10 Best ADHD Medication For Adults Meetups You Should Attend
Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
Adults can be treated with a variety of drugs to treat ADHD. They include stimulants, non-stimulants, and blood pressure medications.
Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD. They are effective and safe. They also pose a low risk for abuse if taken as directed.
It is generally recommended to select stimulants with a long-acting effect. These are medicines like Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine patch) or Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
1. Stimulants
The first drug that doctors choose to treat ADHD is stimulants. They increase the levels of a specific brain chemical and improve concentration as well as focus and impulse control. The majority of doctors prescribe medications which contain amphetamine or methylphenidate. They are available in immediate-release and long-acting versions. Longer-acting drugs may help avoid the "crash" of energy that can occur when short-acting stimulating drugs wear off. The type of medication that an individual chooses is determined by their symptoms, preference of the doctor and other health issues. It's normal to many different medications before you can find one that is effective.
A physician will also take into account the family history of a patient as well as medical history. A doctor can 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 are slower to work and do not reduce the amount of impulsivity.
Certain medications can interact with other medicines, so it's essential to inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking. Antidepressants such as Atomoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion (Wellbutrin Zyban, Wellbutrin) increase levels of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine and improve concentration and mood. Doctors often prescribe these medications to people suffering from ADHD particularly when they suffer from depression or anxiety. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as phenelzine (Nardil), and tranylcypromine (Parnate) are not often prescribed in conjunction with stimulants due to the risk of risk of serious side negative effects.
A doctor can guide you through strategies to manage your ADHD, and other professionals can assist you to overcome the challenges caused by your symptoms. For instance, a psychologist or psychiatrist can assist you in understanding the reasons you struggle at school and work and teach you skills to handle those issues. Support groups can also be helpful for adults with ADHD. Discuss with your doctor about support groups in your area or online.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants, the most studied ADHD medication, can improve concentration and decrease impulsivity in many people. They're not your only choice. Some people may prefer nonstimulant medication It's essential to consult with your doctor to determine the best dosage and medication for your child or yourself.
Nonstimulant medicines work by increasing and balancing brain chemical called neurotransmitters. They usually take longer to start working than stimulants, but they can aid those with hyperactivity and impulsivity. They are often prescribed with stimulant medications in order to improve their effectiveness and minimize undesirable adverse negative effects.
Two antidepressants that are popular are used as nonstimulant 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 the quality of attention. They are also less addictive than stimulants and don't have as much potential for abuse. Your doctor might prescribe atomoxetine, also known as Strattera to treat ADHD. Atomoxetine targets an additional neurotransmitter within the brain, and it's the first nonstimulant medication to be approved by the FDA for the treatment of ADHD in adults.
Another option is guanfacine, or Intuniv. This blood pressure medication has a slight calming effect and can improve concentration, but it's not as effective at controlling impulsivity or hyperactivity like lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate.
It is important to keep in mind that just as every person has a different biochemistry, so do the medications they are taking. The first medication you or your child tries may not be effective and the one that works for you or your child may cause unpleasant adverse effects. Finding the right medication requires patience and a lot of experimentation.
3. Antidepressants
Although stimulants are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD, they may not be the ideal choice for everyone. Antidepressants are a great option for people who are unable to take the adverse effects of stimulants or do not find that the medication is effective for them.
adhd medications , known by its brand name Wellbutrin or Zyban is an atypical antidepressant that has been proven effective in treating adults suffering from ADHD. It targets two neurotransmitters in the brain: dopamine and norepinephrine. It also treats depression and anxiety. If you're ADHD symptoms are moderate or mild, and you're at risk of a stimulant abuse, then your doctor may prescribe it.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a long-acting prescription medicine that increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which improves focus, concentration and manage impulse-driven behavior. It was the very first non-stimulant medication approved by the FDA to treat adult ADHD, and it is generally considered to be more effective than methylphenidate or amphetamines for this condition.
Your doctor might also prescribe alprazolam, clonidine and guanfacine as blood pressure medicines that reduce the activity of your sympathetic nervous system to slow your heart rate and lower blood pressure. This is particularly beneficial for those suffering from ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), another treatment option, is a technique that some people with ADHD use to manage their symptoms. CBT offers strategies to change your thinking and behavior. This type of treatment is usually done by an professional. You could also try supplements and diet, but consult your physician first. In most cases, a combination between therapy and medication along combined with training for skills is the most effective in treating ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medications
Many people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed as children however, some get the diagnosis as adults. Adults may have difficulty managing their symptoms, which can impact their work performance and social interactions. Adults who suffer from ADHD can benefit from medication therapy, psychotherapy, or lifestyle adjustments to assist them in focusing more easily, feel calmer, and control impulsive behaviors.
If stimulants aren't effective or cause unacceptably adverse side effects, some adults try medications that are usually used to treat high blood pressure. These medicines are called alpha-2 agonists. They include Clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv). They can improve mood and aid in concentration and control of impulses.
These drugs affect different areas of the brain and can help reduce depression, anxiety and feelings of aggression. Doctors have been prescribing these medications "off-label" for ADHD for years, but they are now available in long-acting tablets that have been FDA-approved for treating the condition. They can control symptoms for a period of 10 to 12 hours.
Another medication commonly prescribed for ADHD is bupropion, known by its 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 also been proven to reduce agitation and insomnia in people with bipolar disorder.
These non-stimulant ADHD drugs have lower risks of addiction and abuse than stimulants but they're not for all people. Some adults need to test different medications before they find the one that works best for them. The medications are not an effective cure, therefore the patient should continue taking them to avoid the symptoms returning. Your GP will keep track of your symptoms and the effectiveness of the medication.
5. Other medication
The medicines used to treat ADHD can help improve the ability of a person to concentrate, control impulses and follow through with tasks. They aren't a cure-all for all symptoms, and may have side effects. Some of these side effects may be mild, but others may be more serious. Certain medications may cause loss of appetite, problems with sleep and headaches. If the side effects are severe, a physician might increase or decrease the dosage of a medication or try another one.
Other medications are used to treat specific types 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 don't increase dopamine, but instead boost norepinephrine. These drugs are more effective than stimulants in improving attention, but not in the sense of hyperactivity, though they may also reduce appetite and cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors belong to a different group of medications that have been proven to be effective for people suffering from ADHD. These are antidepressants that stop the breakdown of dopamine and other brain chemicals. Examples include phenelzine, Tranylcypromine, as well as venlafaxine. They are less likely to cause side effects such as appetite suppression and insomnia than other antidepressants.
People suffering from ADHD can also receive psychological counseling. It is commonly referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT and involves working with a qualified therapist to acquire skills that assist in managing ADHD symptoms. It can also be helpful for family members and loved ones struggling with living with someone with ADHD. People with ADHD can also find support groups on the Internet and in their communities that can offer strategies for dealing with the disorder.