ADHD Medication For Adults - What is the Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults?
Stimulant medication is the mainstay of ADHD treatment However, they don't work for all people. Antidepressants and nonstimulant medications can aid.
Adults suffering from ADHD can take medication or patches, or liquids. They can improve concentration and decrease impulsive behaviour. Doctors often prescribe them when stimulants don't work or cause adverse effects.
1. Strattera
Strattera, an atomoxetine brand name, is an effective ADHD medication for adults. Strattera is different from stimulant medications like Adderall which increase dopamine, norepinephrine, as well as other neurotransmitters found 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 control an impulsive behaviour without causing anxiety or jitteriness, according to Dr. Zishan Khan, a psychiatrist based in Texas and regional medical director at Mindpath Health. He says that atomoxetine is an excellent option for people who have particular medical reasons to stay away from stimulants, for example, a history of seizures or improperly managed glaucoma or those who are worried about the effects of substance abuse.
Doctors define Strattera as a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, an antidepressant drug that alters the brain's functions by altering its 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 comorbid ADHD with anxiety. It is usually prescribed in smaller doses initially, and then gradually increased according to the person's weight and age.
The most common side effect is drowsiness. Other common effects include nausea and changes in appetite. Strattera is a drug that interacts with many other medications including stimulants. It should not be taken along with clonidine, or other medications that inhibit monoamine oxidase. It is more difficult to work than stimulants, and can take up to 24 hours for it to take effect. In certain instances doctors may recommend mixing Strattera with stimulants, such as adding Adderall to Ritalin to extend the effects of each. However, this isn't common and should be done under a physician's instructions. The FDA has also placed an advisory in the black-box for Strattera warning that the drug may cause serious and possibly fatal liver problems in certain individuals.
2. Methylphenidate
Methlphenidate belongs to a group of drugs referred to as central nerve stimulants. It is also used to treat narcolepsy, a sleep disorder characterized by excessive nighttime sleepiness, as well as abrupt moments of sleep. Methlphenidate works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances within your brain. This medication can only be purchased by prescription.
Stimulants boost and balance levels of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. Many people suffering from ADHD opt for them as their first option. They can trigger adverse effects such as insomnia, stomach upset, and difficulty in concentrating. Consult your physician about the side effects that you are experiencing. If they are severe they might recommend a different medication for you.
It is crucial to inform your doctor if you or your child is taking methylphenidate. Some medicines can have dangerous side effects when they interact with methylphenidate. Inform your doctor if you've ever suffered from depression, seizures or other mental health issues.
Some people with ADHD are not responsive to methylphenidate. In this instance, your doctor will recommend alternative ADHD medication, such as atomoxetine and lisdexamfetamine. Psychological treatments such as behavioural therapy can also be beneficial for people with ADHD.
Methlphenidate can be found in both short-acting tablets and long-acting tablets. The tablets that are short-acting begin to work in about an hour and must be taken two or three times per day to get an effect that is continuous. Long-acting tablets enter your bloodstream slower and last longer. Your doctor will test you for methylphenidate allergy before prescribing the medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Although stimulant medications are the first-choice treatment for ADHD however, they can cause side effects that are difficult to manage. Adults who are unable to take stimulant drugs or are not responsive to them, might benefit from nonstimulant drugs. Nonstimulants help to improve the ability to focus, control impulses, and reduce hyperactivity among people with ADHD. These drugs take time to work and are absorbed within the body over time. This makes the medication work for a longer time, and also prevents the symptoms from recurring after the drug wears off. These medications come in different strengths and are absorbed as pills or capsules. Some medications are long-acting, lasting up to 16 hours. Many people will test several medications before they discover the one that works for them.
Atomoxetine is an antidepressant that has been FDA approved to treat ADHD both in children and adults. It belongs to a group of drugs known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). adhd treatment medication of drugs boosts the levels of norepinephrine. This can help to reduce impulsivity and improve concentration. It is less likely to cause adverse side effects such as agitation or anxiety as other stimulant medications.
It is important to talk with your doctor prior to starting any new medication. It is possible that you will not notice any changes in your symptoms for a few weeks but you must continue to take the medication as prescribed. Your doctor will track your changes and adjust your dosage as required.
A variety of antidepressants are prescribed off-label in the treatment of ADHD, but they haven't been specifically tested in trials for this condition. These medications are prescribed to people who have depression, anxiety, cannot tolerate stimulants or have a substance abuse history. Bupropion is an example of this type of medication that is off-label, and has been proven effective in a few people.
4. Wellbutrin/Zyban
It is up to you to decide whether or not to start taking medication as an adult to treat ADHD. About 70%-80% of adults who receive medication see significant improvement in their symptoms, however it's crucial to discuss the benefits and dangers of all treatments with your doctor prior to making a decision. If you decide to treat your ADHD, it's likely that your dosage and schedule will change over time as you adjust to the effects of the treatment.
Stimulants are the most commonly used medication to treat ADHD They work through a mechanism that enhances and balances levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. However there are a number of alternatives to nonstimulants for adults who have trouble with stimulants due to health problems or serious adverse reactions. Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera, is the first nonstimulant approved for ADHD. It is a stimulant that increases the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. Venlafaxine (Effexor) can also help reduce ADHD symptoms. However further research is needed to confirm this.
In addition to the medication mentioned above, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can aid in the transformation of unhealthy thinking and behaviour patterns that contribute to ADHD. In sessions, you'll learn skills such as moderated thinking, reassessing your all-or nothing thinking, and reducing the negative self-talk you have about yourself. You can explore CBT on your own or as part of a group.
Bupropion, an atypical antidepressant is sometimes used to treat ADHD off-label. It works by affecting dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, which improves mood and concentration. Wellbutrin can be used in three daily 150 mg to 450 mg doses, but your doctor may start you with a lower dosage. You should not use Wellbutrin when you have any history of seizure disorder eating disorders, a disorder of the stomach, or glaucoma.
5. Effexor
Effexor, or venlafaxine, is an antidepressant, and is also effective for treating ADHD. Like stimulants, it works by altering dopamine and norepinephrine levels. It's not FDA approved to be used as a treatment for ADHD however it's often prescribed off-label to treat the condition, especially when stimulant drugs are contraindicated or cause intolerable side effects. Some people can also benefit from antidepressants such as duloxetine and bupropion, which 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 increase serotonin and norepinephrine levels within the brain, improving communication between nerve cells. They also decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity, which makes them a good choice for people with ADHD who are depressed or anxious.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication is also popular among students in high school and younger people due to the fact that certain stimulant drugs may increase the risk of developing heart diseases. Atomoxetine (Strattera) increases norepinephrine levels while guanfacine and Clonidine affect the alpha-2 adrenergic nerves in the brain to reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Nonstimulant medications aren't the ideal option for everyone with ADHD, though, and certain people notice that their effectiveness wanes with time. Your medical history, genetics within your family, and the response to medications will determine the best treatment for you. Many people with ADHD will test a variety of medications over time to determine the one that works best for them. It's also normal to alter your dosage over time. This is especially true when life changes are significant. Consult your physician regarding the most effective treatment for your particular situation. You can then select the medicines that allow you to live life to the fullest.