Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
There are a variety of choices to treat ADHD in adults. They include stimulants, non-stimulants as well as blood pressure medications.
Stimulants are typically prescribed for ADHD. They are effective and safe. They also have a low risk of abuse if used according to instructions.
Long-acting stimulants are the most popular. These are medicines like Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine patch) or Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
1. Stimulants
The first drug that doctors use to treat ADHD is stimulants. They increase the levels of a specific brain chemical and improve concentration and focus as well as impulse control. The majority of doctors prescribe drugs that contain amphetamine or methylphenidate. They are available in immediate-release as well as long-acting versions. Longer-acting drugs may assist in avoiding the "crash" of energy that occurs when short-acting stimulants wear off. The type of medicine one will be prescribed is determined by their symptoms, preference of the doctor and any other health conditions. It's normal to test a variety of different medications before you find one that works for you.
A doctor will also take into account the history of the family member as well as medical history. If a patient has a heart condition or a family history of substance abuse doctors may choose to prescribe nonstimulant medications. These don't have the same danger of misuse as stimulants, however they are more difficult to use and do not reduce impulsiveness as effectively.
Some medications can interfere with other medicines, so it's essential to inform your doctor about any other medicine you take. Antidepressants such as Atomoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban, Wellbutrin) boost levels of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine and boost mood and concentration. Doctors may prescribe them to treat people suffering from ADHD particularly when they suffer from depression or anxiety. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) are rarely used in combination with stimulants due to the potential for serious side effects when used together.
A doctor can help you learn strategies for managing your ADHD and other professionals can assist you to cope with problems caused by your symptoms. For instance psychiatrists or psychologists can assist you in understanding why you are struggling at work and school and teach you how to overcome those issues. Support groups can also be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Discuss with your doctor about support groups in your community or online.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants are among the most researched ADHD medications and can improve concentration and control impulsivity for many people. They're not the only option. Some people may respond better to nonstimulant medication, and it's important to consult with your doctor to find the right dosage and drug for you or your child.
Nonstimulant drugs work by boosting and balancing brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They typically take longer to start working than stimulants, however they can improve symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity for some people. They are often prescribed together with stimulant medications to increase their effectiveness and minimize unwanted negative side consequences.
Wellbutrin is also referred to as bupropion and Effexor (venlafaxine) are two antidepressants that are often prescribed for ADHD. Both of these drugs can increase the brain chemical norepinephrine, which can improve the ability to focus. They're also generally less habit-forming than stimulants, and don't have the same risk of abuse. Your doctor may prescribe atomoxetine, also known as Strattera, to treat ADHD. Atomoxetine targets an additional neurotransmitter within the brain, and it's the first nonstimulant medication to be FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD in adults.
Another option is guanfacine, or Intuniv. This blood pressure medication has a slight calming effect and can improve concentration, but it's not as effective at decreasing impulsivity or hyperactivity like lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate.
It's important to remember that just as every person has a unique biochemistry, so do the medications they take. The first medication that you or your children try may not work and the one that does work for you or for your child could cause unfavorable adverse side effects. It takes a lot of trial and error to find the best medication for your family.
3. Antidepressants
Although stimulants are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD, they may not be the best option for all. Patients who have difficulty absorbing adverse effects or feel that the medication doesn't work for them may be able to benefit from antidepressants that can aid in reducing anxiety and other mood disorders.
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 within the brain. It also treats depression and anxiety. The doctor might prescribe it in the event that you have ADHD symptoms are mild to moderate, or if you have a chance of using stimulants.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a prescription medicine that increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain to improve focus, concentration and control of the impulsive behavior. It was the FDA's first nonstimulant approved drug to treat adult ADHD. It is generally thought to be more effective than methylphenidate or amphetamines.
You may also be prescribed alprazolam, clonidine 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 especially useful for people who have ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another treatment option, is a method that some sufferers of ADHD utilize to manage their symptoms. CBT teaches you strategies to change the way you think and behave. This type of therapy is usually done by a professional therapist. You could also try supplements and diet however, you should consult your physician first. In many cases, a combination between medication and therapy with skills training is most effective in treating ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medications
Some adults are diagnosed with ADHD after being diagnosed as children. Adults may still find it challenging to manage their symptoms, which may impact their work performance and social interactions. Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes to help them focus, feel calmer, and control impulsive behaviors.
If stimulants don't work or cause unacceptably adverse negative side effects, some people take medications that are typically used to treat high blood pressure. These are referred to as alpha-2-agonists. They include clonidine, (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv). They can boost mood and aid in concentration and impulse control.
These drugs affect different parts of the brain, and can also improve depression, anxiety, and feelings of aggression. Doctors have been prescribing these medications "off-label" for ADHD for a long time, but they are now available in tablets with a long-acting mechanism that are approved by the FDA for this condition. They can offer relief from symptoms for up to 12 hours.
Another medication that is commonly prescribed for ADHD is bupropion, known under the 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 has also been proven to reduce agitation and insomnia in patients with bipolar disorder.
These non-stimulant ADHD medications have lower risks of addiction and abuse than stimulants but they're not for all people. Adults may have to try several different drugs before they find the one that is effective for them. Medications are not an effective treatment for ADHD and therefore, a person needs to continue taking them to stop the symptoms from recurring. Your GP will monitor your symptoms and evaluate the effectiveness of the medication.
5. Other medications
The medications used to manage ADHD can enhance a person's ability to focus, manage impulses and complete tasks. However, they are not a cure for all symptoms and often cause side effects that need to be controlled. Some of these side effects may be mild, but others could be more severe. A lot of these medications can cause headaches, sleep problems and a loss of appetite. If the adverse effects are severe, a doctor may increase or decrease the dose of a medication or suggest a different one.
Some other medications can be used to treat certain types of ADHD such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). concerta adhd medication are in the class of antidepressants known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors which differ from stimulants because they do not alter dopamine, but increase norepinephrine. These drugs are more effective at improving attention than stimulants, yet they don't cause hyperactivity. They also can reduce appetite or cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors belong to a different class of drugs that have been shown to work for some individuals suffering from ADHD. visit my web site block the breakdown dopamine and brain chemical. Examples include phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and venlafaxine. They are less likely than other antidepressants to cause adverse reactions such as appetite suppression and insomnia.
Psychological counseling is also available to those with ADHD. CBT is also known as cognitive behavioral therapy. It involves working with a therapist to develop skills that can aid in managing ADHD. It can also be beneficial for family members and loved ones who are struggling to live with someone who has ADHD. Support groups for people suffering from ADHD are available on the Internet and within their communities. They can provide strategies for dealing with the disorder.