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 among the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. They are effective and safe. They also have a low risk of abuse if used according to the directions.
Long-acting stimulants are generally preferred. These are medicines like Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine patch) or Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
1. Stimulants
The first treatment that doctors use to treat ADHD is stimulants. They increase the levels of certain brain chemicals and increase concentration, focus and control of impulses. Doctors usually prescribe drugs that contain amphetamine or methylphenidate. They are available in immediate-release and long-acting versions. Longer-acting drugs may help avoid the "crash" of energy that occurs when short-acting stimulating drugs 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 for people to try several different medicines before you can find one that works.
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 abuse, a doctor may prefer to prescribe non-stimulant drugs. They don't have as much abuse potential as stimulants but they take longer to work and do not reduce impulsiveness.
Certain medications can interact with other medicines, so it's important to tell your doctor about any other medication you take. Antidepressants, such as Atomoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban) increase the levels of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine and can improve mood and concentration. Doctors prescribe these medications to patients suffering from ADHD who also have anxiety or depression. Read the Full Posting as phenelzine, (Nardil), and tranylcypromine (Parnate), are rarely prescribed in combination with stimulants due to the high risk of serious side adverse effects.
A doctor can guide you through strategies for managing your ADHD and other professionals can help you deal with the issues caused by your symptoms. A psychiatrist or psychologist, for example can help you comprehend the reasons why you are having trouble at school and work and teach you how to deal with these challenges. Support groups can also be helpful for adults with ADHD. Talk to your doctor about support groups in your local area or online.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants are the most well-studied ADHD medication that can help improve concentration and rein in the tendency to be impulsive for many. However, they're not the only option. Some people might prefer nonstimulant medication and it's crucial to consult with your doctor to find the right dosage and drug for your child or yourself.
Nonstimulant medications work by boosting and balancing brain chemical called neurotransmitters. They typically take longer to begin working than stimulants, but they can aid some people with hyperactivity and impulsivity. They are typically prescribed together with stimulant medications to improve their effectiveness and reduce unwanted adverse negative effects.
Two popular antidepressants are commonly employed as non-stimulant drugs for ADHD: Wellbutrin (also known as bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Both of these drugs boost 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 to treat ADHD. Atomoxetine is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in adults. It targets a specific neurotransmitter.
Guanfacine or Intuniv is another option. This blood pressure medication has a mild calm effect, and may enhance concentration. However, it's not as effective as methylphenidate (or Lisdexamfetamine) in decreasing hyperactivity.
It is important to keep in mind that just like each person has a different biochemistry, so too do the medications they take. The first medicine you or your children try may not work and the one that works for you or your child may trigger unpleasant side effects. It requires a lot of experimentation and patience to find the best medication for your family.
3. Antidepressants
Although stimulants are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD however, they might not be the best option for all. Antidepressants may be beneficial for those who aren't able to handle the negative side effects of stimulants or do not find that the medication works well for them.
Bupropion, known by its brand name Wellbutrin or Zyban, is an antidepressant that has been found to be effective in treating adults suffering from ADHD. It targets two neurotransmitters within the brain, namely norepinephrine and dopamine. It is also used to treat depression and anxiety. If you're ADHD symptoms are mild or moderate, and you are at risk of stimulant abuse, then your doctor may prescribe it.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a prescription medication that boosts levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which improves focus, concentration and control of impulse-driven behavior. It was the first non-stimulant medication approved by the FDA to treat adult ADHD and is generally considered to be more effective than amphetamines or methylphenidate for this condition.
There are also prescriptions for alprazolam, clonidine, or Guanfacine. These are all blood pressure medications that can lower your heart rate and lower blood pressure by reducing the activity of your sympathetic nervous system. This can be especially helpful for those suffering from co-existing ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another treatment option, is a technique that some sufferers of ADHD use to manage their symptoms. CBT teaches strategies to change your thinking and behavior. This kind of treatment is usually done by a professional. You may also consider diet and supplementation, but be sure to consult your physician before attempting these methods. In most instances, a combination of treatment and medication with skills training is most effective in treating ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medication
Many people suffering from ADHD get diagnosed in childhood However, some are given a diagnosis as adults. Adults may still struggle to manage their symptoms, which may affect their work performance and social interactions. Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments to aid in their focus more easily, feel calmer and manage their impulsive behavior.
If stimulants don't work or cause intolerable reactions, some adults try medications that are usually used to treat high blood pressure. These medications are known as alpha-2-agonists and include clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine, (Intuniv). They can boost mood as well as aid in concentration and impulse control.
click the up coming webpage act on different areas of the brain and can also improve depression, anxiety, and feelings of aggression. Since the beginning, doctors have prescribed them "off-label", but now the FDA has approved long-acting tablets for ADHD. They can offer relief from symptoms for up to 12 hours.
Bupropion is another medication that is prescribed for ADHD. It is 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 agitation, insomnia and bipolar disorder among people.
These non-stimulant ADHD drugs have lower abuse and addiction risks than stimulants but they're not for everyone. Adults may have to test several different drugs before they can find one that works best for them. The medication is not an effective cure, therefore the patient should continue to take them to avoid symptoms returning. Your GP will monitor the effect of your medication and your symptoms.
5. Other medication
The medications used to treat ADHD can aid in improving a person's ability to concentrate, control impulses and follow through with tasks. However, they are not a cure for all symptoms and frequently cause negative side effects that must be controlled. Some of these side-effects may be mild, while others could be severe. Many of these medications can cause weight loss or sleep problems, as well as headaches. If the adverse effects are severe, a doctor may increase or decrease the dose of a medication or try another one.
Some other medications can be used to treat specific types of ADHD like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). These antidepressants are called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. They differ from stimulants in that they do not increase dopamine, but rather boost norepinephrine. These medications appear to be more effective than stimulants at improving attention but not hyperactivity, though they may also decrease appetite and cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are another category of medication that has been proven to be effective for people suffering from ADHD. These antidepressants block the breakdown dopamine and brain chemicals. Examples include phenelzine (Nardil), the tranylcypromine (Parnate) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). They are less likely than other antidepressants to trigger adverse reactions such as insomnia and appetite suppression.
People with ADHD are also able to receive psychological counseling. CBT is also known as cognitive behavioral therapy and involves working with a therapist in order to develop skills that can aid in managing ADHD. It is also beneficial for family members and loved ones who struggle with the challenges of living with someone who has ADHD. People suffering from ADHD can also find support groups on the Internet and in their local communities that can offer coping strategies.