A Provocative Rant About Best ADHD Medication For Adults
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 medication.
Stimulants are often prescribed for ADHD. They are effective and safe. When used in the right way they also pose a low abuse risk.
Long-acting stimulants are usually preferred. These are medicines like Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine patch) or Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
1. Stimulants
The first drug that doctors prescribe to treat ADHD is stimulants. They increase the levels of a specific brain chemicals and enhance concentration, focus, and impulse control. Doctors most commonly prescribe medications that contain amphetamine or methylphenidate. They are available in immediate-release and long-acting formulas. The longer-acting drugs can aid in avoiding the "crash" of energy that can happen when short-acting stimulating drugs wear off. The type of medicine a person will be prescribed is determined by their symptoms, the preference of their doctor, and other health conditions. It's normal for people various medications before you find one that is effective.
A physician will also consider a person's medical history and family history. A doctor may prescribe nonstimulant medication if a patient has an history of substance abuse or an underlying heart condition. They don't have the same danger of abuse as stimulants, however they're slower to take effect and don't reduce the amount of impulsivity.
Certain medications may interact with other medications, therefore it's essential to inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking. Antidepressants, such as atomoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban) increase the levels of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine and improve concentration and mood. Doctors prescribe these drugs to those suffering from ADHD who also suffer from depression or anxiety. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors like phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) are rarely combined with stimulants due to a high risk for serious side effects when taken together.
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 understand the reasons you are having trouble at work and school and teach you how to manage these challenges. Adults suffering from ADHD can also benefit from support groups. Talk to your doctor about support groups in your community or online.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants are the most well-studied ADHD medications and can improve concentration and reduce impulsivity for many people. They're not the only choice. Some people may prefer nonstimulant medication and it's crucial to consult your physician to find the right drug and dosage for your child or yourself.
Nonstimulant medications work by balancing and boosting neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. They generally take longer to start working than stimulants, but they can aid those suffering from hyperactivity and impulsivity. They're often prescribed along with stimulant medications to increase their effectiveness and reduce side effects.
Two popular antidepressants are widely employed as non-stimulant drugs for ADHD: Wellbutrin (also known as bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Both of these drugs can boost the brain chemical norepinephrine, which can improve the ability to focus. They are also less addictive than stimulants and don't have the same potential for abuse. Your doctor might also prescribe atomoxetine, or Strattera, to treat ADHD. Atomoxetine is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in adults. It targets a specific neurotransmitter.
Another option is guanfacine, or Intuniv. This blood pressure medicine has a mild calm effect, and may enhance concentration. However, it's not as efficient as methylphenidate (or Lisdexamfetamine) in reducing hyperactivity.
It is important to keep in mind that just as every person has a unique biochemistry, so too do the medications they are taking. The first drug you or your children try may not work, and the medication that works for you or your child may trigger unpleasant adverse side effects. It takes a lot of trial and error to determine the best medication for your family.
3. Antidepressants
Although stimulants are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD however, they might not be the right choice for everyone. check out the post right here are a great option for people who are unable to tolerate side effects of stimulants or do not find that the medication works well for them.
Bupropion is also known as its brand name Wellbutrin or Zyban, is an antidepressant with atypical properties that has been proven effective in treating adults suffering from ADHD. It targets two neurotransmitters within the brain, namely dopamine and norepinephrine. It also treats depression and anxiety. If your ADHD symptoms are mild or moderate, and you're at risk of stimulant abuse Then your doctor could prescribe it.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a prescription medication that increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to improve focus, concentration and manage impulsive behavior. It was the very first non-stimulant medication approved by the FDA to treat adult ADHD, and it is generally considered more effective than amphetamines or methylphenidate for this type of condition.
Your doctor could also prescribe alprazolam, clonidine and guanfacine as blood pressure medications that reduce the sympathetic nervous system's activity to slow down your heart rate and lower blood pressure. This can be particularly beneficial for people with coexisting ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a different treatment option that some people with ADHD consider beneficial in managing their symptoms. CBT provides strategies to change your thinking and act. This type of therapy is typically performed by a professional therapist. You could also try diet and supplements, but consult your doctor first. In most cases, a combination between treatment and medication combined with training for skills is the most effective in treating ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medications
Some adults are diagnosed with ADHD after having been diagnosed as children. Adults may struggle to manage their symptoms, which could affect their work performance as well as social interactions. Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from taking medication therapy, psychotherapy, or lifestyle adjustments to help them focus, feel calmer and manage impulsive behaviors.
If stimulants aren't effective or cause unacceptable negative side effects, some people take medications that are typically used to treat high blood pressure. These medications are known as alpha-2-agonists. They include clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv). They can have a positive impact on mood and aid in concentration and impulse control.
These medications can also assist with anxiety, depression and aggression-related feelings. Since the beginning, doctors have prescribed these medications "off-label" however, now the FDA has approved long-acting tablets for ADHD. They can control symptoms for 10 to 12 hours.
Another medication that is commonly prescribed for ADHD is bupropion, 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 been demonstrated to reduce insomnia, agitation and bipolar disorder in people.
While these non-stimulant ADHD medicines have lower risks of abuse and addiction than stimulants, they do not suit everyone. Some adults need to test various medications before settling on the one that works best for them. The medications are not an effective cure, therefore the person must continue taking medications to prevent the symptoms returning. Your GP will be able to monitor the effect of your medication and your symptoms.
5. Other medications
The medicines used to treat ADHD can help improve a person's ability to focus, control impulses and follow through with tasks. They are not a cure-all for all symptoms, and may cause side effects. Some of these side effects can be minor, while others could be more severe. Certain medications can cause headaches, sleep problems and a loss of appetite. If the adverse effects are severe, a doctor might increase or decrease the dose of a medication or try another one.
Other medications, such as viloxazine or atomoxetine are used to treat specific forms of ADHD. These antidepressants are known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. They differ from stimulants in that they do not increase dopamine levels, but instead increase norepinephrine. These medications appear to be more effective than stimulants in increasing attention, but not hyperactivity, however they can also decrease appetite and cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are another class of drugs that have been shown to work for people suffering from ADHD. These are antidepressants that block the breakdown of dopamine and other brain chemicals. Examples include phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and Venlafaxine. They are less likely than other antidepressants to trigger side effects such as insomnia and appetite suppression.
People suffering from ADHD can also receive psychological counseling. CBT is also known as cognitive behavioral therapy. It involves working with a therapist to learn skills that will assist in managing ADHD. It is also beneficial for loved ones struggling with living with someone with ADHD. Support groups for people with ADHD are available on the Internet and within their communities. They can offer strategies for dealing with the disorder.