ADHD Medication For Adults - What is the Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults?
Stimulant drugs are the foundation of ADHD treatment, but they don't work for all people. Nonstimulant drugs and antidepressants may aid.
Adults with ADHD can take medications, patches or liquids. They can improve concentration and decrease the risk of impulsive behavior. Doctors often prescribe them if stimulants don't work or cause side effects.
1. Strattera
Strattera is a brand-name for atomoxetine. It is a highly effective ADHD medication for ADHD. Contrary to stimulant medications such as Adderall that increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain to lessen ADHD symptoms, Strattera works differently. Dr. Zishan, a Texas psychiatrist and regional director at Mindpath Health, says that Strattera will not make you feel energized or cause anxiety. It is able to control impulsive behaviors without increasing jitteriness. Dr. Khan says that atomoxetine could be a suitable option for those who are worried about substance abuse or have medical reasons to stay away from stimulants.
Doctors classify Strattera as a selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitor, an antidepressant medication that affects the brain by altering the use of norepinephrine. Dr. Zand notes that Strattera is usually prescribed to treat depression but it is also used to treat ADHD. It can be particularly beneficial for those who suffer from an underlying condition like ADHD with anxiety. It's typically prescribed at smaller doses initially, then increased gradually depending on the individual's weight and age.
The most common side effects are drowsiness, nausea and appetite changes. Strattera is a drug that interacts with many other medications which include stimulants. It should not be taken along with clonidine, or any other drugs that inhibit monoamine oxidase. It takes longer to work and may last up to 24 hours. In certain situations, doctors will recommend combining Strattera with stimulants, like adding Adderall to Ritalin to enhance the effects of each. However, this isn't common and should only be done with a doctor's direction. The FDA has also issued an advisory in the black-box for Strattera which warns that the drug can cause serious and even fatal liver problems in certain people.
2. Methylphenidate
Methlphenidate is an ADHD medication that is part of the class of drugs known as central nervous system stimulants. It is also used to treat narcolepsy a sleep disorder characterized by excessive nighttime sleepiness, as well as sudden episodes of sleep. Methlphenidate alters the amount of certain natural substances in your brain. This medication is available only with a prescription.
Stimulants increase and balance the levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. Many people suffering from ADHD opt for them as their first option. They can cause symptoms like stomach upset, insomnia, and difficulty concentrating. Consult your physician in case you are experiencing any adverse effects. If they are severe the doctor may recommend a different medicine for you.
It is important that you inform your doctor that you or your child is taking methylphenidate. Some medicines may interact with methylphenidate and result in harmful side effects. Talk to your doctor if ever had a history of depression, seizures or other mental health issues.
Some people suffering from ADHD find that methylphenidate doesn't help them. In this case your doctor may recommend other ADHD medications, like the atomoxetine or lisdexamfetamine. Some people with ADHD may benefit from psychological therapies like behavioural therapy.
Methlphenidate can be found in both short-acting tablets and long-acting ones. The short-acting tablet starts working in an hour. It is taken two or three times daily for a 24-hour effect. The long-acting tablets, chewable tablets and granules accumulate in your bloodstreams more slowly and last longer than the short-acting form. Certain patients are allergic to methylphenidate, so your doctor will check for this allergy prior to prescribing it.
3. Atomoxetine
While stimulant medications are the first option for ADHD treatment, it can be associated with side effects that are difficult to accept. Adults who are unable to take stimulant drugs or are not responsive to them, may benefit from nonstimulant medication. Nonstimulants improve the ability of ADHD patients to pay attention, control impulses, and to reduce hyperactivity. They take time to work and are absorbed in the body over time. This allows the medication to work over an extended period of time and stops the symptoms from recurring after the drug has worn off. The drugs are available in various strengths and are absorbed as capsules or pills. Some medications are long-acting, lasting up to 16 hours. Many people try a variety of medications before they discover the one that works best for them.
add adhd medications is an antidepressant that has been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD in children and adults. medication for adhd is part of a class of drugs known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibits (SNRIs). This class of medication boosts norepinephrine levels. This can reduce impulsivity while increasing concentration. It is also less likely to cause adverse reactions such as agitation and anxiety as other stimulant medications.
Before starting any new medication, it is essential to speak with your physician. There may not be any changes in your symptoms for a few weeks however, you must continue to take the medication as prescribed. Your doctor will keep track of you and make adjustments to the dosage as required.
These antidepressants haven't been tested specifically for ADHD. These drugs are prescribed to patients who have depression, anxiety, cannot tolerate stimulants or have a substance abuse history. Bupropion is one of the most common examples of this kind of off-label medication that has been proven effective in a few people.
4. Wellbutrin/Zyban
The decision to take medication for ADHD as an adult is a personal one. It is important to discuss with your healthcare provider the risks and benefits of each treatment before making a choice. If you decide to try medication to treat ADHD the dosage and schedule might change as time passes.
Stimulants are among the most popular medication to treat ADHD They operate by triggering a mechanism that increases and regulates levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. However, there are a few alternatives that aren't stimulants for people who are struggling with stimulants due to health problems or severe side effects. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is the first nonstimulant drug that has been approved for ADHD and works by stimulating norepinephrine in the brain to improve focus and attention. Venlafaxine (Effexor) may also reduce ADHD symptoms. However, more studies are required to confirm this.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as to the medication mentioned above can help you alter negative thoughts and behaviors that can contribute to ADHD. In sessions, you'll develop strategies for managing your thoughts, reassessing all-or-nothing thinking, and reducing negative self-talk. You can do CBT as a solo or in a group.
Bupropion is an atypical antidepressant that is sometimes taken off-label to treat ADHD. It works by affecting norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which improves mood and concentration. Wellbutrin can be taken in three daily 150 mg-450 mg doses, but your doctor might start you with a lower dosage. Wellbutrin should not be used in the case of glaucoma, eating disorders or seizure disorders.
5. Effexor
Effexor (venlafaxine) is an antidepressant, which is also effective in treating ADHD. It works similarly to stimulants by affecting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. It's not FDA approved as an treatment for ADHD but it is often prescribed off-label, particularly when stimulant medications cause adverse effects that are not tolerated or are not recommended. Other antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and duloxetine (Cymbalta) can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms in some individuals.
Two blood pressure medications--guanfacine ER (Kapvay) and clonidine SR (Kapvay)--are also effective nonstimulant ADHD medications. Both drugs increase serotonin levels and norepinephrine levels inside the brain. This improves communication between nerve cells. They also decrease impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity which makes them a good choice for those with ADHD who suffer from anxiety or depression.
Nonstimulant ADHD medications are also popular among high school students and young people due to the fact that certain stimulants can increase the risk of developing heart diseases. Atomoxetine, or Strattera is a stimulant that increases norepinephrine. Clonidine and guanfacine affect alpha-2 receptors within the mind to reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Some people's effectiveness of nonstimulant medications decreases with time. The best solution for you will depend on your medical history, genetics in your family, and reaction to treatment. Many people with ADHD will test different medications over time to find what works best for them. It's normal to to adjust your dosage over time, particularly when major life changes happen. Consult your physician about the most appropriate treatment for your particular situation. Then, you can choose those that will allow you to live your life to the fullest.