12 Companies Leading The Way In Best ADHD Medication For Adults
Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
Adults can be treated using a variety of medications to treat ADHD. These include stimulants, non-stimulants and blood pressure medications.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. They are safe and effective. When used in the right way they offer a low-risk of abuse.
It is usually best to select stimulants with a long-acting effect. These are medicines like Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine patch) or Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
1. Stimulants
Stimulants are usually a doctor's first choice of medication to treat ADHD. They boost levels of certain brain chemicals and increase concentration, concentration, and control of impulses. Most commonly, doctors prescribe drugs that contain methylphenidate or amphetamine. These drugs are available in immediate-release and longer-acting varieties. The longer-acting drugs help people to avoid the "crash" in energy levels that can occur when short-acting stimulants wear off. The type of medication a person will be prescribed is determined by their symptoms, the preference of their doctor, and other health issues. It's normal to have various medications before you can find one that works.
A physician will also take into consideration the family history of a patient as well as medical history. A doctor might prescribe non-stimulant medication in the event of an history of substance abuse or heart disease. They don't have the same risk of abuse as stimulants, but they take longer to work and don't decrease impulsiveness.
Certain medicines may interact with others and you should inform your doctor if you are taking any other medication. Antidepressants such as Atomoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban, Wellbutrin) increase levels of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine and can improve mood and concentration. uk adhd medication prescribe these medications to help people with ADHD particularly in the case of depression or anxiety. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as phenelzine, (Nardil) and tranylcypromine, (Parnate), are rarely prescribed when combined with stimulants due to the high chance of serious adverse side negative effects.
A doctor can teach you strategies for managing your ADHD and other professionals can help you deal with the issues caused by your symptoms. A psychologist or psychiatrist for instance can help you comprehend the reasons behind why you're struggling at work or school and show you how to deal with these issues. Adults who suffer from ADHD are also able to benefit from support groups. Discuss with your doctor about support groups in your local area or online.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants are the most studied ADHD medications and can improve concentration and rein in impulsivity for many people. They're not your only choice. Some people respond to nonstimulant medications. It's essential to work closely with your physician to determine the most effective drug and dosage for you or your child.
Nonstimulant medicines work by balancing and boosting neurotransmitters in the brain. They typically take longer to begin working than stimulants, however they can improve symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity for certain people. They are often prescribed in conjunction with stimulant medication to enhance their effectiveness and reduce the risk of adverse side effects.
Two antidepressants that are popular are employed as non-stimulant drugs for ADHD: Wellbutrin (also known as bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Both of these drugs increase the brain chemical norepinephrine and enhance attention. They are less addictive than stimulants and they don't have as much abuse potential. Your doctor may prescribe Strattera or atomoxetine for treating ADHD. Atomoxetine is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in adults. It targets a specific neurotransmitter.
Guanfacine or Intuniv is another alternative. This blood pressure medication can have a mild calm effect, and may increase concentration. However, it's not as efficient as methylphenidate (or lisdexamfetamine) in reducing hyperactivity.
Be aware that every person's biochemistry is unique and so are the medicines they take. The first medication that you or your children test may not work and the one that does work for you or for your child may cause unpleasant side effects. It takes experimentation and patience to determine the best medication for your family.
3. Antidepressants
Although stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medications for treating ADHD however, they're not suitable for all. Patients who have difficulty absorbing side effects or find the medication doesn't work for them may benefit from antidepressants. They can aid in reducing anxiety and other mood disorders.
Bupropion is also known as its brand name Wellbutrin or Zyban is an atypical antidepressant that has been found to be effective in treating adults suffering from ADHD. It targets two neurotransmitters that are present in the brain: dopamine and norepinephrine. It can also help treat anxiety and depression. If you're ADHD symptoms are mild or moderate, and you are at risk of abuse of stimulants, then your doctor may prescribe it.
Strattera (atomoxetine), a prescription medication with a long-acting effect, increases the levels of norepinephrine that are present in the brain. This helps to improve concentration and focus, and also reduce impulse-driven behaviors. It was the very 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 type of condition.
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 those with ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a different treatment option that a few people with ADHD consider to be an effective tool to manage their symptoms. CBT provides strategies to alter your thoughts and behavior. This type of treatment is typically performed by an professional. You could also consider diet and supplementation however, make sure to consult with your doctor prior to trying these methods. In most cases, a combination of therapies and medications along with skills training is the most effective method to treat ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medication
A few adults are diagnosed with ADHD after being diagnosed as children. Adults may find it difficult to manage their symptoms. This can affect their work performance as well as their social interactions. Adults with ADHD may benefit from medications therapy, psychotherapy, or lifestyle modifications to aid in their focus more effectively, feel more calm, and control impulsive behaviors.
If stimulants don't work or cause intolerable reactions, some adults attempt to take medication that is typically 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 and help with concentration and control of impulses.
These medications can also help with anxiety, depression and feelings of aggression. For years doctors have prescribed them "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 sold 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 proven to reduce agitation, insomnia and bipolar disorder among people.
Although these non-stimulant ADHD medicines have lower risks of addiction and abuse than stimulants, they may not suit everyone. Certain adults must try various medications before settling on the one that works for them. Medications are not the only solution for ADHD, so a person must continue taking them to prevent the symptoms from returning. Your GP will evaluate the effect of your medication and your symptoms.
5. Other medicines
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 panacea for all symptoms, and they often cause side effects that need to be managed. Some of these side effects may be mild, but others may be more serious. Many of these medications can cause a loss of appetite as well as sleep issues and headaches. If the side effects are severe, the doctor might increase or alter the dosage of a medication or suggest a different one.
Other medications can be used to treat certain types of ADHD like 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 impact dopamine, but increase norepinephrine. These medications are more effective in improving concentration than stimulants, however they don't cause hyperactivity. They also can reduce appetite and cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors belong to a different class of drugs that have been proven to work for some people with ADHD. They are antidepressants that inhibit the breakdown of dopamine and other brain chemicals. Examples include the phenelzine (Nardil), the tranylcypromine (Parnate) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). They are less likely than other antidepressants that can cause side effects such as appetite suppression and insomnia.
People with ADHD may also benefit from psychological counseling. CBT is also referred to as cognitive behavior therapy and involves working with a therapist in order to build skills that can help manage ADHD. It is beneficial for family members and friends who are struggling to live with someone who has ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD can also join support groups on the Internet and in their local communities which can provide strategies for coping.