How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults
Drugs that stimulate the brain such as methylphenidate or amphetamine can boost brain chemicals. Doctors prescribe them in the form of pills, liquids or patches.
Healthcare professionals also use drugs known as norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors and alpha-2 agonists to treat ADHD. They are typically used "off-label" for this purpose, since they're FDA-approved to treat other conditions.
Stimulants
The stimulants are the most common ADHD medications prescribed. They increase the levels brain chemicals like norepinephrine as well as dopamine, which helps to improve concentration and control of your impulses. Doctors typically prescribe stimulants for adults suffering from ADHD, but they may also use them to treat conditions related to it such as depression and anxiety. These medications are considered controlled substances because they can cause dependence and therefore must be administered under a physician's supervision. The stimulants can help people suffering from ADHD control their symptoms, however, they aren't able to solve the problem and may cause side effects, such as heart palpitations or difficulty sleeping.
There are many stimulant drugs that doctors are able to prescribe to adults suffering from ADHD. managing adhd without medication of stimulant drugs are classified into two categories: methylphenidates and amphetamines. Methylphenidates are less likely to cause addiction and side effects than amphetamines. The stimulants are available in shorter-acting and long-acting versions. Short-acting stimulants can be effective within 30 minutes, and last for 3-4 hours. Long-acting and intermediate medications take between 6 and 16 hours to reach their maximum effect. Doctors may suggest long-acting medicines for people who struggle to remember to take their medicine on a regular basis.
Some adults might not be responsive to stimulants, and healthcare professionals will likely test non-stimulant medications first. The FDA has approved four nonstimulant medications for adults with ADHD including atomoxetine (guanfacine), viloxazine and guanfacine as well as clonidine. These medications are less effective than stimulants when it comes to treating impulsive behavior, but can be extremely beneficial in treating specific primary ADHD symptoms.
The use of medication can be combined with other types of treatment, such as environmental and behavioral therapy, to optimize their effectiveness. Therapists, for instance help parents and families learn how to help their children manage ADHD symptoms and offer them the necessary skills.
The most effective ADHD treatment for adults is usually the one that can control their symptoms the most effectively and causes fewer side effects. It can be a process of trial and error to find the best dosage, drug, and time of day to take it for best results. Patients with ADHD should also think about changes in their lifestyle to ensure success, such as getting enough rest and avoiding caffeine.
Symptoms of ADHD frequently change over the course of the course of a person's life. Therefore, people with ADHD must see their physician frequently to monitor and adjust the dosage of their medications. Ideally, doctors will make appointments every month with patients who have a diagnosis of ADHD or symptoms that are not controlled, and then every 3-6 months until their symptoms and functioning are under control. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that adults with untreated ADHD seek medical attention. managing adhd without medication of medications can greatly enhance the lives of those with the condition and can lead to better relationships, employment and health outcomes. The AAP recommends that those suffering from ADHD should not stop taking their medication before talking to a doctor about the risks and advantages of stopping or beginning the drug. The AAP advises that this can be a difficult choice and suggests that a mental health professional or a pediatrician who has experience in the field of ADHD perform a thorough assessment.