Medication & Adult ADHD: A Primer

Not too long ago, I wrote on post on talking to your doctor about medication for your adult ADHD. While I was hoping to guide you through what can be an intimidating conversation, now I’d like to provide you with more in-depth detail about what options for traditional medication you have.
 
This guide also might prove useful in a conversation with your doctor—but remember, regardless of how medications are described and prescribed, you should pay close attention to how they make you feel. Everyone’s psychology and biochemistry is different: it’s all about finding what works for you.
 
Stimulants
 
Stimulant medications are the most common treatments for moderate to severe ADHD. There are two types of stimulant medications, methylphenidates and amphetamines. All of the brand name stimulant medications you’ve heard of fall into one of these two categories.
 
For example, the popular drug Concerta falls into the first category, while another well-known drug, Adderall, falls into the second. These drugs work by boosting and balancing levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.
 
Other stimulant medications include:
 

• Evekeo
• Dexedrine
• Focalin
• Vyvanse
• Ritalin

 
Most of these drugs are available in immediate and extended release, as well as countless different dosage levels. Working in close conjunction with your doctor when beginning any of these treatments is key, as it may take several tries to find the drug or dosage that’s both effective in treating your symptoms and keeping you feeling like yourself.
 
Non-Stimulants
 
Relevant non-stimulant medications include both ADHD-specific drugs and other drugs that have been shown to have positive effects on the symptoms of ADHD. Atomoxetine or Strattera appears to boost the amount of norepinephrine, an important brain chemical.
 
Others have been helped by blood pressure medications and antidepressants. Ultimately, it boils down to you, your neurological makeup, and how the medication makes you feel.
 
Some of the other drugs in this category include:
 

• Clonidine
• Guanfacine
• Amitriptyline
• Bupropion
• Lexapro

 
There are countless other treatments for adult ADHD before medication, but many people get enormous benefits on one or another of these drugs. Usually, drugs work best when given in tandem with counseling, medication, regular exercise, and a good diet. Doing your best to maintain a healthy lifestyle when you’re taking this medication will the best indictor of whether or not the medication is having the intended effects.
 
As always, keep a close eye out for unpleasant side effects. You should never ever have to cope with feeling uncomfortable, ill, or anything that interferes with sleep or diet. Be open and communicative with your doctor and your partner—and don’t be discouraged if your first choice doesn’t do what you’d hoped.
 
There are fantastic treatments out there that have worked for many adults with ADHD. If you keep an open mind and stay mindful of your own feelings, there’s a good chance you can find one that helps you accept and manage your symptoms.
 
To learn more, reach out, and get started, contact me here