A Provocative Rant About Best ADHD Medication For Adults
Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
Adults are treated with a variety of drugs to treat ADHD. There are stimulants, nonstimulants, and blood pressure medication.
Stimulants are commonly prescribed for ADHD. They work well and are secure. They also have a low risk for abuse when taken 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 medication that doctors use to treat ADHD is stimulants. They increase the levels of certain brain chemical and improve concentration as well as focus and impulse control. Doctors usually prescribe drugs which contain methylphenidate or amphetamine. They are available in immediate-release and long-acting versions. The longer-acting drugs can help avoid a "crash" in energy that can occur when short-acting stimulants are absorbed. The type of medication one takes is determined by their symptoms, the doctor's preference and other health conditions. It's normal to test a variety of different medications before you find the one that is effective for you.
A physician will also consider a person's medical history and family history. A doctor can prescribe nonstimulant medication if a patient has an addiction history or an underlying heart condition. They don't have the same risk of abuse as stimulants, but they're slower to take effect and don't decrease the amount of impulsivity.
Certain medications can interact with other medicines, so it's essential to inform your doctor about any other medication you take. Antidepressants like atomoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban) increase the levels of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine and can improve mood and concentration. Doctors often prescribe these medications to people suffering from ADHD particularly if they have coexisting depression or anxiety. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as phenelzine, (Nardil) and tranylcypromine, (Parnate) are not often prescribed when combined with stimulants due to the high chance of serious adverse side adverse effects.
A doctor can teach you strategies for managing your ADHD and other professionals can help you cope with problems caused by your symptoms. For instance a psychiatrist or psychologist can assist you in understanding the reasons you struggle at work and school and help you learn how to handle those issues. Adults who suffer from ADHD may also benefit from support groups. Consult your physician about local or online support groups.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants are the most well-studied ADHD medications and can improve concentration and control impulsivity for many people. They're not the only option. Some people respond to nonstimulant medication. It's crucial to consult with your physician to determine the right medication and dosage for you or your child.
Nonstimulant medications are used to balance and boost brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They generally take longer to begin working than stimulants, but they can aid in reducing symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity for some people. They are often prescribed with stimulant medications in order to improve their effectiveness and minimize undesirable adverse effects.
Wellbutrin, also known as bupropion, and Effexor (venlafaxine) are two popular antidepressants that are frequently prescribed for ADHD. Both of these medications increase levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine, which can improve attention. They are also less likely to cause habit formation than stimulants and don't carry the same potential for abuse. Your doctor might prescribe Strattera or atomoxetine for treating ADHD. Atomoxetine is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in adults. It targets a different neurotransmitter.
Guanfacine or Intuniv is another option. This blood pressure medicine has a slight relaxing effect and can increase concentration. However, it's not as effective as methylphenidate (or Lisdexamfetamine) in reducing hyperactivity.
Remember that each person's biochemistry is unique, and so are the drugs they use. adhd medications or your children are trying may not work, and the medication that works for you or for your child could cause unfavorable adverse effects. It takes a lot of trial and error to determine the best medication for your family.
3. Antidepressants
While stimulants are frequently prescribed to treat ADHD however, they might not be the right choice for all. Antidepressants are a great option for those who are unable to tolerate adverse effects of stimulants or do not find that the medication is effective for the individual.
Bupropion (also known as Wellbutrin, Zyban) is an antidepressant that has been shown to be effective in treating ADHD adults. It targets two neurotransmitters within the brain, namely dopamine and norepinephrine. It also treats anxiety and depression. It is recommended by your doctor in the event that your ADHD symptoms are moderate to mild, or you have a risk of abusing stimulants.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a prescription medicine that increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain to improve focus, concentration, and control the impulsive behavior. It was the FDA's very first non-stimulant approved medication for treating adult ADHD. It is generally believed to be more effective than methylphenidate and amphetamines.
You may also be prescribed clonidine, alprazolam or guanfacine. These are all blood pressure medications which can slow down your heart rate and lower blood pressure by reducing the activity of your sympathetic nervous system. This is particularly helpful for people who have ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a second treatment option that a few people with ADHD consider a useful tool for managing their symptoms. CBT provides strategies to alter your thinking and behavior. This type of therapy is usually carried out by a therapist. You could also try supplements and diets but you must consult with your physician first. In many cases, a combination of medications with therapy and skills training is the most effective method to treat ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medication
Many people who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed in childhood however, some get the diagnosis as adults. Adults may find it difficult to manage their symptoms. This can affect their work performance and their social interactions. Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from medications therapy, psychotherapy, or lifestyle changes to aid in their focus more easily, feel calmer, and control impulsive behaviors.
If stimulants don't work or cause unacceptably adverse negative side effects, some people try medications that are usually used to treat high blood pressure. These medicines are called alpha-2 agonists, and include Clonidine (Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Intuniv). They can improve mood and help with concentration and control of impulses.
These medications act on different parts of the brain, and can help reduce depression, anxiety, and feelings of aggression. Doctors have been prescribing them "off-label" for ADHD for years, but the medications are now available in long-acting tablets that have been FDA-approved for treating the condition. They can offer relief from symptoms for up to 12 hours.
Bupropion is another drug that is prescribed for ADHD. It is also 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 shown to reduce insomnia, agitation and bipolar disorder among people.
These non-stimulant ADHD drugs have lower abuse and addiction risks than stimulants, but they don't work for everyone. Adults may need to test several different drugs before they can find one that works for them. The medication is not an effective cure, therefore the patient must continue taking them to avoid the symptoms returning. Your GP will monitor the effect of your medication and your symptoms.
5. Other medications
The medications used to treat ADHD can improve a person's ability to concentrate, manage impulses, and complete tasks. They aren't a cure-all for all symptoms and could have side effects. Some of these side effects can be mild, but some could be more severe. Certain medications may cause a loss of appetite, problems with sleep and headaches. If these adverse reactions are severe, your doctor may increase or alter the dosage of a medication or suggest an alternative.
Other medications can be used to treat certain kinds of ADHD, such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). These antidepressants are referred to as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. They differ from stimulants in that they do not increase dopamine, but rather boost norepinephrine. These medications are more effective at improving concentration than stimulants, however they do not cause hyperactivity. They can also decrease appetite or cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxide inhibitors are a second type of medication that have been proven to be effective for certain people with ADHD. These antidepressants stop the breakdown of dopamine and brain chemical. Examples include phenelzine (Nardil) and the tranylcypromine (Parnate) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). They are less likely to cause adverse effects such as appetite suppression and insomnia than other antidepressants.
Psychological counseling is also available to those with ADHD. It is often called cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT, and it involves working with a qualified therapist to develop skills that will assist in managing ADHD symptoms. It can also be helpful for loved ones who struggle with living with someone with ADHD. Support groups for those with ADHD are available on the Internet and within their communities. They can offer strategies for coping.