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. Antidepressants as well as nonstimulant drugs can aid.
Adults who suffer from ADHD could be patches, pills, or liquids. They boost concentration and reduce the impulsive behavior. They are prescribed by doctors if stimulants do not work or cause side-effects.
1. Strattera
Strattera is a brand name for atomoxetine and is an effective ADHD medication for ADHD. Strattera differs from stimulant medications like Adderall that increase dopamine, norepinephrine, as well as other neurotransmitters found in the brain. Strattera reduces ADHD symptoms without the need for this. Dr. Zishan, a Texas psychiatrist and regional director of Mindpath Health, says that Strattera won't make you feel energized or increase anxiety. It can control impulsive behaviors without increasing the jitteriness. He adds that atomoxetine is also an excellent choice for those who have particular medical reasons to stay away from stimulants, such as a history of seizures or improperly managed glaucoma, or those concerned about issues with substance abuse.
Doctors identify Strattera as a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. It's an antidepressant drug that alters the brain's function by altering its use of norepinephrine. It's often prescribed for depression, but it can also treat ADHD too, and may be particularly helpful for those suffering from comorbid ADHD and anxiety, according to Dr. Zand. It is usually prescribed in smaller doses at first, and then gradually increased based on the person's weight and age.
The most common side effect is drowsiness. Other common effects include nausea and changes in appetite. Strattera interacts with a variety of medications which include stimulants. It is not recommended to be taken along with clonidine, or other medications inhibiting monoamine oxidase. It takes longer for it to take effect and can last up to 24 hours. In certain situations doctors will suggest combining Strattera with stimulants, such as adding Adderall to Ritalin to increase the effects of each. However, this isn't a common practice and should be done under a physician's direction. In addition the FDA has a black-box warning on Strattera warning that it may cause serious and possibly life-threatening liver issues in certain individuals.
2. Methylphenidate
Methlphenidate is part of a family of drugs called central nervous stimulants. It is also used to treat narcolepsy which is a sleep disorder that manifests as excessive nighttime sleepiness, as well as frequent periods of sleep. Methlphenidate affects the quantity of certain natural substances within your brain. The medication is only available through a prescription.
Stimulants increase and balance the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. The majority of people with ADHD choose these drugs as their first choice. However, they can cause adverse effects, such as insomnia, stomach upset and difficulty with concentration. Consult your physician about the side effects you are experiencing. If they are serious they might recommend a different medication for you.
If you or your child is taking methylphenidate, it's important to inform your doctor about all other medications you take. Certain medications can cause dangerous negative effects when they are in combination with methylphenidate. You should let your doctor know whether you have a history of depression, seizures, or any other mental health issues.
Some people suffering from ADHD find that methylphenidate is not effective in helping them. In this case your doctor might suggest other ADHD medications such as the atomoxetine or lisdexamfetamine. Some people with ADHD might also benefit from psychological treatments like behavioural therapy.
Methlphenidate comes in short-acting and long-acting varieties. The tablet that works in a short-acting manner starts to work within a matter of hours. It is taken two or three times a day for a 24 hour effect. Long-acting tablets are released into your bloodstream more slowly and last longer. Your doctor will test you for allergies to methylphenidate prior to prescribing the drug.
3. Atomoxetine
While stimulant drugs are the first choice for treating ADHD, they can have side effects that are difficult to handle. Nonstimulant medications are an excellent option for people who cannot take stimulant drugs or are not responsive to them. Nonstimulants help to increase the capacity to pay attention, control impulses and decrease hyperactivity among people with ADHD. The drugs are slowly absorbed in the body. This allows the medication to work over an extended period of time and keeps symptoms from recurring when the drug wears off. The drugs are available in various dosages and are consumed in pills or capsules. Some are long-acting and can last up to 16 hours. It is common for people to try several medications before settling on one that is most effective for them.
Atomoxetine is an antidepressant which has been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD in both adults and children. It belongs to a group of medications known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). This class of medications increases norepinephrine levels, which can help to decrease impulsivity while increasing concentration. It is also less likely to cause side effects like agitation or anxiety than other stimulant drugs.
Before starting adhd no medication , it's important to consult your physician. You may not notice any change in your symptoms for a few weeks, but you must continue to take the medication as prescribed. Your doctor will keep track of your progress and make adjustments to your dosage as needed.
The antidepressants aren't tested specifically for ADHD. These medications are prescribed to those who suffer from anxiety, depression, cannot tolerate stimulants or have a history of drug abuse history. Bupropion, a common off-label drug, has proved to be effective for certain people.
4. Wellbutrin/Zyban
It is up to you whether or not you decide to take medication as an adult for ADHD. About 70%-80% of adults who are prescribed medication experience significant improvement in their symptoms, but it's important to discuss the advantages and risks of all treatments 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 as you adjust to the effects of your treatment.
Stimulants are among the most popular medication to treat ADHD, and they operate by triggering a mechanism that boosts and balances levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. However there are several nonstimulant options available for adults who have trouble with stimulants due health issues or severe adverse effects. Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera is the first approved nonstimulant for ADHD. It is a stimulant that increases the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. 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 change negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to ADHD. Through sessions, you'll learn skills such as moderation, reassessing the all or thinking, and decreasing the negative self-talk you have about yourself. You can try CBT on your alone or in an ensemble.
Bupropion, an antidepressant that is atypical, is sometimes used to treat ADHD off-label. It works by affecting dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, thereby improving mood and concentration. Wellbutrin is usually consumed in three daily doses of 150 mg to 450 mg, though your doctor may start you on a lower dose. Wellbutrin is not recommended for those suffering from eating disorders, glaucoma or seizure disorders.
5. Effexor
Effexor (venlafaxine) is an antidepressant that's also effective in treating ADHD. Like stimulants, it works by affecting dopamine and norepinephrine levels. It's not FDA approved for use as treatment for ADHD, but it's frequently prescribed off-label to treat the condition, especially when stimulant medicines are not recommended or cause intolerable unwanted side effects. Some patients 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 medications work by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels within the brain, thereby improving communication between nerve cells. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, which makes them a great option for those with ADHD who are depressed or anxious.
Some stimulant drugs can increase the risk of heart disease in children and high school students, so non-stimulant ADHD medications have become popular for these groups as well. Atomoxetine (Strattera) increases norepinephrine levels while guanfacine and Clonidine alter the alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brain to decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Nonstimulant medications aren't the right option for everyone suffering from ADHD, though, and some people find that their effectiveness decreases as time passes. The most effective solution for you will depend on your medical history, genetics of your family and the response to treatment. Many people who suffer from ADHD will test several different medications to find the one that works best for themselves. It's also normal to alter your dosage over time. This is particularly relevant when changes in your life are significant. Talk to your doctor to find out more about the best medications for your particular situation. Then, you can choose the medications that will allow you to live your life to the fullest.