Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
Adults can be treated with various medications to treat ADHD. There are stimulants, nonstimulants and blood pressure medication.
Stimulants are commonly prescribed for ADHD. They are effective and secure. If used as directed, they also offer a low-risk of abuse.
Long-acting stimulants are usually 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 boost the levels of a specific brain chemical and improve concentration, focus, and impulse control. Doctors typically prescribe medications that contain amphetamine or methylphenidate. These drugs are available in immediate-release and longer-acting varieties. The longer-acting drugs can assist in avoiding the "crash" of energy that can occur when stimulants that work in a short-acting way are worn off. The type of medication a person takes depends on his or her symptoms as well as the preferences of the doctor and other health conditions. It's normal for people many different medications before you discover one that is effective.
A physician will also consider the medical history of the patient and family history. If someone is suffering from a heart problem or an ancestry of substance misuse doctors may choose to prescribe nonstimulant medications. These don't have the same potential for abuse as stimulants, but they are more difficult to use and don't reduce impulsiveness as effectively.
Certain medications may interact with other medicines, so it's important to tell your doctor about any other medicine you take. Antidepressants, such as atomoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban), increase the levels of brain chemicals norepinephrine (dopamine) and dopamine (norepinephrine) and can improve mood and concentration. Doctors prescribe these medications to those suffering from ADHD who also suffer from anxiety or depression. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as phenelzine, (Nardil), and tranylcypromine (Parnate) are not often prescribed in combination with stimulants due the high chance of serious adverse side negative effects.
A doctor can teach strategies for coping with ADHD and other professionals can assist in dealing with the issues caused by symptoms. For instance psychiatrists or psychologists can help you understand why you are struggling at school or at work, and teach you how to overcome those issues. Adults who suffer from ADHD are also able to benefit from support groups. Consult your physician about online or local support groups.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants, which are the most studied ADHD medication, can improve concentration and reduce impulsivity for many people. They're not your only option. Some people respond to nonstimulant medication. It's important to work closely with your doctor to determine the most effective drug and dosage for you or your child.
Nonstimulant medicines work by balancing and boosting brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They generally take longer to begin working than stimulants, but they can assist some people with hyperactivity and impulsivity. They are often prescribed in combination with stimulant medications to improve their effectiveness and lessen adverse effects.
Two popular antidepressants are widely used as non-stimulant medications for ADHD: Wellbutrin (also known as bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Both of these drugs increase levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine which can enhance attention. They are less addictive than stimulants and don't have the same potential for abuse. Your doctor may also prescribe atomoxetine, or Strattera, to treat ADHD. Atomoxetine targets an additional neurotransmitter within the brain, and it's the first non-stimulant medication that has been approved by the FDA for treatment of ADHD in adults.
Another option is guanfacine, or Intuniv. This medicine for blood pressure has a slight relaxing effect and can improve concentration. However, it's not as efficient as methylphenidate (or Lisdexamfetamine) in decreasing hyperactivity.
Be aware that every person's biochemistry is different, and so are the medicines they use. The first medication you or your child is trying might not be effective and the one that works for you or your child might have unpleasant adverse effects. It takes experimentation and patience to find the best medication for your family.
3. Antidepressants
Although stimulants are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD but they may not be the best option for everyone. Antidepressants are a great option for people who are unable to handle the negative side effects of stimulants or do not find that the medication works well for the individual.
Bupropion is also known as its brand name Wellbutrin or Zyban is an antidepressant that has been found to be effective in treating adults suffering from ADHD. It targets two neurotransmitters -- norepinephrine, and dopamine that are found in the brain. It is also used to treat depression and anxiety. The doctor might prescribe it if you have ADHD symptoms are mild to moderate, or you have a risk of consuming stimulants.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an approved prescription medication that has long-acting effects, raises the levels of norepinephrine within the brain. This can improve concentration and focus, and also reduce impulse-driven behaviors. It was the first non-stimulant drug approved by the FDA to treat adult ADHD, and it is generally considered to be more effective than amphetamines or methylphenidate for this condition.
There are also prescriptions for clonidine, alprazolam or guanfacine. These are all blood pressure medication that can reduce your heart rate and lower blood pressure by reducing the activity of your sympathetic nervous system. This is especially beneficial for those suffering from co-existing ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a second treatment option that some with ADHD consider to be a useful tool for managing their symptoms. CBT offers strategies to change your behavior and thinking. This type of treatment is typically carried out with an professional. You can also think about supplements and diets, but be sure to consult your physician before attempting these methods. In many instances, a combination of therapy and medication along that includes skills training is the most effective in treating ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medications
A few adults are diagnosed with ADHD after they have been diagnosed as children. Adults may have difficulty to manage their symptoms. This could affect their work performance as well as their social interactions. Adults who suffer from ADHD can benefit from medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments to help them focus more effectively, feel more calm, and control impulsive behaviors.
Adults suffering from high blood pressure can consider taking a medication prescribed to treat the condition. These are referred to as alpha-2-agonists and include clonidine, (Kapvay), and guanfacine, (Intuniv). They can have a positive effect on mood and help with concentration and impulse control.
These medications also aid with depression, anxiety 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 control symptoms for 10 to 12 hours.
Bupropion is another medication that is prescribed for ADHD. It is also available 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 decrease insomnia, agitation and bipolar disorder in patients.
While these non-stimulant ADHD drugs have a lower risk of abuse and addiction than stimulants, they may not work for everyone. Adults may have to try several different drugs before they discover the one that works best for them. The medications are not a cure, so the person must continue taking them to avoid symptoms returning. Your GP will keep track of your symptoms and evaluate the effectiveness of the medication.
5. Other medication
The drugs used to treat ADHD can improve a person's ability to focus, control impulses, and complete tasks. However, they are not a cure for all symptoms, and they frequently cause negative side effects that must be managed. Some of these side-effects can be mild, while others could be very serious. Many of these drugs can cause headaches, sleep problems and loss of appetite. If non stimulant adhd medication are severe, a physician might 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 like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). These antidepressants are referred to as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. They differ from stimulants in that they don't increase dopamine, but rather increase norepinephrine. These medications are more effective at improving concentration than stimulants, however they don't cause hyperactivity. They also can reduce appetite and cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxide inhibitors are a different class of drugs that have been proven to work for some people with ADHD. These antidepressants block the breakdown dopamine and brain chemical. Examples include phenelzine, Tranylcypromine, as well as venlafaxine. They are less likely to cause adverse effects such as appetite suppression and insomnia than other antidepressants.
Psychological counseling is also offered to those with ADHD. It is often referred to as cognitive behavior therapy or CBT which entails working with a qualified therapist to develop skills that will assist in managing ADHD symptoms. It is also beneficial for loved ones who struggle 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 offer coping strategies.