Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
There are many choices to treat ADHD in adults. There are stimulants, nonstimulants and blood pressure medicines.
Stimulants are often prescribed for ADHD. They work well and are secure. If used as directed they also offer a low-risk of abuse.
It is generally recommended to choose stimulants that have an effect that lasts for a long time. These are medicines like Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine patch) or Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
1. Stimulants
Stimulants are typically a doctor's first choice of treatment for ADHD. They increase the levels of certain brain chemicals and improve concentration, focus, and control of impulses. Doctors most commonly prescribe medications that contain amphetamine or methylphenidate. They're available in immediate-release and long-acting versions. Longer-acting drugs may assist in avoiding the "crash" of energy that can occur when short-acting stimulants are worn off. The type of medicine an individual takes is determined by their symptoms, preference of their doctor, and other health issues. It's normal to have many different medications before you find one that works.
A doctor will also take into consideration a person's medical history and family history. If a patient suffers from a heart disease or a family history of substance misuse, a doctor may prefer to prescribe nonstimulant medication. They don't have the risk of abuse as stimulants, but they take longer to work and do not reduce impulsiveness as effectively.
Certain medications can interact with other medicines, so it is important to inform your doctor about any other medications you take. Antidepressants like Atomoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) boost levels of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine and boost mood and concentration. Doctors sometimes prescribe these to help people with ADHD especially when they suffer from depression or anxiety. Monoamine oxidase inhibits like phenelzine (Nardil), and tranylcypromine, (Parnate) are not often prescribed in conjunction with stimulants due the high risk of serious side adverse effects.
A doctor can teach strategies for coping with ADHD and other professionals can assist you in overcoming the challenges caused by symptoms. A psychiatrist or psychologist, for example, can help you understand the reasons you're having difficulties at work and school and teach you how to manage these issues. Support groups can be helpful for adults with ADHD. Discuss with your doctor about support groups in your community or online.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants are the most studied ADHD medications and can improve concentration and rein in impulsivity for many people. However, they're not the only option. Some people respond to nonstimulant medications. It's essential to consult with your physician to determine the right medication and dosage for your child or yourself.
Nonstimulant medicines work by increasing and balancing brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They usually take longer to begin working than stimulants, however they can aid in reducing symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity for some people. They're often prescribed along with stimulant medications to increase their effectiveness and reduce 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 boost attention. They are also less likely to cause habit formation than stimulants and don't carry the same 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 option. This blood pressure medicine can have a mild relaxing effect and can increase concentration. However, it is not as effective as methylphenidate (or the lisdexamfetamine) in reducing hyperactivity.
It is important to keep in mind that just as every person has their own biochemistry, so do the medicines they take. The first drug you or your children try may not work, and the medication that does work for you or your child may trigger unpleasant adverse side effects. It takes a lot of trial and error to find the best medication for your family.
3. Antidepressants
Although stimulants are often prescribed to treat ADHD however, they might not be the ideal choice for everyone. Antidepressants may be beneficial for those who aren't able to tolerate adverse effects of stimulants or don't find that the medication works for the individual.
Bupropion is known under its brand name Wellbutrin or Zyban, is an antidepressant with atypical properties that has been proven to be effective in treating adults with ADHD. It targets two neurotransmitters -- norepinephrine, and dopamine that are found in the brain. It can also treat depression and anxiety. If non prescription adhd medication uk are mild or moderate and you are at risk of abuse of stimulants Then your doctor could prescribe it.
Strattera (atomoxetine), an prescription drug with a long-acting effect, increases the levels of norepinephrine that are present in the brain. This can improve concentration and focus and decrease impulse-driven behaviors. It was the first non-stimulant medication approved by the FDA to treat adult ADHD and is generally considered more effective than methylphenidate or amphetamines for this type of 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 reducing the activity of your sympathetic nervous system. This is especially beneficial for people with coexisting ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a different treatment option, is a tool that some sufferers of ADHD use to manage their symptoms. CBT offers methods to alter your thinking and behave. This kind of therapy is usually done by a therapy therapist. You may also consider supplements and diet, but consult your physician first. In most cases, a combination of medications with therapy and skills training is the most effective approach to treat ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medication
Adults are often diagnosed with ADHD after being diagnosed as children. Adults may still have difficulty managing their symptoms, which could impact their work performance and social interactions. Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from medications or psychotherapy as well as lifestyle adjustments to aid in their focus more easily, feel calmer and manage their impulsive behavior.
Adults who suffer from high blood pressure can try medication that is usually prescribed to treat the condition. These are referred to as alpha-2-agonists. They include clonidine (Kapvay), and guanfacine (Intuniv). They can have a positive effect on mood and can aid with concentration and control of impulses.
These medications can also help with depression, anxiety, and feelings of aggression. Doctors have been prescribing these medications "off-label" for ADHD for years, however the medications are now available in long-acting tablets that have been FDA-approved for treating the condition. They can provide symptom control for 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 proven to reduce insomnia, agitation and bipolar disorder in patients.
These non-stimulant ADHD medications have lower risks of addiction and abuse than stimulants but they aren't for all people. Adults may need to test a few different medications before they discover the one that is effective for them. The medications are not a cure, therefore the patient must continue to take medications to prevent the symptoms returning. Your GP will be able to monitor your symptoms and the effectiveness of the medication.
5. Other medications
The medications used to treat ADHD can improve a person’s ability to concentrate, control impulses, and complete tasks. However, they are not a panacea for all symptoms and often cause side effects that need to be addressed. Some of these side effects could be minor, while others can be more serious. Certain medications may cause weight loss, problems with sleep and headaches. If the side effects are severe, your doctor might increase or alter a medication's dosage or try an alternative.
Some other medications can be used to treat certain kinds of ADHD like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). They belong to the class of antidepressants called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, which differ from stimulants in that they do not alter dopamine, but instead boost norepinephrine. These medications appear to be more effective than stimulants at improving attention but not hyperactivity, although they can also reduce appetite and cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxide inhibitors are a second type of medication that has been shown to be effective in people with ADHD. These are antidepressants that stop 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 to trigger side effects such as appetite suppression and insomnia.
Psychological counseling is also available for those suffering from ADHD. CBT is also known as cognitive behavior therapy and involves working with a therapist in order to learn skills that will help manage ADHD. It can also be helpful for family members and loved ones who struggle with the challenges of living with someone who has ADHD. People with ADHD can also find support groups on the Internet and in their communities that can offer coping strategies.