How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults
Stimulant drugs like methylphenidate or amphetamine help balance brain chemicals. Doctors prescribe them in the form of pills, liquids or patches.
Healthcare professionals also take drugs called norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and alpha-2 agonists for treating ADHD. They are typically used "off-label" to treat this condition because they're FDA-approved for use to treat other conditions.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed ADHD medication for ADHD. Read the Full Report boost levels of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which help to improve focus and control of impulses. Adults with ADHD are usually prescribed stimulants, but they may also be employed to treat other disorders like anxiety and depression. These medications are categorized as controlled substances due to the fact that they can be habit-forming which is why they should be administered under a doctor's supervision. These stimulants are effective in helping those suffering from ADHD control their symptoms, but they don't cure the disorder and they can trigger side effects such as heart anxiety or sleep disturbances.
There are a myriad of kinds of stimulant drugs that healthcare professionals can prescribe to adults with ADHD. Most of them fall into two categories: methylphenidates as well as amphetamines. Methylphenidates are less likely cause adverse effects and addiction than amphetamines. They are available in shorter-acting and longer-acting forms. Short-acting stimulants are effective within 30 minutes and last around 3-4 hours, while intermediate and long-acting drugs take 6-8 or 16 hours to reach their maximum effects. Long-acting drugs may be recommended by medical professionals for patients who have difficulty remembering to take their medication on a regular schedule.
Healthcare professionals may first try nonstimulant medication when some adults don't respond to stimulants. The FDA has approved four medications that are nonstimulant for adults suffering from ADHD. These include atomoxetine (guanfacine) and viloxazine (clonidine), and guanfacine. These medications are less effective than stimulants in treating an impulsive personality, but are extremely helpful in treating some of the primary ADHD symptoms.
To maximize their effectiveness, medications can be used in conjunction with other types of treatments, such as environmental and behavior therapy. For instance, therapists could provide parents and families with strategies to help their children with ADHD and give them the necessary skills to manage their symptoms.
The most effective ADHD treatment for adults is typically the one that controls their symptoms most effectively and causes fewer side effects. Finding the appropriate dosage, medication and time to take it can be a process of trial and error. People suffering from ADHD should also think about lifestyle changes to increase their success, such as getting enough sleep and staying away from caffeine.
Adults suffering from ADHD might have changes in their symptoms over time. Therefore, they should visit their doctor regularly to monitor and alter their medication. The ideal scenario is for doctors to make appointments every month with patients who are diagnosed with ADHD or uncontrolled symptoms and after that, every 3 to 6 months until their 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 leads to better health, relationships, and jobs. The AAP suggests that people suffering from ADHD should not stop taking their medication without speaking with a physician about the potential risks and advantages of stopping or beginning the drug. The AAP advises that this can be a difficult decision and suggests that an expert in mental health or pediatrician with experience in the area of ADHD conduct an exhaustive assessment.