Looking Into The Future What's In The Pipeline? Best ADHD Medication For Adults Industry Look Like In 10 Years?
Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
Adults can be treated using various medications to treat ADHD. They include stimulants, non-stimulants, and blood pressure medications.
Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. They are effective and safe. If used as directed they also pose a low abuse risk.
It is usually best to select stimulants with an extended-acting effect. These are medicines like Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine patch) or Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
1. Stimulants
Stimulants are usually a doctor's first choice of treatment for ADHD. They boost the levels of a specific brain chemicals and enhance concentration as well as focus and impulse control. Most commonly, doctors prescribe medications that contain methylphenidate or amphetamine. They're available in immediate-release and long-acting formulas. The longer-acting drugs can help to avoid the "crash" in energy levels that can occur when short-acting stimulants wear off. The type of medication an individual will be prescribed is determined by their symptoms, doctor's preference and other health issues. It is normal to test different medications before you find the one that suits your needs.
A doctor will also take into account a person's family history and medical history. If someone has a heart condition or a family history of substance abuse, a doctor may prefer to prescribe nonstimulant medications. These don't have the same potential for misuse as stimulants, however they take longer to work and don't reduce impulsiveness as effectively.
Certain medications may interact with other medicines, so it's essential to inform your doctor about any other medicine you take. Antidepressants such as Atomoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) boost levels of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine and can improve mood and concentration. Doctors sometimes prescribe these to treat people suffering from ADHD particularly in the case of anxiety or depression. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors like phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) are rarely combined with stimulants since they carry an increased risk of serious side effects when taken together.
A doctor can help you learn coping strategies to manage your ADHD and other professionals can help you cope with problems caused by your symptoms. For instance, a psychologist or psychiatrist can assist you in understanding why you are struggling at work and school and teach you skills to handle those issues. Support groups can be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Discuss with your doctor about support groups in your area or online.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants are among the most researched ADHD medications and can improve concentration and control the tendency to be impulsive for many. They're not your only option. Some people may respond better to nonstimulant medication, and it's important to consult your physician to find the right dosage and drug for you or your child.
Nonstimulant medications work by boosting and balancing brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They generally take longer to start working than stimulants, but they can aid in reducing symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity for some people. They are usually prescribed along together with stimulant medications to increase their effectiveness and decrease unwanted negative side effects.
Wellbutrin, also known as bupropion, and Effexor (venlafaxine) are two popular antidepressants often prescribed for ADHD. Both of these drugs boost the brain chemical norepinephrine as well as improve concentration. They are less addictive than stimulants and don't have the same potential for abuse. Your doctor may prescribe Strattera or atomoxetine for treating ADHD. Atomoxetine targets an additional neurotransmitter within the brain, and it's the first nonstimulant drug to be approved by the FDA for the treatment of ADHD in adults.
Guanfacine or Intuniv is another alternative. This blood pressure medicine has a mild calming effect, and can increase concentration. However, it is not as effective as methylphenidate (or the lisdexamfetamine) in decreasing hyperactivity.
Remember that each person's biochemistry is unique and so are the medicines they use. The first drug you or your child is trying may not be effective and the one that works for you or your child could cause unpleasant adverse effects. Finding the right medication requires patience and experimentation.
3. Antidepressants
Although stimulants are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD however, they might not be the ideal choice for everyone. People who aren't able to handle adverse effects or feel that the medication doesn't work well for them could be able to benefit from antidepressants that can help to alleviate anxiety and other mood disorders.
Bupropion (also called Wellbutrin, Zyban) is an antidepressant that has been shown to be effective in treating ADHD adults. It targets two neurotransmitters within the brain: dopamine and norepinephrine. It is also used to treat depression and anxiety. If you're ADHD symptoms are mild or moderate, and you are at risk of a stimulant abuse Your doctor might prescribe it.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a prescription medication with long-acting effects, raises the levels of norepinephrine that are present in the brain. This can improve concentration and focus and reduce impulsive behaviors. It was the very first non-stimulant medication approved by the FDA to treat adult ADHD, and it is generally considered more effective than methylphenidate or amphetamines for this condition.
Your doctor may also use guanfacine, clonidine or alprazolam, which are both blood pressure medications that reduce the sympathetic nervous system's activity to slow down your heart rate and lower blood pressure. This can be especially helpful for those who suffer from coexisting ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another treatment option that some people with ADHD consider to be beneficial in managing their symptoms. CBT teaches you strategies to alter the way you think and behave. This type of treatment is typically done by an professional. You could also consider diet and supplementation, but be sure to consult your physician before attempting these strategies. In many cases, a combination of medications with therapy and skills training is the most effective approach to treatment for ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medications
Many people who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed in childhood, but some receive the diagnosis as adults. Adults may have difficulty managing their symptoms, which could affect their work performance and social interactions. But medication, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes can assist adults with ADHD to concentrate and feel more calm, as well as control their impulsive behaviors.
Adults suffering from high blood pressure might want to consider taking a medication prescribed to treat the condition. These medications are known as alpha-2-agonists. They include clonidine (Kapvay), and guanfacine (Intuniv). They can improve mood and help with concentration and control of impulses.
These medications also aid with depression, anxiety, and feelings of aggression. For 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 offer relief from symptoms for up to 12 hours.
Another medication commonly prescribed for ADHD is bupropion, known by its 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 been shown to reduce agitation, insomnia and bipolar disorder in patients.
While these non-stimulant ADHD medications have lower risk of abuse and addiction than stimulants, they may not suit everyone. Some adults have to try various medications before settling on the one that works for them. The medications aren't the only solution for ADHD, so a person should continue taking them to prevent the symptoms from returning. Your GP will keep track of your symptoms and evaluate the effectiveness of the medication.
5. adhd uk medication used to treat ADHD can improve the ability of a person to focus, control impulses and follow through with tasks. They aren't a panacea for all symptoms, and may cause side effects. Some of these side effects may be mild, but some can be more serious. A lot of these medications can cause headaches, sleep problems and a loss of appetite. If the adverse effects are severe, a doctor may increase or decrease the dose of a medication or even try a different one.
Other medications, such as viloxazine or atomoxetine are used to treat specific forms of ADHD. These antidepressants are called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. They differ from stimulants in that they do not increase dopamine levels, but instead increase norepinephrine. These medications appear to be more effective than stimulants in improving attention, but not in the sense of hyperactivity, although they can also reduce appetite and cause insomnia.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are a different type of medication that has been shown to be effective for certain people with ADHD. These antidepressants stop the breakdown of dopamine and brain chemical. Examples include phenelzine and Tranylcypromine, as well as venlafaxine. They are less likely than other antidepressants to cause adverse effects like appetite suppression and insomnia.
Psychological counseling is also available to those suffering from ADHD. It is commonly referred to as cognitive behavior therapy or CBT which entails working with a therapist who is trained to acquire skills that help manage ADHD symptoms. It is beneficial for family members and loved ones who struggle to live with someone who has ADHD. Support groups for people with ADHD are available on the Internet as well as in their communities. They can offer coping strategies.