Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
There are a myriad of options to treat ADHD in adults. They include stimulants, non-stimulants and blood pressure medications.
Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. They are effective and safe. If used as directed they have a low risk of abuse.
Long-acting stimulants are the most popular. These are medicines like Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine patch) or Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
1. Stimulants
The first medication that doctors choose to treat ADHD is stimulants. They boost the levels of a specific brain chemicals and enhance concentration, focus, and impulse control. Doctors typically prescribe medications which contain methylphenidate or amphetamine. They are available in immediate-release and long-acting formulations. Longer-acting drugs may help avoid the "crash" of energy that can happen when short-acting stimulating drugs are worn off. The type of medication that an individual takes is determined by their symptoms, preference of their doctor, and other health issues. It's normal to various medications before you discover one that is effective.
A physician will also consider the history of the family member as well as medical history. If a patient suffers from a heart disease or an extended family history of substance misuse doctors may choose to prescribe nonstimulant medications. They don't have the same danger of abuse as stimulants, however they're slower to take effect and do not reduce impulsiveness.
Certain medications may interact with other medications, so it's important to tell your doctor about any other medication you take. Antidepressants such as atomoxetine (Prozac), and bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) boost the levels of brain chemicals norepinephrine (dopamine) and dopamine (norepinephrine) and improve concentration and mood. Doctors prescribe these medications to those suffering from ADHD who also have depression or anxiety. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors like phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) are not often used in combination with stimulants due to the potential for serious side effects when taken together.
A doctor can teach strategies for coping with ADHD and other professionals can assist you in coping with the problems caused by symptoms. A psychologist or psychiatrist, for example can help you understand the reasons you're struggling at work and school and help you learn how to manage these challenges. Adults with ADHD are also able to benefit from support groups. Consult your physician about online or local support groups.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants, the most studied ADHD medication, can help improve concentration and reduce impulsivity in many people. But they're not the only option. Some people respond to nonstimulant medications. It's crucial to work closely with your doctor to determine the best drug and dosage for your child or you.
Nonstimulant medicines work by increasing and balancing brain chemical called neurotransmitters. They usually take longer to get started than stimulants, but they can assist those with hyperactivity and impulsivity. They are often prescribed along with stimulant medications to increase their effectiveness and minimize side effects.
Two popular antidepressants are widely used as non-stimulant medications for ADHD: Wellbutrin (also known as bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Both of these medications can boost the brain chemical norepinephrine as well as enhance attention. They are less addictive than stimulants and they 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 distinct neurotransmitter.
Guanfacine or Intuniv is another alternative. This blood pressure medication has a mild calming effect, and can increase concentration. However, it is not as efficient as methylphenidate (or Lisdexamfetamine) in decreasing hyperactivity.
adhd and anxiety medication to remember that just as every person has their own biochemistry, so too do the medicines they take. The first drug you or your children try may not work, and the medication that works for you or for 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 frequently used drugs for treating ADHD however, they're not the best choice for everyone. Patients who have difficulty absorbing side effects or find the medication doesn't work for them may benefit from antidepressants. They can ease anxiety and other mood disorders.
Bupropion (also called Wellbutrin, Zyban) is an antidepressant atypical that has been proven effective in treating ADHD adults. It targets two neurotransmitters that are present in the brain -- dopamine and norepinephrine. It can also treat anxiety and depression. It is recommended by your doctor if you have ADHD symptoms are mild to moderate or you have a risk of consuming stimulants.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a prescription medication that boosts levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain to improve focus, concentration, and control the 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.
You could also be prescribed alprazolam, clonidine, or guanfacine. These are all blood pressure medication that can lower your heart rate and lower blood pressure by decreasing the activity of your sympathetic nervous system. This is particularly helpful for those with ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a different treatment option that some with ADHD consider to be a useful tool for managing their symptoms. CBT provides strategies to alter your thinking and behavior. This kind of therapy is usually performed by an professional therapist. You may also consider diet and supplements, but consult your doctor first. In many instances, combining therapies and medications along with skills training is the most effective method to treating ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medications
A few adults are diagnosed with ADHD after having been diagnosed as children. Adults may have difficulty to manage their symptoms. This can impact their performance at work and social interactions. Adults with ADHD may benefit from medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes to aid in their focus more effectively, feel more calm and manage their impulsive behavior.
Adults who suffer from high blood pressure might want to try medication that is usually prescribed to treat the problem. 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 impulse control.
These medications can also assist with anxiety, depression, and feelings of aggression. Doctors have been prescribing them "off-label" for ADHD for years, however they are now available in long-acting tablets that are FDA-approved for treating the condition. They can provide symptom relief 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 also has been proven to reduce agitation and insomnia in patients with bipolar disorder.
Although these non-stimulant ADHD medications have lower risk of addiction and abuse than stimulants, they do not work for everyone. Adults may have to test several different drugs before they can find one that works best for them. They aren't an effective treatment for ADHD, so a person needs to continue taking them to stop the symptoms from returning. Your GP will be able to monitor the effectiveness of your medication as well as your symptoms.
5. Other medications
The medications used to manage ADHD can enhance a person's ability to concentrate, control impulses and complete tasks. They aren't a cure-all for all symptoms and can have adverse effects. Some of these side-effects may be minor, while others may be serious. Certain medications can cause sleep issues, headaches and a loss of appetite. If the adverse effects are severe, your doctor might increase or alter a medication's dosage or try a different one.
Some other medications can be used to treat specific types of ADHD such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). They belong to the class of antidepressants known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, which differ from stimulants because they do not affect dopamine, but increase norepinephrine. These medications appear to be more effective than stimulants in increasing attention, but not hyperactivity, although they can also decrease appetite and cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors belong to a different category of medication that has been proven to work for people suffering from 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 and insomnia than other antidepressants.
Psychological counseling is also available to those with ADHD. CBT is also known as cognitive behavioral therapy and involves working with a therapist to build skills that can aid in managing ADHD. It can also be helpful for family members and loved ones who are struggling with the challenges of living with someone who has ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD can also find support groups on the Internet and in their local communities that can offer strategies for dealing with the disorder.