How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults
Drugs that stimulate the brain such as methylphenidate or amphetamine boost and balance brain chemicals. Doctors prescribe them as liquids, pills or patches.
Healthcare professionals also utilize medications known as norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and alpha-2 agonists for treating ADHD. They are typically used "off-label" for this purpose, since they're FDA-approved to treat other conditions.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed ADHD medication for ADHD. They increase the levels brain chemicals like norepinephrine as well as dopamine which help improve focus and control your impulses. Adults with ADHD are typically prescribed stimulants, however they can also be used to treat other ailments such as anxiety and depression. These are classified as controlled substances since they can create a habit, so they must be taken under a doctor's supervision. The stimulants can help people suffering from ADHD control their symptoms, however, they aren't able to cure the disorder and they can cause side effects like heart palpitations or trouble sleeping.
There are many different stimulant drugs that doctors can prescribe to adults with ADHD. Most of them fall into two categories: methylphenidates and amphetamines. Methylphenidates carry a lower risk of side effects, such as addiction, than amphetamines. The stimulants are available in short-acting and long-acting versions. Short-acting stimulants are effective within 30 minutes and last about 3-4 hours, whereas intermediate and long-acting drugs take between 6-8 and 16 hours to achieve their maximum effectiveness. Long-acting drugs may be recommended by doctors for patients who have trouble remembering to take their medication on a consistent basis.
Some adults might not be responsive to stimulants, and healthcare professionals may try nonstimulant medications first. The FDA has approved four drugs that are nonstimulant to adults suffering from ADHD. These include atomoxetine (guanfacine) and viloxazine (clonidine) and the guanfacine. These medications have less impact on the impulsive behavior than stimulants, but they are extremely effective in treating specific core ADHD symptoms.
To maximize adhd medications for adults , medication can be combined with other kinds of treatments, such as behavior therapy and environmental restructuring. For instance, therapists could teach parents and families strategies to support their children who suffer from ADHD and also provide them with techniques to manage their symptoms.
The most effective ADHD medication is the one that has the lowest symptoms and side effects most effectively. It's an exercise of trial and error to discover the appropriate dosage, medication, and time of day to take it for the best results. To get the most out of their treatment, people with ADHD should also consider making lifestyle changes. For instance sleeping enough and cutting down on coffee are two of the most important.
The symptoms of ADHD frequently change over the course of an individual's life, therefore adults with ADHD must see their physician frequently to monitor and adjust the dosage of their medication. Doctors should make appointments every month with patients who have been diagnosed with ADHD or who are experiencing uncontrolled symptoms and then visit them every 3 to six months until symptoms and functioning are well-controlled. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that adults with untreated ADHD seek medical attention. Medications can significantly improve the lives of adults with the condition and lead to better relationships, jobs, and health outcomes. The AAP suggests that people suffering from ADHD should not stop taking their medication without speaking with a physician about the potential risks and benefits of stopping or starting the medication. The AAP suggests that this could be a difficult process and suggests that an expert in mental health or pediatrician with experience in the field of ADHD conduct an exhaustive evaluation.