ADHD Medication For Adults - What is the Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults?
Stimulant medications are the cornerstone for ADHD treatment, but they do not work for everyone. Antidepressants and nonstimulant medications can aid.
Treatments for adults suffering from ADHD can be pills, patches or liquids. They improve concentration and reduce the impulsive behavior. Doctors often prescribe them when stimulants don't work or cause side effects.
1. Strattera
Strattera, a brand name for atomoxetine is a highly effective ADHD medication for adults. Strattera differs from stimulant medications like Adderall that boost dopamine, norepinephrine, and other neurotransmitters in the brain. Strattera reduces ADHD symptoms without the need for this. It will not give you energy or make your heart race and can help you control impulsive behavior without increasing anxiety or jitteriness, says Dr. Zishan Khan, a psychiatrist based in Texas and regional medical director at Mindpath Health. He adds that atomoxetine is an excellent option for those who have specific medical reasons for avoiding stimulants, like seizures, or improperly managed glaucoma, or those concerned about issues with substance abuse.
Doctors classify Strattera as a selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitor, 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 is also used to treat ADHD. It may be especially helpful for people who suffer from an underlying condition like ADHD with anxiety. It's usually prescribed in smaller doses to start and then increased gradually according to the person's weight and age.
The most frequent side effect is drowsiness. Other effects that are common include nausea and appetite changes. Strattera is a drug that interacts with many other medications including stimulants. It should not be taken in conjunction with clonidine or other medications inhibiting monoamine oxidase. It takes longer to work than stimulants, and can take up to 24 hours to wear off. In some cases doctors will suggest combining Strattera with stimulants, like adding Adderall to Ritalin to increase the effects of each. However, this isn't a common practice and should be done with a doctor's direction. Additionally, the FDA places a black box warning on Strattera which warns that it could cause serious and possibly life-threatening liver problems in a few individuals.
2. Methylphenidate
Methlphenidate belongs to a group of drugs referred to as central nerve stimulants. It can also be used to treat narcolepsy, an illness of sleep that is characterised by excessive nighttime sleepiness, as well as sudden periods of sleep. Read Home Page is a drug that alters the levels of certain natural substances in your brain. This medication is available only on prescription.
Stimulants help by boosting and balancing the levels of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. They are the first-line choice for the majority of people suffering from ADHD. However, they do have side effects such as insomnia, stomach upset and trouble with concentration. Consult your physician when you experience side effects. If they are severe they might recommend a different medication for you.
If you or your child are taking methylphenidate it is important to inform your doctor about all other medications you take. Some medicines can have harmful adverse effects when they interact with methylphenidate. Talk to your doctor if ever suffered from seizures, depression or other mental health issues.
Some people suffering from ADHD do not respond to methylphenidate. In this situation your doctor may recommend alternative ADHD medication, such as atomoxetine and lisdexamfetamine. Psychological treatments such as behavioural therapy may be beneficial for patients suffering from ADHD.
Methlphenidate is available in both short-acting tablets and long-acting tablets. The tablets that are short-acting begin to work within an hour and need to be taken two or three times per day to get an around-the-clock effect. Long-acting tablets get into your bloodstream more slowly and last longer. Your doctor will test you for allergy to methylphenidate before prescribing the medication.
3. Atomoxetine
While stimulant medications are the first option for ADHD treatment, it may cause side effects that are difficult to accept. Nonstimulant medications are a good option for adults who cannot take stimulant drugs or are not able to respond to them. Nonstimulants can improve the ability to focus, manage impulses and reduce hyperactivity among people with ADHD. They build up slowly in the body. This lets the medication function for a longer period of time, and prevents symptoms from returning after the drug has worn off. The medications are typically taken as pills or capsules and are available in a variety of strengths. Certain medications are long-acting, lasting up to 16 hours. It is normal for people to test a variety of medications before finding the one that is most effective for them.
Atomoxetine is an antidepressant that has been approved by the FDA for treating ADHD in adults and children. It belongs to a class of drugs known as selective norepinephrine receptor inhibits (SNRIs). This class of medication increases norepinephrine levels. This can aid in reducing impulsivity and increasing concentration. It is also less likely to cause negative side effects such as agitation and anxiety than other stimulant medications.
It is crucial to speak with your doctor before beginning any new medication. It may take a few weeks before you notice any changes in your symptoms however, you should continue to take the medication according to instructions. Your doctor will keep track of you and adjust the dosage as required.
Several antidepressants are used off-label for the treatment of ADHD, but they haven't been evaluated in clinical trials for this condition. They are usually prescribed when you suffer from other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, can't tolerate stimulants, or have a history of drug abuse. Bupropion is one of the most common examples of this type of off-label medication, which has been shown to be effective in certain people.
4. Wellbutrin/Zyban
The decision to use medication for ADHD as an adult is a choice that is entirely personal. Around 70%-80% of adults who receive medication see significant improvement in their symptoms, however it is important to discuss the benefits and risks of all treatments with your doctor prior to making a decision. If you do choose to take medications for your ADHD It's likely your dosage and schedule will change over time as you adjust to the effects of the treatment.
Stimulants, the most popular medication for ADHD, work by boosting and balancing neurotransmitters in the brain. There are alternatives to stimulants that aren't as harmful for people who are unable to tolerate stimulants because of health problems or severe side-effects. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is the first nonstimulant drug approved for ADHD, and it is a stimulant that works on norepinephrine within the brain to improve concentration and focus. Another antidepressant known as venlafaxine (Effexor) could aid in reducing ADHD symptoms, though more research is required to confirm this.
In addition to the medications mentioned above, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you reform unhealthy thought and habits that contribute to ADHD. In sessions, you'll develop skills like moderated thinking, reassessing your all-or nothing thinking, and reducing your negative self-talk. You can take CBT as a solo or in groups.
Bupropion is an antidepressant that can be taken off-label to treat ADHD. It works by altering norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, thereby improving mood and concentration. Wellbutrin is usually consumed in three daily doses of 150 mg to 450 mg. However, your doctor may start you at a lower dosage. Wellbutrin is not recommended if you suffer from eating disorders, glaucoma, or seizures.
5. Effexor
Effexor (venlafaxine) is an antidepressant that's also very effective in treating ADHD. Like stimulants, it works by altering dopamine and norepinephrine levels. It isn't FDA approved to be used as an treatment for ADHD however it's often prescribed off-label to treat the condition, especially when stimulant drugs are contraindicated or cause intolerable negative side effects. Other antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and duloxetine (Cymbalta), can also improve ADHD symptoms in certain people.
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 enhances communication between nerve cells. They also reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity, making them an ideal choice for people with ADHD who are anxious or depressed.
Some stimulant drugs can increase the risk of heart disease in young people and high school students, which is why nonstimulant ADHD drugs have become increasingly popular among these groups too. Atomoxetine (Strattera) increases levels of norepinephrine while guanfacine and Clonidine alter the alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brain to reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Nonstimulant medication isn't the best choice for everyone with ADHD however, and certain people report that their effectiveness decreases with time. The best option for you will depend on your medical history, family genetics and your response to medications. Many people with ADHD will try several different drugs over time to discover what works best for them. It's also normal to need to adjust your dosage over time. This is especially true when life changes are significant. Consult your physician to find out more about the best medications for your situation. You can then choose the medication that will allow you to live your life fully.