How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults
Stimulant medicines like methylphenidate or amphetamine work by boosting and balancing the levels of brain chemicals. Doctors prescribe them in the form of pills, liquids or patches.
ADHD can be treated by health professionals using drugs known as alpha-2 agonists and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. These medications are typically used "off-label" because they are FDA-approved for other conditions.
Stimulants
The stimulants are among the most commonly used ADHD medication prescribed. They increase levels of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which help to improve focus and control impulses. Adults with ADHD are typically prescribed stimulants, but they are also used to treat other conditions like depression and anxiety. adhd medication ritalin are considered controlled substances since they can cause dependence, so they must be administered under a doctor's supervision. Stimulants work quickly to help people with ADHD manage their symptoms, however, they aren't able to solve the problem and can trigger side effects such as heart palpitations or difficulty sleeping.
There are a variety of brands of stimulant drugs that healthcare professionals can prescribe to people suffering from ADHD. The majority of stimulant drugs are classified into two major categories: methylphenidates, and amphetamines. Methylphenidates are less likely to cause side effects and addiction than amphetamines. Stimulants are available in both short-acting and longer-acting versions. Short-acting stimulants are effective within 30 minutes and last for 3-4 hours. Long-acting and intermediate stimulants require 6-8 hours or 16 hours to reach their maximum effectiveness. Doctors may recommend long-acting medications for people who struggle to remember to take their medicine on a regular basis.
Certain adults may not be able to respond to stimulants and healthcare professionals will likely look into nonstimulant drugs first. The FDA has approved four nonstimulant drugs for adults with ADHD such as atomoxetine and viloxazine and guanfacine as well as clonidine. These medications are less effective than stimulants for treating impulsive behavior, but can be very helpful for treating specific fundamental ADHD symptoms.
Medications may be paired with other types of treatment, such as environmental therapy and behavioral therapy to increase their effectiveness. Therapists can, for instance help parents and families learn how to assist their children in managing ADHD symptoms and provide them with the necessary skills.
The most effective ADHD treatment for adults is typically the one that can control their symptoms the most effectively and has less adverse negative effects. It can be a process of trial and error to find the appropriate dosage, medication and time to take it to get the best results. To ensure their success, people with ADHD must also make lifestyle changes. For instance sleeping enough and avoiding caffeine are two of the most crucial.
Adults with ADHD might experience changes in their symptoms over time. They should therefore visit their doctor frequently to check and adjust 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 six months until symptoms and functioning is well-controlled. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that adults with untreated ADHD seek out medical care. The use of medications can greatly improve the lives of people with the condition and lead to better relationships, employment, and health outcomes. The AAP recommends that people with ADHD do not stop taking their medication before talking to a doctor about the risks and benefits. The AAP warns that this can be a difficult process and recommends that an expert in mental health or pediatrician with expertise in the field of ADHD conduct a thorough assessment.