myriad of choices to treat ADHD in adults. There are stimulants, nonstimulants, and blood pressure medicines.
Stimulants are commonly prescribed for ADHD. They work well and are secure. When used in the right way, they also pose a low abuse risk.
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
Stimulants are typically the first choice of a doctor's medication to treat ADHD. They boost levels of certain brain chemicals and increase concentration, focus and control of impulses. Most commonly, doctors prescribe medications that contain amphetamine or methylphenidate. They are available in immediate-release and long-acting formulas. Longer-acting drugs may aid in avoiding the "crash" of energy that can occur when short-acting stimulants are worn off. The type of medicine an individual chooses is determined by their symptoms, preference of the doctor and other health conditions. It's normal to have many different medications before you discover one that is effective.
A physician will also consider a person's family history and medical history. If a patient has a heart condition or an extended family history of substance misuse or abuse, a doctor might prefer to prescribe nonstimulant medication. They do not have the same risk of abuse as stimulants, but they are slower to work and do not reduce the impulsiveness.
Certain medications can interact with others, so you should tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication. Antidepressants like atomoxetine, (Prozac) and bupropion, (Wellbutrin and Zyban) can increase the levels of brain chemicals, norepinephrine (dopamine) and dopamine (norepinephrine) and can improve mood and concentration. Doctors prescribe these medications to those suffering from ADHD who also have depression or anxiety. Monoamine oxidese inhibitors, such as phenelzine, (Nardil), and tranylcypromine, (Parnate), are rarely prescribed in conjunction with stimulants due to the risk of chance of serious adverse negative side adverse effects.
A doctor can teach coping strategies for ADHD and other professionals can aid you in coping with the problems caused by symptoms. A psychologist or psychiatrist, for example can help you understand the reasons behind why you're having difficulties at work or school and show you how to manage these challenges. Support groups can be helpful for adults with ADHD. Consult your physician about local or online support groups.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants are the most well-studied ADHD medications and can improve concentration and control the impulsivity of many. However, they're not your only option. Some people may prefer non-stimulant medications and it's crucial to consult your physician to determine the appropriate dosage and drug for you or your child.
Nonstimulant medicines work by increasing and balancing brain chemical called neurotransmitters. They typically take longer to get started than stimulants, but they can assist those suffering from hyperactivity and impulsivity. They are typically prescribed together with stimulant medications to increase their effectiveness and reduce unwanted negative side negative effects.
Wellbutrin is also known as bupropion and Effexor (venlafaxine) are two popular antidepressants often prescribed for ADHD. Both of these drugs boost levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine which can improve attention. They are less addictive than stimulants and don't have as much abuse potential. Your doctor may prescribe atomoxetine, also known as Strattera to treat ADHD. adhd medication names inside the brain, and it's the first nonstimulant drug to be FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD in adults.
Guanfacine or Intuniv is another alternative. This blood pressure medicine has a slight calm effect, and may improve concentration. However, it's not as effective as methylphenidate (or the lisdexamfetamine) in decreasing hyperactivity.
Remember that each individual's biochemistry is distinct and so are the medications they take. The first drug you or your children try may not work, and the medication that works for you or your child may cause unpleasant side effects. Finding the right medication takes patience and experimentation.
3. Antidepressants
While stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD, they aren't suitable for all. People who aren't able to handle side effects or find the medication doesn't work well for them might benefit from antidepressants, which can aid in reducing anxiety and other mood disorders.
Bupropion (also called Wellbutrin, Zyban) is an antidepressant atypical which has been proven effective in treating ADHD adults. It targets two neurotransmitters in the brain -- dopamine and norepinephrine. It also treats anxiety and depression. It is recommended by your doctor in the event that you have ADHD symptoms are mild to moderate or you have a risk of consuming stimulants.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a prescription medication that increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which improves concentration, focus, and control impulse-driven behavior. It was the very first non-stimulant drug approved by the FDA to treat adult ADHD and is generally considered more effective than methylphenidate or amphetamines for this condition.
Your doctor could also prescribe alprazolam, clonidine, or guanfacine as blood pressure medications that reduce the activity of your sympathetic nervous system to reduce your heart rate and lower blood pressure. This can be especially helpful for those suffering from co-existing ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a different treatment option, is a tool that some people with ADHD use to manage their symptoms. CBT teaches strategies to change your behavior and thinking. This kind of treatment is usually done by a therapy. You may also consider supplements and diets, but be sure to consult your doctor before trying these approaches. In many instances, combining therapies and medications along with skills training is the most effective approach to treatment for ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medication
Adults are often diagnosed with ADHD after having been diagnosed as children. Adults may find it challenging to manage their symptoms, which could affect their work performance as well as social interactions. But medication, psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications can help adults with ADHD to concentrate and calm down, as well as manage their impulsive behaviors.
If stimulants don't work or cause intolerable negative side effects, some people take medications that are typically used to treat high blood pressure. These are referred to as alpha-2-agonists and include clonidine (Kapvay), and guanfacine (Intuniv). They can have a positive effect on mood and aid in concentration and control of impulses.
These medications act on different parts of the brain, and can also improve depression, anxiety and feelings of aggression. Doctors have been prescribing them "off-label" for ADHD for years, but they are now available in long-acting tablets that are approved by the FDA for this condition. They can control symptoms for a period of 10 to 12 hours.
Bupropion is another drug that is prescribed for ADHD. It is also 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.
While these non-stimulant ADHD drugs have a lower risk of abuse and addiction than stimulants, they may not suit everyone. Adults may need to test several different drugs before they discover the one that works best for them. The medications aren't the only solution for ADHD and therefore, a person needs to continue taking them to stop the symptoms from returning. Your GP will be able to monitor your symptoms and evaluate the effectiveness of the medication.
5. Other medications
The drugs used to treat ADHD can improve a person's ability to concentrate, control impulses and follow through with tasks. However, they're not a cure for all symptoms and often trigger side effects that need to be managed. Some of these side effects may be minor, while others can be more serious. Many of these medications can cause loss of appetite, problems with sleep and headaches. If the side effects are severe, a physician may increase or decrease a medication's dose or suggest a different one.
Other medicines, such as viloxazine and atomoxetine can be used to treat certain types of ADHD. They are part of the class of antidepressants called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, which differ from stimulants because they do not impact dopamine, but increase norepinephrine. These drugs are more effective than stimulants at increasing attention, but not hyperactivity, though they may also cause a decrease in appetite and insomnia.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are a different class of medication that have been proven to be effective for certain individuals suffering from ADHD. These are antidepressants that block the breakdown of dopamine and other brain chemicals. Examples include phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and Venlafaxine. They are less likely to cause side effects like appetite suppression and insomnia than other antidepressants.
Psychological counseling is also offered to people with ADHD. It is commonly called cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT and involves working with a qualified therapist to develop skills that will assist in managing ADHD symptoms. It can be beneficial to family members and loved ones who have to deal with someone with ADHD. People suffering from ADHD can also find support groups on the Internet and in their local communities that can offer coping strategies.