Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults
Many adult ADHD treatment plans are based on medication. But finding the right medication and dosage can be difficult.
Stimulants:
These medicines are used to treat both hyperactivity and inattention. They help by increasing the levels of the chemicals that transmit messages between nerve cells. They are administered several times per day and begin working in less than an hour.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the first drugs most doctors prescribe to treat ADHD. These drugs work by boosting activity in certain parts of the brain that assist manage attention and impulses. They also improve the way that the brain transmits messages between nerve cells. These effects can help improve people's ability to remain focused and follow directions as well as to connect with others.
The most common stimulant is methylphenidate. It comes in tablet form and includes brands like Adderall, Ritalin and its generic versions. Doctors also have a short-acting version that dissolves quickly in the mouth (Evekeo ODT). Methylphenidate works fast and lasts for a brief period of time, which means that people have to take it several times a day.
Atomoxetine is a newer drug that belongs to a class of drugs known as selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It is a drug that has FDA approval for adults and children older than 5 years. It boosts the levels of noradrenaline in the brain, which increases concentration and decreases impulsive behaviors. Atomoxetine is taken in capsule form, typically once or twice a day.
Certain antidepressants, including bupropion (which has been approved for adults) can be used to treat ADHD. Antidepressants have a slower effect than stimulants, but they can help with symptoms for certain adults who aren't able to take the adverse effects of stimulants.
Doctors may also recommend counseling or behavioral therapies in addition to medication to treat the symptoms of ADHD. These therapy options can assist people in learning to manage their behavior, improve their relationships and come up with strategies to deal with ADHD.
People with untreated ADHD may face a lot of challenges at work, in school and at home. They can have trouble keeping up with academic demands and have higher rates of job loss or turnover, and more problems in marriages and other close relationships than those who do not suffer from the disorder. They also have a higher risk of substance abuse as well as mental health issues like anxiety and depression (Kessler and colleagues 2007).
A person suffering from ADHD should discuss the best treatment option with a medical professional. The doctor will assess the severity of the symptoms as well as the way they affect daily activities and the impact the symptoms have on work or school performance. The doctor can prescribe the appropriate dosage and medication.
It's important to talk to the doctor about all the medications you or your child is taking, including prescription medications and supplements. The doctor will need to be aware of any interact website with any of the ADHD medications.
A doctor can explain what to expect with different ADHD medication and how they work in the body. They can also give advice regarding lifestyle changes that could help improve symptoms and make it easier to follow the treatment plan. It can take some time to determine the best dosage, dose and schedule for each person. But with patience and careful monitoring, ADHD medications can help people have more success in their lives.