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Finding the Best ADHD Medication For Adults There are a variety of choices to treat ADHD in adults. These include stimulants, non-stimulants and blood pressure medications. Stimulants are often prescribed for ADHD. They are safe and effective. When taken as directed they have a low risk of abuse. Long-acting stimulants are usually preferred. These are medicines like Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine patch) or Mydayis (lisdexamfetamine). 1. Stimulants Stimulants are often the first choice for doctors when it comes to medication to treat ADHD. They boost the levels of certain brain chemicals, and can improve concentration, concentration, and control of impulses. Most often, doctors prescribe drugs that contain methylphenidate or amphetamine. They're available in immediate-release and long-acting formulas. Longer-acting drugs may assist in avoiding the “crash” of energy that occurs when short-acting stimulants wear off. The kind of medication that one takes is based on his or her symptoms as well as the preferences of the doctor and other health issues. It's normal for people to try several different medicines before you discover one that works. A physician will also consider a person's medical history and family history. A doctor can prescribe nonstimulant medication when a patient has a history of substance abuse or a heart condition. They don't have the same abuse potential as stimulants but they're slower to take effect and don't reduce the amount of impulsivity. Certain medications may interact with other medications, therefore it is important to inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking. Antidepressants like atomoxetine, (Prozac) and bupropion, (Wellbutrin and Zyban), increase the levels of brain chemicals, norepinephrine (dopamine) and dopamine (norepinephrine) and boost mood and concentration. Doctors often prescribe these medications to treat people suffering from ADHD particularly if they have coexisting depression or anxiety. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) are not often used in combination with stimulants due to the potential for serious side effects when used together. A doctor can instruct you on strategies to cope with ADHD and other professionals can assist in coping with the problems caused by symptoms. A psychologist or psychiatrist, for example can help you understand the reasons why you are having trouble at work or school and teach you how to deal with these issues. Adults suffering from ADHD may also benefit from support groups. Discuss with your doctor about support groups in your area or online. 2. Non-stimulants Stimulants, which are the most studied ADHD medication, can boost concentration and reduce impulsivity in many people. But they're not the only option. Certain people may prefer nonstimulant medication and it's crucial to consult with your doctor to find the right dosage and medication for you or your child. Nonstimulant medicines work by balancing and boosting brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They usually take longer to start working than stimulants but can help some people with hyperactivity and impulsivity. They are often prescribed in combination with stimulant medications to improve their effectiveness and reduce adverse effects. Wellbutrin is also referred to as bupropion and Effexor (venlafaxine) are two antidepressants that are often prescribed for ADHD. Both of these medications can boost the brain chemical norepinephrine, which can enhance concentration. They are also less likely to cause habit formation than stimulants, and don't have the same risk of abuse. Your doctor may prescribe Strattera or atomoxetine for treating ADHD. Atomoxetine targets a different neurotransmitter in the brain, and it's the first nonstimulant medication to be FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD in adults. Another option is guanfacine or Intuniv. This blood pressure medication has a mild calming effect, and can improve concentration. However, it's not as efficient as methylphenidate (or Lisdexamfetamine) in reducing hyperactivity. Keep in mind that every person's biochemistry is unique, and so are the drugs they take. The first drug you or your child takes may not be effective and the one that is effective for you or your child might have bothersome side effects. It takes a lot of trial and error to determine the best medication for your family. 3. Antidepressants Although stimulants are often prescribed to treat ADHD, they may not be the right choice for everyone. Patients who have difficulty absorbing adverse side effects or who find that the medication doesn't work well for them might benefit from antidepressants. They can aid in reducing anxiety and other mood disorders. Bupropion (also called Wellbutrin, Zyban) is an antidepressant that has been proven to be effective in treating ADHD adults. It targets two neurotransmitters that are present in the brain — dopamine and norepinephrine. It is also used to treat anxiety and depression. If you're ADHD symptoms are mild or moderate and you are at risk of abuse of stimulants, then your doctor may prescribe it. Strattera (atomoxetine) is a prescription medicine that increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which improves focus, concentration, and control impulsive behavior. It was the FDA's very first non-stimulant approved drug to treat adult ADHD. It is generally considered to be more effective than methylphenidate or amphetamines. You could also be prescribed alprazolam, clonidine, or guanfacine. These are all blood pressure medications that can lower your heart rate and lower blood pressure by decreasing the activity of your sympathetic nervous system. adhd medications for adults is especially beneficial for those suffering from co-existing ADHD and anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another treatment option that some people with ADHD consider to be beneficial in managing their symptoms. CBT teaches strategies to change your behavior and thinking. This type of treatment is usually done by the help of a professional. You could also try diet and supplements but you must consult with your physician first. In most cases, a combination of medications with therapy and skills training is the most effective approach to treat ADHD. 4. Blood pressure medication Some adults are diagnosed with ADHD after having been diagnosed as children. Adults may still struggle to manage their symptoms, which could impact their work performance and social interactions. But medication, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes can help people with ADHD to focus, feel calmer and control the impulsive behavior. Adults who are experiencing high blood pressure can take a medication that is typically prescribed to treat the condition. These medicines are called alpha-2 agonists, and include Clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv). They can have a positive impact on mood and help with concentration and impulse control. These medications also aid with anxiety, depression and feelings of aggression. Since years, doctors have prescribed them “off-label” however, in the last few years the FDA has approved long-acting tablets for ADHD. They can offer relief from symptoms for up to 12 hours. Another medication that is commonly prescribed for ADHD is bupropion, a drug that is known under the brand names such as Wellbutrin and Zyban. It is an atypical antidepressant that works as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor, increasing levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain. It also has been proven to reduce agitation and insomnia in patients with bipolar disorder. These non-stimulant ADHD drugs have lower risks of addiction and abuse than stimulants, but they don't work for everyone. Certain adults must try different medications before they find the one that works best for them. The medications aren't a cure, so the patient should continue taking them to avoid symptoms returning. Your GP will evaluate the effectiveness of your medication and your symptoms. 5. Other medication The medications used to manage ADHD can improve a person’s ability to concentrate, control impulses, and complete tasks. They are not a cure-all for all symptoms and can have adverse effects. Some of these side effects may be minor, while others may be severe. A lot of these medications can cause headaches, sleep problems and a loss of appetite. If the adverse effects are severe, a doctor may increase or decrease the dose of a medication or try another one. Other medicines, such as viloxazine or atomoxetine are used to treat certain forms of ADHD. These antidepressants are called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. They differ from stimulants in that they do not increase dopamine, but instead increase the amount of norepinephrine. These drugs are more effective in improving attention than stimulants, but they don't cause hyperactivity. They also can reduce appetite or cause insomnia. Monoamine oxide inhibitors are a different category of medication that has been proven to work for some people with ADHD. They are antidepressants that inhibit the breakdown of dopamine and other brain chemicals. Examples include phenelzine (Nardil), Tranylcypromine (Parnate) and Venlafaxine (Effexor XR). They are less likely to cause side effects like appetite suppression or insomnia than other antidepressants. Psychological counseling is also available to people with ADHD. CBT is also known as cognitive behavioral therapy and involves working with a therapist to develop skills that can assist in managing ADHD. It can be beneficial to family members and friends who are struggling to live with a person who suffers from ADHD. Support groups for people suffering from ADHD are available on the Internet as well as in their communities. They can offer coping strategies.