ADHD Medication For Adults - What is the Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults?
Stimulant medication is the primary ingredient for ADHD treatment, but they may not work for all people. Nonstimulant drugs and antidepressants may aid.
Adults suffering from ADHD can take pills or patches, or even liquids. They can improve concentration and decrease impulsive behaviour. They are prescribed by doctors in the event that stimulants don't perform or cause adverse side effects.
1. Strattera
Strattera is a brand name for atomoxetine, is an effective ADHD medication for adults. Strattera differs from stimulant medications like Adderall that boost dopamine, norepinephrine, and other neurotransmitters found in the brain. Strattera reduces ADHD symptoms without doing this. Dr. Zishan, a Texas psychiatrist and regional director at Mindpath Health, says that Strattera will not make you feel more energetic or increase anxiety. It can control impulsive behaviors without increasing jitteriness. He says that atomoxetine can be a suitable option for those who are worried about substance abuse or have medical reasons to stay away from stimulants.
Doctors identify Strattera as a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. It's an antidepressant drug that alters the brain's functions by changing its use of norepinephrine. Dr. Zand notes that Strattera is typically prescribed to treat depression but it can also be used to treat ADHD. It may be especially beneficial for those who have comorbid ADHD with anxiety. It's usually prescribed in smaller doses to start, then increased gradually based on the individual's weight and age.
The most frequent side effect is drowsiness. Other common effects include nausea and appetite changes. Strattera can interact with a variety of medications which include stimulants. It is not recommended to be taken 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 increase the effects of each. This is not a very common practice, and should only be done with the advice of a doctor. The FDA has also put an advisory in the black-box for Strattera, indicating that the drug may cause serious and potentially fatal liver problems in some people.
2. Methylphenidate
Methlphenidate is an ADHD medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as central nervous system stimulants. It can also be used to treat narcolepsy, a sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and abrupt periods of sleep. Methlphenidate is a drug that alters the amount of certain natural substances in your brain. This medication is available only on prescription.
The stimulants function by increasing and balancing levels of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. Most people with ADHD opt for them as their first choice. However, they can have adverse effects, such as stomach upset, insomnia, and problems with concentration. Talk to your doctor about the side effects you are experiencing. If they are severe, he or she might suggest a different medication for you.
If you or your child is taking methylphenidate, it's important to tell your doctor about any other medicines you are taking. Certain medications may interact with methylphenidate and have harmful adverse effects. You should also inform your doctor if you have a history of depression, seizures, or other mental health issues.
Some people suffering from ADHD don't respond to methylphenidate. In this case your doctor may suggest alternative ADHD medication like lisdexamfetamine or atomoxetine. Certain people suffering from ADHD can also benefit from psychological treatments, such as behavioural treatment.
Methlphenidate comes in short-acting and long-acting versions. The tablets that work short-acting start to work in about an hour and must be taken twice or three times per day to get an effect that is continuous. The chewable tablets, long-acting tablets and granules are absorbed in your bloodstream slower and last longer than the short-acting forms. Certain patients are allergic to methylphenidate. Your doctor will examine you for the presence of the allergy prior to prescribing it.
3. Atomoxetine
While stimulant medications are the first choice for treating ADHD but they can also cause adverse effects that are difficult to handle. Nonstimulant medications are a good alternative for adults who are unable to tolerate stimulant medications or are not able to respond to them. Nonstimulants help to improve the ability to focus, control impulses and reduce hyperactivity among people with ADHD. The drugs are slowly absorbed in the body. This allows the medication to work for a long period of time, and also keeps symptoms from recurring when the drug is gone. The medications are typically taken as pills or capsules and are available in a variety of strengths. Some are long-acting and last for up to 16 hours. It is normal for people to try several medications before finding the one that is the most effective for them.
Atomoxetine is an antidepressant that has been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD in adults and children. It is part of a class of drugs known as selective norepinephrine receptor inhibits (SNRIs). This class of medication increases the amount of norepinephrine. This helps to decrease impulsivity and increase concentration. adhd medications is less likely to cause adverse effects such as anxiety or agitation as other stimulant medications.
It is essential to speak with your physician prior to beginning any new medication. There may not be any changes in your symptoms for a few weeks, but you must continue to take the medication according to your doctor's instructions. Your doctor will keep track of you and adjust your dosage as necessary.
Several antidepressants are used off-label for the treatment of ADHD however they haven't been specifically tested in trials for this condition. These medications are prescribed to people who have depression, anxiety and who are unable to tolerate stimulants or have a substance abuse history. Bupropion is an example of this kind of off-label medication that has been proven to be effective in certain individuals.
4. Wellbutrin/Zyban
It's up to you to decide whether or not to take medications as an adult with ADHD. Around 70%-80% of adults who are prescribed medication experience significant improvement in their symptoms, but it is important to discuss the benefits and risks of any treatment with your doctor prior to making an informed decision. If you do choose to take medications for your ADHD, it's likely that your dosage and schedule will change over time as you adjust to the effects of your treatment.
Stimulants are the most common medication to treat ADHD, and they operate by triggering a mechanism that enhances and balances levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. However, there are a few alternatives to nonstimulants for those who struggle with stimulants due to health issues or serious side effects. Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera is the first nonstimulant approved for ADHD. It works by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. Venlafaxine (Effexor) may also reduce ADHD symptoms. However further research is needed to confirm this.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), in addition to the medication mentioned above, can help you change unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors that can contribute to ADHD. Through sessions, you'll be taught strategies for managing your thoughts as well as reassessing the all-or-nothing mindset and decreasing negative self-talk. You can take CBT as a solo or in a group.
Bupropion, an antidepressant that is atypical is sometimes used to treat ADHD off-label. It works by affecting norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, thereby improving mood and concentration. Wellbutrin is typically taken in three daily doses of 150 mg to 450 mg. However, your doctor may start you at a lower dosage. Wellbutrin is not recommended for those suffering from glaucoma, eating disorders or seizure disorders.
5. Effexor
Effexor (venlafaxine) is an antidepressant that's also very effective in treating ADHD. It functions in a similar way to stimulants by altering levels of norepinephrine and dopamine. It's not FDA approved for use as treatment for ADHD however it's often prescribed off-label to treat the condition, particularly when stimulant medicines are not recommended or cause unacceptably adverse side effects. Some people can also 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 work by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This improves communication between nerve cells. They also decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity, making them a great option for those with ADHD who are anxious or depressed.
Certain stimulants can increase the risk of heart problems for young people and high school students, therefore nonstimulant ADHD medications have become popular for these groups as well. Atomoxetine (Strattera) increases norepinephrine levels, while guanfacine and clonidine affect the alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brain, which reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Nonstimulant medications aren't the ideal choice for everyone with ADHD However, certain people notice that their effectiveness diminishes as time passes. Your medical history, genetics within your family, and response to medication will determine the best solution for you. Many people with ADHD will try several different medications over time to determine what is most effective for them. It's also normal to need to alter your dosage as time goes by. This is particularly the case when life changes are significant. Consult your physician to find out more about the best medication for your situation. You can then choose the medicines that allow you to live your life fully.