10 Meetups About Best ADHD Medication For Adults You Should Attend
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 medicines.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD. They are effective and safe. When used in the right way they have a low risk of abuse.
Long-acting stimulants are generally preferred. 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 certain brain chemicals and enhance concentration and focus as well as impulse control. The majority of doctors prescribe drugs that contain methylphenidate or amphetamine. These drugs are available in immediate-release and long-acting versions. The longer-acting drugs can assist in avoiding the "crash" of energy that can occur when short-acting stimulating drugs are worn off. The type of medicine a person chooses is determined by their symptoms, the doctor's preference and other health conditions. It's normal to try several different medications before you find one that works for you.
A physician will also consider the medical history of the patient and family history. A doctor can prescribe nonstimulant medication when a patient has an addiction history or a heart condition. They don't have the same risk of misuse as stimulants, however they are more difficult to use and don't reduce impulsiveness as effectively.
Certain medications can interact with other medications, so it's essential to inform your doctor about any other medications you take. Antidepressants such as atomoxetine (Prozac), and bupropion, (Wellbutrin and Zyban) boost the levels of brain chemicals, norepinephrine (dopamine) and dopamine (norepinephrine) and boost concentration and mood. Doctors prescribe these medications to people with ADHD who also have depression or anxiety. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) are not commonly used in combination with stimulants since they carry the potential for serious side effects when taken together.
A doctor can guide you through coping strategies to manage your ADHD and other professionals can assist you to deal with the issues caused by your symptoms. A psychiatrist or psychologist for instance can help you comprehend the reasons you are having trouble at work or school and teach you how to handle these challenges. 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, the most researched ADHD medication, can help improve concentration and reduce impulsivity in many people. They're not your only choice. Some people might prefer non-stimulant medications It's essential to consult your physician to find the right dosage and medication for you or your child.
Nonstimulant medicines work by increasing and balancing brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They usually take longer to begin working than stimulants, however they can improve symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity for some people. They're often prescribed in conjunction with stimulant medication to enhance their effectiveness and minimize side effects.
Wellbutrin is also known as bupropion, and Effexor (venlafaxine) are two popular antidepressants that are often prescribed for ADHD. Both of these medications can increase the chemical in the brain called norepinephrine, which can enhance the ability to focus. They are less addictive than stimulants, and don't have as much abuse potential. Your doctor may also prescribe atomoxetine or Strattera, to treat ADHD. Atomoxetine targets a different neurotransmitter in the brain, and it's the first nonstimulant drug to be FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD in adults.
Another option is guanfacine, or Intuniv. This blood pressure medication has a mild calm effect, and may improve concentration. However, it's not as effective as methylphenidate (or the lisdexamfetamine) in decreasing hyperactivity.
Remember that each person's biochemistry is unique, and so are the drugs they take. The first drug you or your children test may not work and the one that does work for you or for your child could cause unfavorable side effects. Finding the right medication takes patience and experimentation.
3. Antidepressants
While stimulants are the most commonly used medications to treat ADHD but they're not suitable for everyone. People who have trouble tolerating adverse side effects or who find that the medication isn't working for them may benefit from antidepressants, which can ease anxiety and other mood disorders.
Bupropion (also known as Wellbutrin, Zyban) is an antidepressant atypical which has been shown to be effective in treating ADHD adults. It targets two neurotransmitters that are present in the brain: norepinephrine and dopamine. It can also treat anxiety and depression. If you're ADHD symptoms are moderate or mild, and you're at risk of stimulant abuse Then your doctor could prescribe it.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a prescription medication that boosts levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to improve focus, concentration, and control impulsive behavior. It was the 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 condition.
You may also be prescribed alprazolam, clonidine or Guanfacine. These are all blood pressure medications that can lower your heart rate and lower blood pressure by reducing the activity of your sympathetic nervous system. This can be particularly beneficial for those who suffer from coexisting ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a different treatment option that some with ADHD consider an effective tool to manage their symptoms. CBT provides strategies to change your thinking and behave. This type of therapy is typically performed by an professional therapist. You may also consider diet and supplements however, you should consult your physician first. In many instances, a combination of treatment and medication that includes skills training is the most effective in treating ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medication
Some adults are diagnosed with ADHD after having been diagnosed as children. Adults may still have difficulty managing their symptoms, which may impact their work performance and social interactions. However, psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes can assist people with ADHD to concentrate and calm down, as well as manage impulsive behaviours.
Adults suffering from high blood pressure may take a medication that is typically prescribed to treat the condition. These medications are known as alpha-2-agonists and include clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine, (Intuniv). They can have a positive impact on mood and can aid with concentration and control of impulses.
These medications can also assist with depression, anxiety and feelings of aggression. Since years, doctors have prescribed these medications "off-label" however, in the last few years the FDA has approved long-acting tablets for ADHD. They can help alleviate symptoms for up to 12 hours.
Another medication that is commonly prescribed for ADHD is bupropion, which is marketed 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 shown to decrease insomnia and agitation in patients with bipolar disorder.
I Am Psychiatry -stimulant ADHD medications have lower risks of addiction and abuse than stimulants but they aren't for everyone. Some adults have to try various medications before settling on the one that works best for them. Medications are not the only solution for ADHD, so a person must continue taking them to stop the symptoms from recurring. Your GP will evaluate the effectiveness of your medication and your symptoms.
5. Other medication
The medications used to treat ADHD can improve a person’s ability to concentrate, control impulses and complete tasks. They aren't a panacea for all symptoms and could have adverse effects. Some of these side effects may be minor, while others could be more severe. Certain medications may cause a loss of appetite as well as sleep issues and headaches. If these adverse effects are severe, a doctor may increase or change the dosage of a medication, or even try another.
Other medications are used to treat specific types of ADHD such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). These antidepressants are called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. They differ from stimulants in that they don't increase dopamine, but rather increase norepinephrine. These medications are more effective than stimulants at increasing attention, but not hyperactivity, however they can also decrease appetite and cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxide inhibitors are a different group of medications that have been shown to work for some people with ADHD. These antidepressants inhibit the breakdown of dopamine and brain chemicals. Examples include phenelzine and the tranylcypromine and venlafaxine. They are less likely to cause adverse effects like appetite suppression and insomnia than other antidepressants.
Psychological counseling is also available to those suffering from ADHD. CBT is also referred to as cognitive behavior therapy and involves working with a therapist in order to develop skills that can aid in managing ADHD. It is beneficial for loved ones and family members who have to deal with someone with ADHD. Support groups for people with ADHD are available on the Internet and within their communities. They can offer coping strategies.