3 Reasons You're Not Getting Best ADHD Medication For Adults Isn't Working (And What You Can Do To Fix It)
Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
There are many ways to treat ADHD in adults. There are stimulants, nonstimulants, and blood pressure medication.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD. They are effective and secure. They also carry a low chance for abuse when taken as directed.
It is recommended to select stimulants with a long-acting effect. These are medicines like Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine patch) or Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
1. Stimulants
Stimulants are usually the first choice for doctors when it comes to medication to treat ADHD. They boost the levels of certain brain chemicals, and can improve concentration, concentration, and control of impulses. Most commonly, doctors prescribe drugs that contain methylphenidate or amphetamine. These drugs are available in both immediate-release and long-acting versions. The longer-acting drugs can assist in avoiding the "crash" of energy that can happen when short-acting stimulating drugs wear off. The type of medication is determined by his or her symptoms, doctor's preferences and other health conditions. It is normal to test different medications before you find one that works for you.
A doctor will also take into consideration the family history of a patient as well as medical history. If a person suffers from a heart disease or an extended family history of substance misuse or abuse, a doctor might prefer to prescribe nonstimulant medication. They don't have the same potential for misuse as stimulants, however they take longer to work and do not reduce impulsiveness as effectively.
Certain medications may interact with other medications, so it is important to inform your doctor about any other medicine you take. Antidepressants, such as atomoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion, (Wellbutrin and Zyban) can increase the levels of brain chemicals called norepinephrine (dopamine) and dopamine (norepinephrine) and can improve concentration and mood. Doctors prescribe these drugs to people with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety or depression. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors like phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) are not often used in combination with stimulants since they carry an increased risk of serious side effects when used together.
A doctor can provide coping strategies for ADHD and other professionals can assist in coping with the problems caused by symptoms. A psychiatrist or psychologist for instance can help you comprehend the reasons why you are having trouble at work or school and teach you how to manage these issues. Support groups can also be helpful for adults with ADHD. Talk to your doctor about support groups in your community or online.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants, the most researched ADHD medication, can improve concentration and reduce impulsivity for many people. They're not your only choice. Some people react to non-stimulant medications. It's essential to consult with your physician to determine the best drug and dosage for your child or you.
Nonstimulant medications work by boosting and balancing brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They usually take longer to begin working than stimulants, but they can aid those with hyperactivity and impulsivity. They are usually prescribed along alongside stimulant drugs in order to increase their effectiveness and decrease unwanted adverse consequences.
Two antidepressants that are popular are used as nonstimulant medications for ADHD: Wellbutrin (also known as bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). Both of these drugs boost the brain chemical norepinephrine as well as improve the ability to focus. They are also less addictive than stimulants and they don't have as much abuse potential. Your doctor might also prescribe atomoxetine or Strattera, to treat ADHD. Atomoxetine is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in adults. It targets a distinct neurotransmitter.
Guanfacine or Intuniv is another option. This blood pressure medication has a minor calming effect and can improve concentration, however it's not as effective in reducing hyperactivity or impulsivity as lisdexamfetamine or methylphenidate.
It is important to keep in mind that just as each person has a unique biochemistry, so do the medications they are taking. The first medication that you or your children are trying may not work and the one that works for you or for your child may trigger unpleasant side effects. It requires a lot of experimentation and patience to find the best medication for your family.
3. Antidepressants
Although stimulants are often prescribed to treat ADHD, they may not be the ideal choice for all. People who aren't able to handle adverse side effects or who find that the medication isn't working for them might benefit from antidepressants, which can help to alleviate 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 in the brain -- norepinephrine and dopamine. It can also be used to treat anxiety and depression. The doctor might prescribe it when your ADHD symptoms are moderate to mild, or you are at risk of consuming stimulants.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a prescription medication that increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain, which improves focus, concentration and control of the impulsive behavior. It was the 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.
You may also be prescribed alprazolam, clonidine, or guanfacine. These are all blood pressure medication that can lower your heart rate and lower blood pressure by decreasing the activity of your sympathetic nervous system. This is especially beneficial for those suffering from co-existing ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), another treatment option, is a tool that some sufferers of ADHD utilize to manage their symptoms. CBT provides strategies to alter your thoughts and behavior. This type of therapy is usually performed by a therapy therapist. You may also consider diet and supplements but you must consult with your doctor first. In most cases, a combination of medication and therapy, as well as skills training is the most effective method to treating ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medication
Many people with ADHD are diagnosed in childhood, but some receive a diagnosis as adults. Adults may have difficulty to manage their symptoms. This can impact their work performance and their social interactions. Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from medication or psychotherapy as well as lifestyle changes to assist them in focusing more effectively, feel more calm and manage impulsive behaviors.
If stimulants fail to work or cause unacceptable side effects, some adults attempt to take medication that is typically used to treat high blood pressure. These are known as alpha-2 agonists and include the clonidine (Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Intuniv). They can improve mood, and help with concentration and control of impulses.
These medications can also help with depression, anxiety and aggression-related feelings. Doctors have been prescribing these medications "off-label" for ADHD for a long time, but the medications are now available in long-acting tablets that are FDA-approved for treating the condition. They can control symptoms for a period of 10 to 12 hours.
Bupropion is a different medication that is prescribed for ADHD. It is known 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 people.
Although these non-stimulant ADHD medicines have lower risks of addiction and abuse than stimulants, they may not work for everyone. Certain adults must try several medications before finding the one that works for them. The medication is not a cure, so the patient must continue to take them to avoid symptoms returning. Your GP will keep track of your symptoms and evaluate the effectiveness of the medication.
5. Other medicines
The drugs used to treat ADHD can help improve the ability of a person to concentrate, manage impulses, and complete tasks. However, they're not a cure for all symptoms and frequently cause negative side effects that must be managed. Some of these side effects could be mild, but some can be more serious. Many of these drugs can cause sleep issues, headaches and a loss of appetite. If the side effects are severe, the doctor may increase or change a medication's dosage or try a different one.
adhd medications for adults are 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 affect dopamine, but instead boost norepinephrine. These medications are more effective than stimulants in increasing attention, but not hyperactivity, though they may also decrease appetite and cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors belong to a different class of drugs that have been shown to work for some individuals suffering from ADHD. They are antidepressants that inhibit the breakdown of dopamine and other brain chemicals. Examples include phenelzine, the tranylcypromine and Venlafaxine. They are less likely to cause adverse effects like appetite suppression or insomnia than other antidepressants.
People with ADHD are also able to receive psychological counseling. CBT is also referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy and involves working with a therapist in order to develop skills that can aid in managing ADHD. It is also beneficial for loved ones who struggle with living with someone with ADHD. People who suffer from ADHD can also join support groups on the Internet and in their communities that can offer coping strategies.