What's The Ugly The Truth About Best ADHD Medication For Adults
Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
There are a myriad of choices to treat ADHD in adults. There are stimulants, nonstimulants and blood pressure medications.
Stimulants are typically prescribed for ADHD. They are effective and safe. When taken as directed they offer a low-risk of abuse.
Long-acting stimulants are the most popular. These are medicines like Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine patch) or Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
1. Stimulants
Stimulants are typically the first choice for doctors when it comes to treatment for ADHD. They boost the levels of certain brain chemicals and enhance concentration as well as focus and impulse control. Most commonly, doctors prescribe medications that contain methylphenidate or amphetamine. They are available in immediate-release and long-acting versions. The longer-acting drugs help people to avoid the "crash" in energy levels that can occur when short-acting stimulants take effect. The kind of medication that is determined by their symptoms as well as the preferences of the doctor and other health issues. It's normal to try several different medications before you find one that works for you.
A physician will also take into account the family history of a patient as well as medical history. A doctor may prescribe nonstimulant medication when a patient has an history of substance abuse or an underlying heart condition. They don't have the potential for misuse as stimulants, however they take longer to work and aren't as effective in reducing impulsiveness.
Certain medications may interact with other medicines, so it is important to inform your doctor about any other medicine you take. Antidepressants, such as atomoxetine (Prozac), and bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban) boost the levels of brain chemicals called norepinephrine (dopamine) and dopamine (norepinephrine) and improve concentration and mood. Doctors may prescribe them to treat people suffering from ADHD particularly if they have coexisting depression or anxiety. Monoamine oxidese inhibitors, such as phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine, (Parnate), are rarely prescribed when combined with stimulants due the high chance of serious adverse side adverse effects.
A doctor can instruct you on coping strategies for ADHD and other professionals can assist in overcoming the challenges caused by symptoms. A psychiatrist or psychologist, for example can help you understand the reasons behind why you are having trouble at school and work and teach you how to manage these issues. Support groups can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Discuss with your doctor about support groups in your community or online.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants are among the most researched ADHD medication that can help improve concentration and control impulsivity for many people. However, they're not the only option. Some people may react to non-stimulant medications. It's important to work closely with your physician to determine the most effective drug and dosage for your child or you.
Nonstimulant medicines help by balancing and increasing neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. They generally take longer to begin working than stimulants, but they can aid some people with hyperactivity and impulsivity. They're 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 used as non-stimulant medications for ADHD: Wellbutrin (also known as bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Both of these drugs can increase the brain chemical norepinephrine as well as enhance the ability to focus. They are also less likely to cause habit formation than stimulants and don't carry the same potential for abuse. Your doctor may prescribe Strattera or atomoxetine for treating ADHD. Atomoxetine is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in adults. It targets a different neurotransmitter.
Another option is guanfacine or Intuniv. This blood pressure medication has a small calming effect and can improve concentration, however it's not as effective in controlling impulsivity or hyperactivity like lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate.
Remember that each person's biochemistry is unique and so are the medicines they use. The first drug you or your child takes might not be effective and the one that works for you or your child might cause unpleasant adverse effects. It requires a lot of experimentation and patience to determine the best medication for your family.
3. Antidepressants
Although stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD, they aren't suitable for everyone. Antidepressants can be helpful for people who are unable to tolerate adverse 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 that has been proven to be effective in treating adults suffering from ADHD. It targets two neurotransmittersdopamine and norepinephrine -- in the brain. It is also used to treat depression and anxiety. If your ADHD symptoms are mild or moderate, and you are at risk of a stimulant abuse Your doctor might prescribe it.
adhd medications (atomoxetine) is 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 first non-stimulant drug approved by the FDA to treat adult ADHD and is generally regarded to be more effective than amphetamines or methylphenidate for this condition.
There are also prescriptions for alprazolam, clonidine or guanfacine. These are all blood pressure medications that can reduce your heart rate and lower blood pressure by decreasing the activity of your sympathetic nervous system. This can be especially helpful for those who suffer from coexisting ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a different treatment option, is a technique that some sufferers of ADHD utilize to manage their symptoms. CBT teaches strategies to change your behavior and thinking. This type of therapy is usually done by an therapy therapist. You could also consider diet and supplementation however, make sure to consult your doctor before trying these approaches. In most cases, a combination between therapy and medication along with skills training is most effective in treating ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medications
A few adults are diagnosed with ADHD after being diagnosed as children. Adults may struggle to manage their symptoms, which may affect their work performance as well as social interactions. But medication, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes can help adults with ADHD to concentrate, feel calmer and control impulsive behaviours.
If stimulants don't work or cause unacceptable reactions, some adults 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 have a positive effect on mood and can aid with concentration and control of impulses.
These medications act on different areas of the brain and can also improve depression, anxiety and feelings of aggression. Since the beginning doctors have prescribed these medications "off-label", but now the FDA has approved long-acting tablets for ADHD. They can provide symptom control for 10 to 12 hours.
Another medication that is commonly prescribed for ADHD is bupropion, which is marketed under the 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 also has been proven to reduce insomnia and agitation in bipolar disorder sufferers.
Although these non-stimulant ADHD medicines have lower risks of abuse and addiction than stimulants, they may not work for everyone. Adults may have to test several different medications before they find the one that works for them. The medications are not a cure, so the patient must continue to take medications to prevent the symptoms returning. Your GP will be able to monitor the effectiveness of your medication and your symptoms.
5. Other medications
The medications used to manage ADHD can help improve an individual's ability to focus, manage impulses, and complete tasks. However, they are not a cure for all symptoms, and they often cause adverse effects that must be addressed. Some of these side effects may be mild, while others could be very serious. Certain medications may cause weight loss as well as sleep issues and headaches. If the adverse effects are severe, a doctor might increase or decrease the dose of a medication or try another one.
Some other medications can be used to treat certain types of ADHD, such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). These are in the class of antidepressants called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, which differ from stimulants in that they do not impact dopamine, but increase norepinephrine. These drugs are more effective at improving attention than stimulants, but they do not cause hyperactivity. They can also decrease appetite or cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxide inhibitors are a second class of medications that has been shown to be effective for certain people with ADHD. These antidepressants inhibit the breakdown of dopamine and brain chemical. Examples include the phenelzine (Nardil), the tranylcypromine (Parnate) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). They are less likely than other antidepressants that can cause adverse effects like insomnia and appetite suppression.
Psychological counseling is also available to those with ADHD. It is commonly referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT, and it involves working with a therapist who is trained to develop skills that will aid in managing ADHD symptoms. It can be beneficial to family members and loved ones who are struggling to live with a person who suffers from ADHD. Support groups for people suffering from ADHD are available on the Internet as well as in their communities. They can provide strategies for dealing with the disorder.