ADHD Medication For Adults - What is the Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults?
best medication for adhd is the mainstay of ADHD treatment, but they don't work for everyone. Antidepressants and nonstimulant medications can help.
Treatments for adults suffering from ADHD could be patches, pills, or liquids. They improve concentration and reduce impulsive behavior. They are prescribed by a doctor when stimulants fail to perform or cause adverse side effects.
1. Strattera
Strattera is a brand name for atomoxetine, which is an effective ADHD medication for ADHD. Strattera differs from stimulant medications such as Adderall that increase dopamine, norepinephrine, as well as other neurotransmitters found in the brain. Strattera reduces ADHD symptoms without causing any harm. It doesn't provide energy or cause your heart rate to increase and can help manage an impulsive behaviour without causing anxiety or jitteriness, says Dr. Zishan Khan, a Texas-based psychiatrist and regional medical director at Mindpath Health. He says that atomoxetine can also an excellent choice for those who have specific medical reasons for avoiding stimulants, like seizures in the past or improperly managed glaucoma, or those concerned about substance abuse issues.
Strattera is classified by doctors as a selective Norepinephrine-Reuptake Inhibitor, an antidepressant that affects the brain's use of Norepinephrine. Dr. Zand notes that Strattera is usually prescribed to treat depression however, it can also be used to treat ADHD. It can be particularly beneficial for those who have the comorbidity of ADHD with anxiety. It's usually prescribed in smaller doses to start, then increased gradually according to the individual's weight and age.
The most frequently reported adverse effect is drowsiness. Other common effects include nausea and changes in appetite. Strattera interacts with a variety of medications including stimulants. It is not recommended to be taken along with clonidine or other medications that inhibit monoamine oxidase. It takes longer to work than stimulants, and can take up to 24 hours to disappear. Doctors might suggest mixing Strattera and stimulants to increase the effects. For example, adding Adderall to Ritalin. This isn't a common practice and should be done under the supervision of a physician. Additionally, the FDA has a black-box warning on Strattera indicating that it can cause serious and life-threatening liver problems in a few individuals.
2. Methylphenidate
Methlphenidate is an ADHD medication that belongs to the group of medications called central nervous system stimulants. It also treats narcolepsy (a sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden episodes of sleep). Methlphenidate affects the amount of certain natural substances in your brain. This medication can only be obtained with a prescription.
The stimulants function by increasing and balancing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. They are the first choice for most people with ADHD. They can trigger adverse effects such as stomach upset, insomnia, and difficulty concentrating. Talk to your doctor about the side effects you're experiencing. If they are serious, he or she might recommend a different medication for you.
It is essential to inform your doctor that you or your child are taking methylphenidate. Some medicines may interact with methylphenidate and have dangerous adverse effects. You should also inform your doctor whether you have a history of depression, seizures, or other mental health problems.
Certain people suffering from ADHD find that methylphenidate does not help them. In this situation your doctor may recommend alternative ADHD medication, such as lisdexamfetamine and atomoxetine. Psychological treatments like behavioural therapy can also be beneficial for patients suffering from ADHD.
Methlphenidate is available in both short-acting tablets and long-acting ones. The short-acting tablets start working within a matter of minutes and need to be taken twice or three times a day for an effect that is continuous. Long-acting tablets are released into your bloodstream slower and last longer. Some patients are allergic methylphenidate, so your doctor will test you for this allergy prior to prescribing it.
3. Atomoxetine
Although stimulant medications are the first option for ADHD treatment, it can be associated with side effects that are difficult to accept. Nonstimulant medications are an excellent alternative for adults who are unable to tolerate stimulant medications or do not respond to them. They help enhance the ability to focus, control impulses and decrease hyperactivity among people with ADHD. The drugs are slowly absorbed within the body. This allows the medication to work over an extended period of time, and also stops the symptoms from recurring after the drug wears off. These medications are usually taken as pills or capsules and come in different strengths. Some are long-acting and last for up to 16 hours. Many people will try several medications before they find the one that works for them.
Atomoxetine is an antidepressant. It has been FDA approved to treat ADHD both in children and adults. It is a member of a group of medications known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). This class of medications boosts the levels of norepinephrine. This helps to decrease impulsivity and increase concentration. It is also less likely to cause negative side effects such as agitation and anxiety than other stimulant drugs.
Before starting any new medication, it is important to consult your physician. It may take a few weeks before you notice any changes in your symptoms but you should continue taking the medication according to instructions. Your doctor will track your improvement and adjust your dosage if necessary.
These antidepressants haven't been tested specifically for ADHD. These drugs are prescribed to patients who suffer from anxiety, depression and who are unable to 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 shown to be effective in a few people.
4. Wellbutrin/Zyban
It's your choice whether or not you decide to use medication as an adult to treat ADHD. It is important to discuss with your healthcare provider the potential risks and benefits of all treatments before making a choice. If you do choose to treat your ADHD It's likely your dosage and schedule will change as you adjust to the effects of your treatment.
Stimulants, the most popular medication for ADHD are used to boost and balancing levels of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. However, there are a few alternatives to nonstimulants for those who struggle 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 it works by stimulating norepinephrine in the brain to improve concentration and attention. Another antidepressant, venlafaxine (Effexor) can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms, though more research is required to confirm this.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as to the medications mentioned above can help you alter bad habits and thoughts that contribute to ADHD. Through sessions, you'll develop skills like moderation, reassessing the all or nothing thinking, and reducing your negative self-talk. You can explore CBT on your own or as part of 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 usually taken in three daily doses of 150 mg to 450 mg. However, your doctor will begin with a lower dose. Wellbutrin should not be used if you suffer from eating disorders, glaucoma or seizures.
5. Effexor
Effexor (venlafaxine) is an antidepressant, which is also effective in treating ADHD. It functions in a similar way to stimulants, affecting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. It isn't FDA approved to be used as treatment for ADHD, but it's frequently prescribed off-label to treat the condition, particularly when stimulant drugs are contraindicated or cause intolerable unwanted side effects. Other antidepressants, like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and duloxetine (Cymbalta), can also help improve ADHD symptoms in some people.
Two blood pressure medications--guanfacine ER (Kapvay) and clonidine SR (Kapvay)--are also effective nonstimulant ADHD medications. Both medications work by increasing serotonin levels and norepinephrine levels inside the brain. This improves communication between nerve cells. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, which makes them a great 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 non-stimulant ADHD medications are now popular for these groups too. Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera, increases norepinephrine. Clonidine and guanfacine affect alpha-2 receptors in the mind to reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Certain people's effectiveness with nonstimulant medications decreases with time. Your medical history, genetics within your family, and the response to medications will determine the best treatment for you. Many people who suffer from ADHD test a variety of drugs to determine the one that works best for themselves. It's also normal to adjust your dosage as time goes by. This is particularly the case when life changes are significant. Consult your physician regarding the most effective treatment for your particular situation. Then, you can choose those that will allow you to live your life to the fullest.