How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults
The stimulant drugs like methylphenidate and amphetamine function by increasing and balancing brain chemicals. Doctors prescribe them as liquids, pills or patches.
Healthcare professionals also use medications known as norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and alpha-2 agonists to treat ADHD. These medications are typically employed "off-label" because they are FDA-approved for a variety of conditions.
Stimulants
The stimulants are the most common ADHD medications prescribed. They boost levels of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which help to improve focus and control impulses. Adults suffering from ADHD are usually prescribed stimulants, however they can 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 cause dependence and therefore must be administered under a physician's supervision. The stimulants can help people suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms but they do not solve the problem and can trigger side effects such as heart palpitations or difficulty sleeping.
There are many stimulant drugs that doctors are able to prescribe to people suffering from ADHD. The majority of stimulant medications fall into two main categories: methylphenidates and amphetamines. Methylphenidates are more likely to cause side effects and addiction than amphetamines. They are available in short-acting and longer-acting versions. Short-acting stimulants take effect in 30 minutes and last for 3-4 hours, while intermediate and long-acting medicines take between 6-8 and 16 hours to attain 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 basis.
Healthcare professionals are likely to start with nonstimulant medications in the event that some patients do not respond to stimulants. 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, yet they can be extremely effective in treating certain fundamental ADHD symptoms.
The use of medication can be combined with other treatments, such as environmental therapy and behavioral therapy, to optimize their effectiveness. Therapists, for instance, teach parents and families how to help their children manage ADHD symptoms and offer them the necessary skills.
The most effective ADHD treatment for adults is the one that can control their symptoms the most effectively and has less adverse effects. It's an exercise of trial and error to discover the appropriate dosage, medication, and time of day to take it for best results. To get the most out of their treatment those suffering from ADHD must also make lifestyle changes. For example sleeping enough and cutting down on caffeine are two of the most crucial.
Symptoms of ADHD tend to change throughout an individual's life, therefore people with ADHD must see their physician regularly to check for changes and monitoring of their medications. The ideal scenario is for doctors to 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 well-controlled. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that people suffering from untreated ADHD seek medical attention. Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from medication that improves their lives and results in better health, relationships, and jobs. The AAP suggests that people suffering from ADHD should not stop taking their medication before talking to a doctor about the potential risks and benefits of stopping or starting the medication. adhd medication list warns that this can be a difficult process and recommends that a mental health professional or pediatrician with expertise in the area of ADHD conduct a thorough assessment.