How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults
Stimulant drugs like methylphenidate or amphetamine boost and balance brain chemicals. Doctors typically prescribe them in the form of pills, liquids or patches.
adhd medications for adults use medications known as norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and alpha-2 agonists for treating ADHD. They're usually prescribed "off-label" for this purpose as they're FDA-approved to treat other conditions.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed ADHD medications. They increase the levels of brain chemicals like norepinephrine as well as dopamine, which helps to improve focus and control your impulses. Doctors typically prescribe stimulants to adults with ADHD but they might also use them to treat related conditions like anxiety and depression. These medications are controlled substances, since they can cause dependence. They must be taken under the supervision of a physician. Stimulants work quickly to help those suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms but they do not solve the problem and can cause side effects like heart palpitations or difficulty sleeping.
There are a myriad of brands of stimulant drugs that healthcare professionals can prescribe to people suffering from ADHD. Most of them fall into two categories: methylphenidates as well as amphetamines. Methylphenidates have a lower risk of side effects, including addiction as compared to amphetamines. Stimulants come in short-acting and long-acting varieties. Short-acting stimulants work within 30 minutes and last for 3-4 hours. Long-acting and intermediate stimulants take between 6 and 16 hours to get their maximum effect. Long-acting drugs may be recommended by medical professionals for patients who have difficulties remembering to take their medication on a regular schedule.
Some adults might not be able to respond to stimulants and healthcare professionals may test non-stimulant medications first. The FDA has approved four nonstimulant medications for adults suffering from ADHD such as atomoxetine and viloxazine, guanfacine, and clonidine. These medications have less of an impact on the impulsive behavior than stimulants, however they can be very effective in treating specific core ADHD symptoms.
To maximize their effectiveness, medicines can be combined with other types of treatments, such as environmental and behavior therapy. 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 medication is one that reduces side effects and controls symptoms most efficiently. It is a process of trial and error to find the best dosage, drug and time to take it for the best results. To get the most out of their treatment people suffering from ADHD should also make lifestyle changes. For example sleeping enough and avoiding caffeine are two of the most crucial.
Adults who suffer from ADHD might notice changes in their symptoms as time passes. Therefore, they should visit their doctor regularly to review and alter their medication. Doctors should schedule monthly appointments with patients who have been diagnosed with ADHD or are experiencing symptoms that are not controlled and then every 3 to six months until symptoms and functioning are controlled. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all adults suffering from untreated ADHD seek medical attention for the disorder. Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from medications that enhance their lives and can lead to better health as well as relationships and jobs. The AAP recommends that those suffering from ADHD should not stop taking their medication without speaking with a physician about the risks and advantages of stopping or beginning the drug. This can be a complicated decision and the AAP recommends a thorough examination by a trained psychiatrist or a pediatrician.