How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults
Stimulant drugs like methylphenidate or amphetamine help balance brain chemicals. how to get adhd medication uk prescribe them as liquids, pills or patches.
Healthcare professionals also utilize medications known as norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and alpha-2 agonists to treat ADHD. These are usually used "off-label" to treat this condition, since they're FDA-approved to treat other ailments.
Stimulants
The stimulants are among the most frequently ADHD medications prescribed. They increase levels of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which help to improve concentration and control of impulses. Doctors typically prescribe stimulants for people suffering from ADHD, but they may also prescribe them to treat other related disorders such as depression and anxiety. These are controlled substances because they can become habit-forming. They should be taken under the supervision of a physician. Stimulants work quickly to help people with ADHD manage their symptoms but they do not solve the problem and may cause side effects, such as heart palpitations or trouble sleeping.
There are a variety of kinds of stimulant drugs that healthcare professionals can prescribe to people suffering from ADHD. The majority of stimulant medications fall into two main categories: methylphenidates and amphetamines. Methylphenidates are less likely cause addiction and side effects than amphetamines. They are available in shorter-acting and long-acting versions. Short-acting stimulants can be 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 effect. Doctors may prescribe long-acting drugs for people with difficulty remembering to take their medication regularly.
Healthcare professionals are likely to start with nonstimulant medications when some adults don't respond to stimulants. The FDA has approved four medications that are nonstimulant to adults with ADHD. These include atomoxetine (guanfacine), viloxazine (clonidine) and Guanfacine. These drugs are less effective than stimulants when it comes to treating an impulsive personality, but can be very helpful for treating some of the fundamental ADHD symptoms.
To maximize their effectiveness, medicines can be used in conjunction with other types of treatments, such as behavior therapy and environmental restructuring. Therapists, for instance, teach parents and families how to help their children manage ADHD symptoms and offer them the necessary skills.
The most effective ADHD medication is the one that has the lowest side effects and controls symptoms most effectively. Finding the right dosage, medication and time to take it can be a process of trial and error. Patients with ADHD should also consider lifestyle changes to maximize their success, such as getting enough sleep and staying away from caffeine.
The symptoms of ADHD frequently change over the course of a person's life, so adults with ADHD must see their physician frequently to monitor and adjust the dosage of their medications. Doctors should schedule appointments on a monthly basis with patients who have been diagnosed with ADHD or who are experiencing symptoms that are not controlled and then visit them every 3 to six months until symptoms and functioning are managed. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that adults suffering from untreated ADHD seek medical attention. Adults with ADHD may benefit from medication that improves their lives and can lead to better health, relationships, and jobs. The AAP recommends that people with ADHD not stop taking their medications prior to talking to a doctor about the potential risks and benefits. It can be a challenging decision and the AAP recommends a thorough evaluation by a qualified psychiatrist or a pediatrician.