Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
There are many choices to treat ADHD in adults. They include stimulants, non-stimulants and blood pressure medications.
Stimulants are typically prescribed for ADHD. They are effective and secure. They also pose a low risk of abuse if used as directed.
Long-acting stimulants are the most popular. These are medicines like Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine patch) or Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
1. Stimulants
The first treatment that doctors choose to treat ADHD is stimulants. They increase the levels of a certain brain chemicals and enhance concentration and focus as well as impulse control. Most often, doctors prescribe medications which contain amphetamine or methylphenidate. These medications are available in both immediate-release and longer-acting varieties. The longer-acting medications help stay clear of the "crash" in energy that can occur when short-acting stimulants wear off. The kind of medication is determined by their symptoms, doctor's preferences and other health conditions. It's normal to various medications before you discover one that works.
A physician will also take into account the history of the family member as well as medical history. A doctor can prescribe nonstimulant medication in the event of a history of substance abuse or a heart condition. They don't have the same abuse potential as stimulants but they take longer to work and don't decrease impulsiveness.
Certain medicines may interact with others which is why you should inform your doctor if you're 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 improve mood and concentration. Doctors prescribe these drugs to people with ADHD who also have anxiety or depression. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors like phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) are not often used in combination with stimulants due to an increased risk of serious side effects when used 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 psychiatrist or psychologist, for example can help you comprehend the reasons behind why you're struggling at work or school and show you how to manage these issues. Adults who suffer from ADHD can also benefit from support groups. Ask your doctor about online or local support groups.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants, which are the most studied ADHD medication, can boost concentration and reduce impulsivity in many people. They're not your only choice. Some people react to non-stimulant medications. It's crucial to consult with your doctor to determine the best drug and dosage for your child or yourself.
Nonstimulant medications work by boosting and balancing brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They usually take longer to begin working than stimulants, but they can assist those suffering from hyperactivity and impulsivity. They're often prescribed in combination with stimulant medications to improve their effectiveness and lessen adverse effects.
Wellbutrin is also known as bupropion, and Effexor (venlafaxine) are two popular antidepressants that are commonly prescribed for ADHD. Both of these drugs boost levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine which can boost the quality of attention. They're also generally less habit-forming than stimulants and don't carry the same potential for abuse. Your doctor might also prescribe atomoxetine, or Strattera, to treat ADHD. Atomoxetine targets an additional neurotransmitter within the brain. It's the first non-stimulant medication to be approved by the FDA for the treatment of ADHD in adults.
Guanfacine or Intuniv is another option. This blood pressure medication has a slight relaxing effect and can enhance concentration. However, it's not as efficient as methylphenidate (or lisdexamfetamine) in reducing hyperactivity.
It is important to keep in mind that just like each person has a different biochemistry, so too do the medicines they take. The first medicine you or your children test may not work and the one that does work for you or your child may trigger unpleasant adverse side effects. Finding the right medication requires patience and perseverance.
3. Antidepressants
Although stimulants are among the most frequently used drugs to treat ADHD but they're not the best choice for everyone. Antidepressants are a great option for those who aren't able to tolerate side effects of stimulants or who don't feel that the medication works for the individual.
Bupropion (also known as Wellbutrin, Zyban) is an antidepressant atypical that has been shown to be effective in treating ADHD adults. It targets two neurotransmitters -dopamine and norepinephrine -- in the brain. It can also help treat depression and anxiety. The doctor might prescribe it when you have ADHD symptoms are moderate to mild, or you have a risk of consuming stimulants.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a long-acting prescription medicine that increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which improves concentration, focus, and control impulse-driven behavior. It was the first nonstimulant drug approved by the FDA to treat adult ADHD, and it is generally considered to be more effective than amphetamines or methylphenidate for this type of condition.
There are also prescriptions for alprazolam, clonidine, or Guanfacine. These are all blood pressure medication 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 a different treatment option, is a technique that some people with ADHD employ to manage their symptoms. CBT teaches you strategies to alter your thinking and act. This type of treatment is usually carried out with an therapy. You can also think about diet and supplementation, but be sure to consult your physician before attempting these strategies. In many cases, a combination between medication and therapy combined with training for skills is the most effective in treating ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medications
Some adults are diagnosed with ADHD after they have been diagnosed as children. Adults may have difficulty managing their symptoms, which may affect their work performance as well as social interactions. However, psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes can help those suffering from ADHD to focus and feel more calm, as well as control the impulsive behavior.
Adults who are experiencing high blood pressure might want to take a medication that is typically prescribed to treat the condition. These medications are known as alpha-2-agonists and include clonidine, (Kapvay), and guanfacine (Intuniv). They can improve mood, and aid in concentration and impulse control.
These medications affect various parts of the brain, and can also improve anxiety, depression and feelings of aggression. Doctors have been prescribing them "off-label" for ADHD for a long time, but the medications are now available in long-acting tablets that have been approved by the FDA for this condition. They can provide symptom relief for up to 12 hours.
Another medication that is commonly prescribed for ADHD is bupropion, a drug that is known by brand names like 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 has also been proven to reduce insomnia and agitation in patients with bipolar disorder.
These non-stimulant ADHD medications are less prone to risk of addiction and abuse than stimulants, but they aren't for all people. Some adults have to try different medications before they find the one that is most effective for them. The medication is not a cure, therefore the patient should continue taking them to avoid symptoms returning. Your GP will monitor the effect of your medication and your symptoms.
5. adult adhd medication uk used to treat ADHD can aid in improving the ability of an individual to concentrate, control impulses and follow through with tasks. However, they're not a panacea for all symptoms, and they frequently cause side effects that need to be addressed. Some of these side-effects may be minor, while others may be very serious. Certain medications may cause a loss of appetite as well as sleep issues and headaches. If the adverse effects are severe, a physician may increase or decrease the dose of a medication or even try a different one.
Some other medications can be used to treat certain kinds of ADHD, such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). These antidepressants are known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. They differ from stimulants in that they don't increase dopamine levels, but instead boost norepinephrine. These drugs are more effective than stimulants in improving attention, but not in the sense of hyperactivity, though they may also decrease appetite and cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are another type of medication that has been shown to be effective for certain people suffering from ADHD. They are antidepressants that inhibit the breakdown of dopamine and other brain chemicals. Examples include phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) and Venlafaxine (Effexor XR). They are less likely to cause side effects like appetite suppression or insomnia than other antidepressants.
People suffering from ADHD can also receive psychological counseling. It is often called cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT which entails working with a qualified therapist to acquire skills that aid in managing ADHD symptoms. It can also be beneficial for loved ones who struggle with the challenges of living with someone who has ADHD. Support groups for people suffering from ADHD are available on the Internet and within their communities. They can provide coping strategies.