How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults
Drugs that stimulate the brain such as methylphenidate or amphetamine can boost brain chemicals. Doctors often prescribe them as pills, liquids or patches.
ADHD can also be treated by healthcare professionals using drugs called alpha-2 agonists and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. These medications are typically used "off-label" as they are FDA-approved for different conditions.
Stimulants
The stimulants are the most common ADHD medication prescribed. They boost the levels of brain chemicals, norepinephrine and d-opamine which aid in improving focus and control your impulses. Doctors typically prescribe stimulants to adults suffering from ADHD but they might also prescribe them to treat other related disorders such as depression and anxiety. These medications are categorized as controlled substances since they can be habit-forming, so they must be administered under a doctor's supervision. The stimulants can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms, but they don't solve the problem and can cause side effects like heart palpitations or difficulty sleeping.
There are many different stimulant medications that doctors can prescribe to people suffering from ADHD. The majority of stimulant medications fall into two main categories: methylphenidates, and amphetamines. Methylphenidates have a lower risk of side effects, such as addiction and apathy, than amphetamines. The stimulants are available in short-acting and long-acting varieties. Short-acting stimulants take effect in 30 minutes and last around 3-4 hours. Intermediate and long-acting drugs take between 6-8 and 16 hours to attain their maximum effectiveness. Doctors may prescribe long-acting drugs for people who struggle to remember to take their medicine on a regular basis.
Healthcare professionals may initially try nonstimulant medications if some adults do not respond to stimulants. treating adhd without medication has approved four drugs that are nonstimulant to people suffering from ADHD. These include atomoxetine (guanfacine) and viloxazine (clonidine), and the guanfacine. These drugs are less effective than stimulants when it comes to treating the impulsive behavior, but they can be extremely beneficial in treating specific core ADHD symptoms.
The use of medication can be combined with other treatments, such as environmental therapy and behavioral therapy, to optimize their effectiveness. For instance, therapists can instruct parents and families on strategies to support their children with ADHD and provide them with skills training to manage their symptoms.
The most effective ADHD medication is one that has the lowest adverse effects and manages symptoms most effectively. It is an exercise of trial and error to discover the right drug, dosage, and time of day to take it for best results. People with ADHD must also think about changes in their lifestyle to ensure success, such as getting enough rest and avoiding caffeine.
The symptoms of ADHD frequently change over the course of a person's life, so people with ADHD should visit their doctor regularly to check for changes and monitoring of their medication. Doctors should schedule appointments on a monthly basis with patients who have been diagnosed with ADHD or are experiencing symptoms that are not controlled, and then every 3 to 6 months until symptoms and functioning are controlled. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that adults with untreated ADHD seek out medical care. Adults with ADHD may benefit from medication that improves 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 before talking with a physician regarding the risks and benefits of stopping or resuming the medication. The AAP advises that this can be a difficult decision and suggests that an expert in mental health or pediatrician with expertise in the field of ADHD conduct an extensive evaluation.