ADHD Medication For Adults - What is the Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults?
Stimulant drugs are the mainstay for ADHD treatment but they do not work for all people. Nonstimulant drugs and antidepressants may aid.
Adults with ADHD can take medication or patches, or even liquids. They improve concentration and reduce impulsive behavior. They are prescribed by a doctor if stimulants do not perform or cause adverse side effects.
1. Strattera
Strattera is a brand-name for atomoxetine and is an effective ADHD medication for ADHD. Unlike stimulant medications like Adderall, which increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain to reduce ADHD symptoms, Strattera works differently. It will not give you energy or make your heart race and can help manage the impulsive behavior, without causing more anxiety or jitteriness, says Dr. Zishan Khan, a psychiatrist based in Texas and regional medical director at Mindpath Health. He adds that atomoxetine is also an excellent choice for people who have particular medical reasons to stay away from stimulants, such as a history of seizures or glaucoma that is poorly controlled or people who are concerned about issues with substance abuse.
Strattera is classified by medical professionals as a selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor an antidepressant that alters the brain's use of Norepinephrine. It's usually prescribed to treat depression, but it's also used to treat ADHD too, and could be particularly beneficial for people suffering from comorbid ADHD and anxiety, according to Dr. Zand. It's typically prescribed at lower doses at first and then increased gradually based on the person's weight and age.
The most frequent side effect is drowsiness. Other effects that are common include nausea and changes in appetite. Strattera interacts with a variety of medications including stimulants. It is not recommended to be taken along with clonidine or other drugs that inhibit monoamine oxidase. It takes longer to take effect than stimulants and can take up to 24 hours for it to take effect. In certain situations, doctors will recommend combining Strattera with stimulants, for instance, adding Adderall to Ritalin to extend the effects of each. But this isn't very common and should be done with a doctor's instructions. In addition the FDA has a black-box warning on Strattera indicating that it can cause serious and possibly life-threatening liver problems in a few individuals.
2. Methylphenidate
Methlphenidate is an ADHD medication that belongs to the class of medications known as central nervous system stimulants. It also treats the condition known as narcolepsy (a sleep disorder that results in excessive daytime sleepiness and frequent episodes of sleep). Methlphenidate changes the amount of certain natural substances in your brain. The medication is only available by prescription.
Stimulants help by boosting and balancing brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. The majority of people with ADHD opt for them as their first choice. They can cause side effects like stomach upset, insomnia and trouble concentrating. Discuss with your doctor the side effects that you are experiencing. If the side effects are serious the doctor may recommend that you switch to an alternative medication.
It is important that you tell your doctor if you or your child are taking methylphenidate. Certain medicines may interact with methylphenidate and result in harmful side effects. You should inform your doctor whether you have a history of seizures, depression or other mental health problems.
best adhd medication for adults suffering from ADHD don't respond to methylphenidate. In this case, your doctor will recommend alternative ADHD medications, such as the atomoxetine or lisdexamfetamine. Psychological treatments like behavioural therapy can also be beneficial for certain people with ADHD.
Methlphenidate can be found in both short-acting tablets as well as long-acting tablets. The short-acting tablet begins to work within an hour. It is taken twice or three times a day for a 24 hour effect. The chewable tablets, long-acting tablets and granules are absorbed in your bloodstreams more slowly and last longer than the shorter-acting version. Your doctor will test you for allergy to methylphenidate before prescribing the drug.
3. Atomoxetine
While stimulant medication is the first choice for ADHD treatment, it could be associated with side effects that are difficult to accept. Nonstimulant medications are an excellent option for people who cannot take stimulant drugs or are not responsive to them. Nonstimulants can enhance the ability to focus, control impulses, and reduce hyperactivity in those with ADHD. These drugs work slowly and build up within the body over time. This allows the medication to work over a longer period of time, and also keeps symptoms from recurring when the drug is gone. These medications come in different strengths and are absorbed as pills or capsules. Some are long-acting and last for up to 16 hours. Many people will test several drugs before they can find the one that works for them.
Atomoxetine is an antidepressant. It has been FDA approved to treat ADHD both in adults and children. It belongs to a class of drugs known as selective norepinephrine receptor inhibits (SNRIs). This class of medication boosts the levels of norepinephrine, which helps to reduce impulsivity and improve concentration. It is less likely to cause adverse side effects such as anxiety or agitation than other stimulant medications.
Before starting any new medication, it's important to talk with your physician. It may take a few weeks before you notice any changes in your symptoms but you should continue taking the medication according to instructions. Your doctor will monitor your improvement and adjust your dosage as required.
The antidepressants aren't tested specifically for ADHD. These medications are prescribed to those who suffer from anxiety, depression or aversion to stimulants, or have a drug abuse history. Bupropion is an example of this type of off-label medication, which has been shown to be effective in certain individuals.
4. Wellbutrin/Zyban
It's up to you whether or not you decide to use medication as an adult to treat ADHD. About 70%-80% of people who are prescribed medication experience significant improvement in their symptoms, however it's important to discuss the benefits and risks of each treatment with your physician prior to making an informed decision. If you decide to try medication for ADHD, your dosage and schedule might alter as time passes.
Stimulants are the most commonly used medication to treat ADHD They work through a mechanism that boosts and balances levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. However there are a number of nonstimulant options available for those who struggle with stimulants due to health problems or severe adverse reactions. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is the first nonstimulant drug that has been approved for ADHD and acts on norepinephrine in the brain to increase concentration and focus. Venlafaxine (Effexor) may also reduce ADHD symptoms. However more research is needed to confirm this.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), in addition to the medication mentioned above can help you overcome unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to ADHD. In sessions, you'll develop skills like moderation, reassessing the all or nothing mentality, and reducing the negative self-talk you have about yourself. You can test CBT on your own or as part of a group.
Bupropion is an antidepressant that is sometimes prescribed off-label for treating ADHD. It works by altering dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to improve concentration and mood. Wellbutrin is typically taken in three daily doses of 150 mg up to 450 mg, though your doctor will start you at a lower dosage. It is not recommended to use Wellbutrin when you have any history of seizure disorder or eating disorders. glaucoma.
5. Effexor
Effexor (venlafaxine) is an antidepressant, which is also effective in treating ADHD. It functions similarly to stimulants by altering levels of norepinephrine and dopamine. It's not FDA approved for use as treatment for ADHD, but it's frequently prescribed off-label to treat the condition, particularly when stimulant medicines are not recommended or cause intolerable unwanted side effects. Certain people may benefit from antidepressants such as bupropion and duloxetine, that are available under the brand names Wellbutrin and Cymbalta.
Two blood pressure medications--guanfacine ER (Kapvay) and clonidine SR (Kapvay)--are also effective nonstimulant ADHD medications. Both drugs increase serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This improves communication between nerve cell. They also lower hyperactivity and impulsivity, making them good choices for people suffering from ADHD who have depression or anxiety.
Nonstimulant ADHD medications are also popular among students in high school and young people due to the fact that certain stimulant drugs may increase the risk of developing heart diseases. Atomoxetine (Strattera) increases norepinephrine levels while guanfacine and Clonidine affect the alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brain to reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Certain people's effectiveness with nonstimulant medications decreases over time. Your medical history, genetics in your family, and response to medication will determine the most effective solution for you. Many people with ADHD will try several different medications over time to determine what works best for them. It's normal to to adjust your dosage over time as well, particularly when significant life changes happen. Consult your physician to find out more about the best medication for your situation. Then, you can pick the ones that will help you live your life to the fullest.