How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults
Stimulant medications like methylphenidate and amphetamine are effective in boosting and balancing brain chemicals. Doctors often prescribe them in the form of pills, liquid or patches.
ADHD can also be treated by health professionals using drugs known as alpha-2 agonists and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. They are typically used "off-label" to treat this condition, since they're FDA-approved to treat other conditions.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed ADHD medication for ADHD. They increase the levels brain chemicals, norepinephrine and d-opamine, which helps to improve concentration and control of your impulses. Doctors usually prescribe stimulants to adults suffering from ADHD but they might also prescribe them to treat other related disorders such as depression and anxiety. These are classified as controlled substances because they can be habit-forming, so they must be taken under a doctor's supervision. These stimulants are effective in helping people with ADHD manage their symptoms however, they aren't able to cure the disorder and they can cause side effects like heart anxiety or sleep disturbances.
There are many stimulant drugs that doctors are able to prescribe to people suffering from ADHD. The majority of stimulant medications are classified into two major categories: methylphenidates, and amphetamines. Methylphenidates have a lower risk of adverse effects, including addiction and apathy, than amphetamines. They are available in short-acting as well as long-acting forms. Short-acting stimulants are effective within 30 minutes and last around 3-4 hours, whereas intermediate and long-acting medicines take between 6-8 and 16 hours to achieve their maximum effect. Doctors may prescribe long-acting drugs for people with difficulty remembering to take their medication on a regular basis.
Some adults might not be able to respond to stimulants and healthcare professionals will likely test non-stimulant medications first. The FDA has approved four medications that are nonstimulant to adults with ADHD. These include atomoxetine (guanfacine) and viloxazine (clonidine), and Guanfacine. These medications have less of an impact on the impulsive behavior than stimulants, but they can be extremely effective in treating specific fundamental ADHD symptoms.
To maximize their effectiveness, medicines can be combined with other types of treatments, like behavior therapy and environmental restructuring. Therapists, for instance, teach parents and families how to assist their children in managing ADHD symptoms and give them skills training.
The best ADHD treatment for adults is usually the one that controls their symptoms the most effectively and causes fewer side effects. Finding the right dosage, medication and timing to take it could be a trial-and-error process. To maximize their success, people with ADHD must also change their lifestyle. For example getting enough sleep and cutting down on caffeine are two of the most crucial.
The symptoms of ADHD tend to change throughout an individual's life, therefore those with ADHD must see their physician regularly to check for changes and monitoring of their medication. Ideally, doctors schedule monthly appointments with patients with new diagnoses of ADHD or symptoms that are not controlled, and after that, every 3 to 6 months until their symptoms and functioning are under control. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that all adults with untreated ADHD seek medical treatment for the disorder. Medications can significantly improve the lives of adults who suffer from the condition, leading to better relationships, employment, and health outcomes. treating adhd without medication advises that people with ADHD should not stop taking their medication without speaking to a doctor regarding the risks and benefits of stopping or resuming the drug. The AAP suggests that this could be a difficult decision and suggests that an expert in mental health or a pediatrician who has experience in the area of ADHD conduct an exhaustive assessment.