How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults
Stimulant medications like methylphenidate and amphetamine are effective in boosting and balancing levels of brain chemicals. Doctors prescribe them as liquids, pills or patches.
ADHD can also be treated by health professionals using drugs known as alpha-2 agonists and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. They're usually prescribed "off-label" to treat this condition as they're FDA-approved to treat other ailments.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed ADHD medication for ADHD. They increase the levels of brain chemicals like norepinephrine as well as dopamine which help improve concentration and control of your impulses. Adults suffering from ADHD are usually prescribed stimulants, but they are also used to treat other ailments such as anxiety and depression. natural adhd medication are controlled substances, as they can be habit-forming. They must be taken under the supervision of a medical professional. The stimulants can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms but they do not cure the condition and can cause side effects like heart palpitations or trouble sleeping.
There are a myriad of types of stimulant medications that healthcare professionals can prescribe to adults suffering from ADHD. The majority of stimulant medications are classified into two major categories: methylphenidates, and amphetamines. Methylphenidates are less likely to cause adverse effects and addiction than amphetamines. Stimulants are available in both shorter-acting and long-acting versions. Short-acting stimulants work within 30 minutes and last around 3-4 hours, whereas intermediate and long-acting medications require between 6 and 16 hours to reach their maximum effectiveness. Long-acting medicines may be recommended by medical professionals for patients who have difficulties remembering to take their medication on a consistent basis.
Healthcare professionals will likely initially try nonstimulant medications if some adults do not respond to stimulants. The FDA has approved four nonstimulant medications for adults with ADHD: atomoxetine, viloxazine and guanfacine as well as Clonidine. These medications are less effective than stimulants in treating the impulsive behavior, but they can be extremely beneficial in treating some of the primary ADHD symptoms.
To maximize their effectiveness, medication can be used in conjunction with other types of treatments, including behavior therapy and environmental restructuring. For instance, therapists can instruct parents and families on strategies to help their children who suffer from ADHD and provide them with the necessary skills to manage their symptoms.
The best ADHD treatment for adults is typically the one that controls their symptoms the most effectively and causes fewer side effects. Finding the appropriate dosage, medication and time to take it can be a process of trial and error. To maximize their success people suffering from ADHD must also make lifestyle changes. For example getting enough sleep and abstaining from caffeine are two of the most crucial.
The symptoms of ADHD tend to change over the course of the course of a person's life. Therefore, those with ADHD should see their doctor regularly to check for changes and monitoring of their medications. Doctors should make appointments every month 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 are controlled. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that adults suffering from untreated ADHD seek out medical care. Treatments can dramatically enhance the lives of those who suffer from the condition and can lead to improved relationships, careers, and health outcomes. The AAP recommends that those suffering from ADHD should not stop taking their medication without talking with a physician about the potential risks and benefits of stopping or starting the medication. This is a difficult decision and the AAP suggests a thorough assessment by a trained psychiatrist or a pediatrician.