How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults
Stimulant drugs like methylphenidate or amphetamine help balance brain chemicals. Doctors typically prescribe them in the form of pills, liquid or patches.
ADHD can be treated by healthcare professionals using drugs known as alpha-2 agonists and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. These drugs are often employed "off-label", since they are FDA-approved for a variety of conditions.
Stimulants
The stimulants are the most common ADHD medication prescribed. They increase the levels brain chemicals, norepinephrine and d-opamine which aid in improving focus and control of impulses. Doctors typically prescribe stimulants to people suffering from ADHD, but they may also prescribe them to treat related conditions like anxiety and depression. These medications are considered controlled substances due to the fact that they can be habit-forming, so they must be administered under a doctor's supervision. The use of stimulants can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms quickly but they cannot cure the disorder. They can also trigger negative side effects, such as heart palpitations and difficulty sleeping.
There are a variety of stimulant drugs that doctors are able to prescribe to adults with ADHD. Most of them fall into two categories: methylphenidates and amphetamines. Methylphenidates carry a lower risk of side effects, including addiction and apathy, than amphetamines. Stimulants come in short-acting and long-acting versions. Short-acting stimulants work within 30 minutes, and last for 3-4 hours. Long-acting and intermediate stimulants require 6-8 hours or 16 hours to achieve their maximum effectiveness. Doctors may suggest long-acting medicines for those who have difficulty remembering to take their medicine regularly.
adhd no medication may not respond to stimulants, and healthcare professionals will likely look into nonstimulant drugs first. The FDA has approved four drugs that are nonstimulant for adults with ADHD. These include atomoxetine (guanfacine) and viloxazine (clonidine), and Guanfacine. These drugs are less effective than stimulants in treating impulsive behavior, but are extremely helpful in treating specific fundamental ADHD symptoms.
The use of medication can be combined with other treatments like environmental and behavioral therapy, to optimize their effectiveness. Therapists can, for instance help parents and families learn how to assist their children in managing ADHD symptoms and offer them skills training.
The most effective ADHD medication is the one that reduces symptoms and side effects most effectively. It's an experiment of trial and error to discover the appropriate dosage, medication, and time of day to take it for the best results. To get the most out of their treatment people suffering from ADHD must also consider making lifestyle changes. For instance getting enough sleep and avoiding caffeine are two of the most important.
The symptoms of ADHD tend to change throughout the course of a person's life. Therefore, those with ADHD must see their physician regularly for monitoring and adjustment of their medications. Doctors should make appointments every month with patients who have been diagnosed with ADHD or are experiencing uncontrolled symptoms, and then every 3 to 6 months until symptoms and functioning is controlled. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all adults suffering from untreated ADHD seek medical treatment for the disorder. Medications can significantly improve the lives of people who suffer from the condition, leading to better relationships, employment and health outcomes. The AAP advises that people with ADHD should not stop taking their medication without talking to a doctor about the potential risks and advantages of stopping or beginning the drug. This is a difficult decision, and the AAP suggests a thorough assessment by a trained psychiatrist or pediatrician.