Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
There are a myriad of options to treat ADHD in adults. These include stimulants, non-stimulants and blood pressure medications.
Stimulants are often prescribed for ADHD. They are effective and secure. When used in the right way they also have a low risk of abuse.
It is recommended to select stimulants with a long-acting effect. 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 medication to treat ADHD. They increase the levels of certain brain chemicals and improve concentration, focus and control of impulses. Doctors most commonly prescribe medications that contain methylphenidate or amphetamine. They are available in immediate-release and long-acting formulations. The longer-acting medications help stay clear of the "crash" in energy that could occur when stimulants with short-acting effects wear off. The type of medicine an individual chooses is determined by their symptoms, preference of the doctor and any other health conditions. It's normal to to try several different medicines before you discover one that is effective.
A doctor will also take into account the family history of a patient as well as medical history. If a person is suffering from a heart problem or a family history of substance misuse, a doctor may prefer to prescribe nonstimulant medication. They don't have as much abuse potential as stimulants but they're slower to take effect and do not reduce the impulsiveness.
Certain medications can interact with other medications, so it is important to inform your doctor about any other medicine you are taking. Antidepressants, such as atomoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban, Wellbutrin) increase levels of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine and can improve mood and concentration. Doctors prescribe these drugs to patients suffering from ADHD who also suffer from depression or anxiety. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors like phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) are not often combined with stimulants because they have the potential for serious side effects when used together.
A doctor can guide you through coping strategies to manage your ADHD, and other professionals can help you overcome the challenges caused by your symptoms. A psychologist or psychiatrist, for example, can help you understand the reasons why you are having trouble at work or school and teach you how to handle these issues. Adults with ADHD may also benefit from support groups. Discuss with your doctor about support groups in your area or online.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants are the most well-studied ADHD drugs that can boost concentration and reduce the tendency to be impulsive for many. They're not your only choice. Certain people may prefer nonstimulant medication and it's crucial to consult your physician to find the right dosage and drug for you or your child.
Nonstimulant medications work by boosting and balancing brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They usually take longer to get started than stimulants, but they can aid those with hyperactivity and impulsivity. They are typically prescribed alongside stimulant drugs in order to boost their effectiveness and reduce unwanted side effects.
Two popular antidepressants are commonly used as nonstimulant medications for ADHD: Wellbutrin (also known as bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Both of these drugs increase the brain chemical norepinephrine, which can enhance concentration. They are less addictive than stimulants and they don't have as much abuse potential. Your doctor might prescribe Strattera or atomoxetine to treat ADHD. Atomoxetine is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in adults. It targets a different neurotransmitter.
Another option is guanfacine, or Intuniv. This blood pressure medication has a slight calming effect and can improve concentration, although it's not as effective in controlling impulsivity or hyperactivity as methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine.
Be aware that every individual's biochemistry is distinct, and so are the drugs they take. The first medicine you or your children are trying may not work, and the medication that does work for you or your child could cause unfavorable adverse effects. It takes experimentation and patience to determine the best medication for your family.
3. Antidepressants
While stimulants are frequently prescribed to treat ADHD however, they might not be the ideal choice for everyone. Antidepressants may be beneficial for those who are unable to take the any of the side effects associated with stimulants or don't find that the medication is effective for the individual.
Bupropion, known by its brand name Wellbutrin or Zyban is an antidepressant that has been proven to be effective in treating adults suffering from ADHD. It targets two neurotransmitters in the brain: dopamine and norepinephrine. It is also used to treat anxiety and depression. It is recommended by your doctor when your ADHD symptoms are moderate to mild, or you are at risk of abusing stimulants.
Strattera (atomoxetine), an approved prescription medication that has a long-acting effect, increases the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This improves concentration and focus and decrease the risk of impulsive behavior. It was the first non-stimulant medication approved by the FDA to treat adult ADHD and is generally considered more effective than amphetamines or methylphenidate for this type of condition.
There are also prescriptions for clonidine, alprazolam or Guanfacine. These are all blood pressure medication which can slow down your heart rate and lower blood pressure by decreasing the activity of your sympathetic nervous system. This is particularly beneficial for people who have ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a different treatment option that a few people with ADHD consider an effective tool to manage their symptoms. CBT offers strategies to change your thinking and act. This type of treatment is typically performed by a professional. You may also consider diet and supplements, but consult your doctor first. In many cases, a combination between therapy and medication along that includes skills training is the most effective in treating ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medication
Many people with ADHD get diagnosed in childhood however, some get a diagnosis as adults. 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 therapy, psychotherapy, or lifestyle modifications to aid in their focus more effectively, feel more calm and manage their impulsive behavior.
If stimulants fail to work or cause unacceptable negative side effects, some people try medications that are usually used to treat high blood pressure. These are referred to as alpha-2-agonists. They include clonidine, (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv). They can improve mood as well as aid in concentration and control of impulses.
These medications act on different parts of the brain, and may also help with depression, anxiety, and feelings of aggression. Since years, doctors have prescribed these medications "off-label", but now the FDA has approved long-acting tablets for ADHD. They can help control symptoms for between 10 and 12 hours.
Bupropion is a different medication that is prescribed for ADHD. It is also known 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 shown to reduce insomnia, agitation and bipolar disorder in patients.
While these non-stimulant ADHD drugs have a lower risk of abuse and addiction than stimulants, they may not work for everyone. Some adults have to try various medications before settling on the one that works best for them. The medications are not a cure, therefore the patient must continue taking them to avoid symptoms returning. Your GP will be able to monitor the effectiveness of your medication as well as your symptoms.
5. Other medicines
The drugs used to treat ADHD can aid in improving the ability of an individual to focus, control impulses, and complete tasks. They are not a cure-all for all symptoms, and may cause side effects. Some of these side effects can be minor, while others may be more serious. Certain medications may cause loss of appetite, problems with sleep and headaches. If the adverse 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 specific forms of ADHD. They belong to the class of antidepressants known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, which differ from stimulants due to the fact that they do not impact dopamine, but instead boost norepinephrine. These drugs are more effective in enhancing concentration than stimulants, however they do not cause hyperactivity. They can also decrease appetite and cause insomnia.
adhd medication list belong to a different class of drugs that have been proven to be effective for people suffering from ADHD. These antidepressants block the breakdown dopamine and brain chemical. Examples include phenelzine (Nardil), the tranylcypromine (Parnate) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). They are less likely to cause side effects like appetite suppression or insomnia than other antidepressants.
Psychological counseling is also available for those suffering from ADHD. CBT is also referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy and involves working with a therapist to build skills that can assist in managing ADHD. It can be beneficial to family members and loved ones who have to deal with someone with ADHD. Support groups for people suffering from ADHD are available on the Internet and in their local communities. They can provide coping strategies.