ADHD Medication For Adults - What is the Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults?
Stimulant drugs are the foundation of ADHD treatment However, they don't work for all people. Antidepressants and nonstimulant medications can aid.
Adults with ADHD can take medication, patches or liquids. They improve concentration and reduce the risk of impulsive behavior. They are prescribed by physicians when stimulants fail to work or cause adverse effects.
1. Strattera
Strattera is the brand name of atomoxetine is a highly effective ADHD medication for adults. Strattera differs from stimulant medications such as Adderall which increase dopamine, norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters in the brain. Strattera reduces ADHD symptoms without doing this. It won't give you energy or cause your heart to beat and can help you control the impulsive behavior, without causing more anxiety or jitteriness, according to Dr. Zishan Khan, a Texas-based psychiatrist and regional medical director at Mindpath Health. He suggests that atomoxetine may be a suitable option for those who are worried about the use of substances or have medical reasons to avoid stimulants.
Strattera is classified by doctors 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 can also treat ADHD as well, and can be particularly beneficial for those suffering from co-occurring ADHD and anxiety, notes Dr. Zand. It is usually prescribed in smaller doses initially, and then gradually increased according to a person's age and weight.
The most frequent adverse effect is drowsiness. Other typical side effects include nausea and appetite changes. Strattera may interact with other medications which include stimulants. It is not recommended to be taken with clonidine or other drugs that inhibit monoamine oxidase. It takes longer for it to take effect and can last up to 24 hours. Doctors may recommend combining Strattera and stimulants to increase the effects. For example, adding Adderall and Ritalin. However, inattentive adhd medication isn't common and should be done with a doctor's instructions. The FDA has also placed a black-box warning on Strattera which warns that the drug can cause serious and even fatal liver problems in certain people.
2. Methylphenidate
Methlphenidate is part of a family of drugs known as central nervous stimulants. It can also be used to treat narcolepsy, a sleep disorder characterized by excessive nighttime sleepiness, as well as frequent periods of sleep. Methlphenidate changes 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. They are the first choice for people suffering from ADHD. However, they do have adverse effects, such as stomach upset, insomnia and trouble with concentration. Discuss with your doctor the side effects you are experiencing. If they are serious the doctor may recommend a different medicine for you.
It is essential to inform your doctor if you or your child is taking methylphenidate. Certain medications can cause dangerous side effects when they interact with methylphenidate. adhd medication and pregnancy should let your doctor know the history of depression, seizures or any other mental health issues.
Some people suffering from ADHD don't respond to methylphenidate. In this case, your doctor may recommend other ADHD treatments such as atomoxetine or lisdexamfetamine. Psychological treatments, such as behavioural therapy may be beneficial for patients suffering from ADHD.
Methlphenidate can be found in short-acting as well as long-acting forms. The short-acting tablet begins to work in an hour. It is taken twice or three times a day to have a 24-hour effect. Long-acting tablets are released into your bloodstream slower and last longer. Some patients are allergic to the chemical methylphenidate. Your physician will test you for the allergy prior to prescribing it.
3. Atomoxetine
Although stimulant medications are the first-choice treatment for ADHD but they can also cause side effects that are difficult to manage. Adults who are unable to take stimulant medications, or are not responsive to them, might benefit from nonstimulant medication. Nonstimulants enhance the capacity of ADHD patients to pay attention, to control impulses, and reduce hyperactivity. These drugs take time to work and are absorbed within the body over time. This allows the medication to be effective over an extended period of time and prevents symptoms from returning when the drug has worn off. These medications come in different strengths and are absorbed in pills or capsules. Some medications are long-acting, lasting up to 16 hours. Many people will try several drugs before they can find the one that is right for them.
Atomoxetine is an antidepressant that is approved by the FDA to treat ADHD in both adults and children. It belongs to a class of drugs known as selective norepinephrine receptor inhibits (SNRIs). This class of drugs increases the levels of norepinephrine. This helps to reduce impulsivity and improve concentration. It is also less likely to cause adverse effects such as agitation and anxiety than other stimulant drugs.
Before you begin any new medication, it's essential to speak with your physician. It may take a few weeks before you notice any changes in your symptoms however, you must continue taking the medication according to instructions. Your doctor will keep track of you and make adjustments to your dosage as necessary.
Several antidepressants are used off-label in the treatment of ADHD however they have not been specifically tested in trials for this condition. These medications are prescribed to people who suffer from anxiety, depression, cannot tolerate stimulants or have a history of drug abuse history. Bupropion is an example of this type of medication that is off-label, and has been proven effective in certain individuals.
4. Wellbutrin/Zyban
It's up to you whether or not you decide to take medication as an adult to treat ADHD. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor the potential risks and benefits of each treatment before making a choice. If you decide to try medication for ADHD the dosage and schedule may alter over time.
Stimulants are among the most popular medication to treat ADHD They operate by triggering a mechanism that boosts and balances levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. However, there are a few alternatives that aren't stimulants for adults who have trouble with stimulants due health issues or serious adverse reactions. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is the first drug that is non-stimulant to be approved for ADHD and is a stimulant that works on norepinephrine within the brain to improve concentration and attention. Venlafaxine (Effexor) could also help in reducing ADHD symptoms. However more research is needed to confirm this.
In addition to the medications mentioned above, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can help you reform unhealthy thought and behavior patterns that contribute to your ADHD. During sessions, you will learn techniques such as moderation, reassessing the all or nothing thinking, and reducing the negative self-talk you have about yourself. You can take CBT alone or in groups.
Bupropion, atypical antidepressant is often used to treat ADHD off-label. It works by altering norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, thereby improving mood and concentration. Wellbutrin is usually taken in three daily doses of 150 mg to 450 mg, although your doctor will begin you at a lower dosage. Wellbutrin should not be taken for those suffering from glaucoma, eating disorders or seizure disorders.
5. Effexor
Venlafaxine, also known as Effexor, is an antidepressant that is also effective for treating ADHD. Like stimulants, it works by altering dopamine as well as norepinephrine levels. It isn't FDA approved for use as a treatment for ADHD however, it is often prescribed off-label to treat the condition, particularly when stimulant medications are contraindicated or cause intolerable side effects. Other antidepressants, like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and duloxetine (Cymbalta), can also help improve 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 reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity, making them a great option for those with ADHD who are depressed or anxious.
Nonstimulant ADHD medication is also very popular among students in high school and young people due to the fact that certain stimulant drugs may increase the risk of developing heart disease. Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera is a stimulant that increases norepinephrine. Clonidine and Guanfacine alter alpha-2 receptors within the mind to decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Nonstimulant medications aren't the ideal choice for everyone with ADHD, though, and some people find that their effectiveness diminishes as time passes. The best solution for you will depend on your medical history, genetics in your family and the reaction to medications. Many people suffering from 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 as time goes by. This is especially relevant when changes in your life are significant. Talk to your doctor to learn more about the most effective medications for your specific situation. You can then select the medication that will allow you to live life to the fullest.