3 Common Causes For Why Your Best ADHD Medication For Adults Isn't Performing (And How To Fix It)
Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
Adults can be treated with a variety of drugs to treat ADHD. There are stimulants, nonstimulants and blood pressure medications.
Stimulants are typically prescribed for ADHD. They are effective and safe. They also carry a low chance of abuse if used according to the directions.
Long-acting stimulants are usually preferred. These are medicines like Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine patch) or Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine).
1. Stimulants
The first drug that doctors prescribe to treat ADHD is stimulants. They increase the levels of a specific brain chemicals and enhance concentration as well as focus and impulse control. Doctors usually prescribe drugs that contain methylphenidate or amphetamine. They're available in immediate-release and long-acting formulations. The longer-acting drugs can help avoid a "crash" in energy that can occur when short-acting stimulants wear off. The type of medicine one will be prescribed is determined by their symptoms, preference of their doctor, and other health issues. It is normal to test different medications before finding one that works for you.
A physician will also take into account the history of the family member as well as medical history. A doctor may prescribe nonstimulant medication if a patient has a history of substance abuse or an underlying heart condition. They do not have the same abuse potential as stimulants but they take longer to work and don't decrease the amount of impulsivity.
Some medications can interfere with other medicines, so it's essential to inform your doctor about any other medicine you take. Antidepressants, such as atomoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion, (Wellbutrin and Zyban) can increase the levels of brain chemicals called norepinephrine (dopamine) and dopamine (norepinephrine) and boost mood and concentration. Doctors may prescribe them to people suffering from ADHD particularly if they have coexisting anxiety or depression. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) are not commonly used in combination with stimulants due to a high risk for serious side effects when used together.
A doctor can help you learn strategies to manage your ADHD, and other professionals can help you deal with the issues caused by your symptoms. A psychologist or psychiatrist for instance can help you understand the reasons behind why you are having trouble at work and school and help you learn how to deal with these issues. Adults who suffer from ADHD may also benefit from support groups. Discuss with your doctor about support groups in your local area or online.
2. Non-stimulants
Stimulants, the most researched ADHD medication, can improve concentration and decrease impulsivity in many people. They're not the only choice. Certain people might respond to nonstimulant medication. It's essential to work closely with your physician to determine the right medication and dosage for you or your child.
Nonstimulant medicines work by increasing and balancing brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They typically take longer to get started than stimulants, however they can aid in reducing symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity for some people. They are typically prescribed with stimulant medications in order to boost their effectiveness and decrease undesirable adverse consequences.
Wellbutrin, also known as bupropion and Effexor (venlafaxine) are two antidepressants that are commonly prescribed for ADHD. Both of these drugs boost levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine, which can improve attention. They're also generally less habit-forming than stimulants and don't carry the same danger of abuse. Your doctor may prescribe atomoxetine, also known as Strattera to treat ADHD. Atomoxetine is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in adults. It targets a different neurotransmitter.
Guanfacine or Intuniv is another option. This medicine for blood pressure has a slight calming effect, and can improve concentration. However, it is not as effective as methylphenidate (or Lisdexamfetamine) in decreasing hyperactivity.
It's important to remember that just as each person has their own biochemistry, so too do the medicines they take. The first medicine you or your children test may not work and the one that does work for you or for your child may cause unpleasant adverse side effects. Finding the right medication takes patience and experimentation.
3. Antidepressants
Although stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medications for treating ADHD however, they're not the best choice for everyone. Antidepressants may be beneficial for those who aren't able to take the side effects of stimulants or who don't feel that the medication is effective for the individual.
Bupropion (also known as Wellbutrin, Zyban) is an antidepressant that has been proven to be effective in treating ADHD adults. It targets two neurotransmitters -dopamine and norepinephrine -- in the brain. It can also be used to treat anxiety and depression. Your doctor may prescribe it if your ADHD symptoms are mild to moderate, or if you have a chance of consuming stimulants.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a prescription medication that boosts levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain to improve concentration, focus and manage impulse-driven behavior. It was the very first non-stimulant medication approved by the FDA to treat adult ADHD, and it is generally considered more effective than methylphenidate or amphetamines for this type of condition.
You could also be prescribed clonidine, alprazolam or Guanfacine. These are all blood pressure medication that can reduce your heart rate and lower blood pressure by decreasing the activity of your sympathetic nervous system. This can be especially helpful for those suffering from co-existing ADHD and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a different treatment option that some people with ADHD consider to be an effective tool to manage their symptoms. CBT provides methods to alter your thinking and behave. This kind of treatment is usually carried out with the help of a therapist. You can also try supplements and diets however, you should consult your physician first. In most cases, a combination of therapies and medications along with skills training is the most effective method to treat ADHD.
4. Blood pressure medication
Many people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed as children, but some receive the diagnosis as adults. Adults may have difficulty managing their symptoms, which can affect their work performance as well as social interactions. But medication, psychotherapy and lifestyle modifications can help adults with ADHD to concentrate and feel more calm, as well as control the impulsive behavior.
Adults who suffer from high blood pressure can take a medication that is typically prescribed to treat the condition. These medicines are called alpha-2 agonists and include clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv). They can boost mood as well as aid in concentration and impulse control.
These medications act on different areas of the brain and can also improve anxiety, depression and feelings of aggression. Since the beginning, doctors have prescribed them "off-label" however, now the FDA has approved long-acting tablets for ADHD. They can control symptoms for a period of 10 to 12 hours.
Another medication that is often prescribed for ADHD is bupropion, known under the brand names like Wellbutrin and Zyban. It is an atypical antidepressant that works as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor, increasing levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain. It has also been shown to decrease insomnia and agitation in patients with bipolar disorder.
While these non-stimulant ADHD medicines have lower risks of addiction and abuse than stimulants, they do not work for everyone. adhd medication uk may have to try a few different medications before they can find one that is effective for them. Medications are not an effective treatment for ADHD Therefore, one should keep taking them to prevent the symptoms from recurring. Your GP will be able to monitor your symptoms and the effectiveness of the medication.
5. Other medicines
The drugs used to treat ADHD can help improve the ability of an individual to concentrate, manage impulses and follow through with tasks. They aren't a panacea for all symptoms, and may have adverse effects. Some of these side effects may be minor, while others could be more severe. A lot of these medications can cause sleep issues, headaches and loss of appetite. If these adverse reactions are severe, a doctor might increase or alter the dosage of a medication or suggest an alternative.
Other medications can be used to treat certain kinds of ADHD like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). These antidepressants are referred to as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. They differ from stimulants in that they do not increase dopamine, but rather boost norepinephrine. These medications are more effective than stimulants in improving attention but not hyperactivity, however they can also cause a decrease in appetite and insomnia.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are a different class of medications that have been proven to be effective for some people with ADHD. These antidepressants inhibit the breakdown of dopamine and brain chemicals. Examples include the phenelzine (Nardil), Tranylcypromine (Parnate) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR). They are less likely to cause side effects such as appetite suppression and insomnia than other antidepressants.
People with ADHD are also able to receive psychological counseling. It is often referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT which entails working with a trained therapist to develop skills that will aid in managing ADHD symptoms. It can also be helpful for loved ones struggling to live with someone who has ADHD. People with ADHD are also able to find support groups on the Internet and in their local communities that can offer strategies for dealing with the disorder.