ADHD Medication For Adults - What is the Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults?
Stimulant medication is the primary ingredient for ADHD treatment, but they do not work for all people. Antidepressants and nonstimulant medications can help.
Medications for adults with ADHD can be patches, pills or liquids. They improve concentration and reduce the risk of impulsive behavior. Doctors often prescribe them when stimulants fail to work or cause side effects.
1. Strattera
Strattera is a brand name for atomoxetine, which is an effective ADHD medication. Contrary to stimulant medications such as Adderall that increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain to decrease ADHD symptoms, Strattera works differently. Dr. Zishan, a Texas psychiatrist and regional director of Mindpath Health, says that Strattera does not cause you to feel energized or increase anxiety. It is able to control impulsive behaviors without increasing jitteriness. He suggests that atomoxetine may be a suitable option for those who are worried about substance abuse or have medical reasons for avoiding stimulants.
Doctors classify Strattera as a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, an antidepressant medication that alters the brain's functions by altering the use of norepinephrine. Dr. Zand notes that Strattera is often prescribed to treat depression but it can also be used to treat ADHD. It can be especially helpful for people who have comorbid ADHD with anxiety. It's usually prescribed in smaller doses initially, then increased gradually according to the person's weight and their age.
The most common adverse effects include drowsiness, nausea, and changes in appetite. concerta adhd medication interacts with many medications which include stimulants. It should not be taken along with clonidine, or any other medications inhibiting monoamine oxidase. It takes longer to work than stimulants, and can take up to 24 hours for it to disappear. In some cases doctors may recommend mixing Strattera with stimulants, like adding Adderall to Ritalin to increase the effects of each. This isn't a common practice and should only be done under the guidance of a doctor. The FDA has also placed a black-box warning for Strattera warning that the drug may cause serious and potentially fatal liver problems in some people.
2. Methylphenidate
Methlphenidate belongs to a group of drugs known as central nervous stimulants. It also treats the condition known as narcolepsy (a sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness as well as abrupt episodes of sleep). Methlphenidate is a drug that alters the amount of certain natural substances within your brain. This medication is only available by prescription.
Stimulants help by boosting and balancing brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They are the first choice for most people with ADHD. However, they do have negative side effects like stomach upset, insomnia and trouble with concentration. Consult your physician about the side effects you are experiencing. If the side effects are serious your doctor may suggest that you try an alternative medication.
It is crucial to inform your doctor if you or your child are taking methylphenidate. Some medicines can interact with methylphenidate and can cause dangerous adverse effects. You should let your doctor know if you have a history of seizures, depression or other mental health problems.
Some people suffering from ADHD don't respond to methylphenidate. In this instance your doctor may recommend other ADHD medications, such as the atomoxetine or lisdexamfetamine. Certain people suffering from ADHD can also benefit from psychological treatments such as behavioural therapy.
Methlphenidate comes in short-acting and long-acting varieties. The short-acting tablets start working in about an hour and must be taken two or three times a day for an effect that is continuous. Long-acting tablets enter your bloodstream more slowly and last longer. Your doctor will test for allergies to methylphenidate prior to prescribing the medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Although stimulant medications are the first-choice treatment for ADHD, they can have negative side effects that are difficult to manage. Adults who aren't able to take stimulant drugs or are not responsive to them, might benefit from nonstimulant drugs. Nonstimulants help to increase the capacity to focus, manage impulses and reduce hyperactivity in those with ADHD. They take time to work and are absorbed in the body over time. This lets the medication function for a longer time, and also prevents the symptoms from recurring after the drug has worn off. The drugs are available in various dosages and are consumed in pills or capsules. Some are long-acting and last for up to 16 hours. It is normal for people to try several medications before settling on the one that works best for them.
Atomoxetine is an antidepressant which has been approved by the FDA for treating ADHD in adults and children. It is part of a class of medications known as selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitors (SNRIs). This class of medication boosts norepinephrine levels, which can aid in reducing impulsivity and increasing concentration. It is less likely to cause adverse side effects such as anxiety or agitation than other stimulant medication.
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 must continue taking the medication according to instructions. Your doctor will monitor you and make adjustments to your dosage as required.
These antidepressants haven't been tested specifically for ADHD. These medications are typically prescribed if you have other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, cannot tolerate stimulants, or have a history of drug abuse. Bupropion, a common off-label drug, has been proven to be effective for certain people.
4. Wellbutrin/Zyban
It's up to you whether or not you decide to take medications as an adult with ADHD. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of all treatments before making a choice. If you decide to take medication to treat ADHD, your dosage and schedule may change over time.
Stimulants are the most common medication to treat ADHD and operate by triggering a mechanism that increases and regulates levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. However there are a number of alternatives to nonstimulants for people who are struggling with stimulants due health issues or severe adverse reactions. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is the first nonstimulant drug that has been approved for ADHD and works by stimulating norepinephrine in the brain to increase concentration and attention. Venlafaxine (Effexor) can also help reduce ADHD symptoms. However, more studies are required to confirm this.
over the counter adhd medication (CBT) as well as to the medication mentioned above, can help you change unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to ADHD. Through sessions, you'll be taught techniques like moderation as well as reassessing the all-or-nothing mindset and the reduction of negative self-talk. You can do CBT alone or in a group.
Bupropion is an atypical antidepressant that is sometimes taken off-label to treat ADHD. It works by affecting norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which improves mood and concentration. Wellbutrin is typically taken in three daily doses of 150 mg to 450 mg, though your doctor will start with a lower dose. Wellbutrin is not recommended for those suffering from glaucoma, eating disorders 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's not FDA approved for use as treatment for ADHD however it's often prescribed off-label to treat the condition, particularly when stimulant medications are contraindicated or cause intolerable unwanted side effects. Other antidepressants, such as 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 increase serotonin and norepinephrine levels within the brain, which improves the communication between nerve cells. They also decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity, making them an ideal option for people suffering from ADHD who are anxious or depressed.
Nonstimulant ADHD medications are also 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, or Strattera increases norepinephrine. Clonidine and guanfacine affect alpha-2 receptors within the mind to decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Nonstimulant medications aren't the right option for everyone suffering from ADHD however, and certain people notice that their effectiveness decreases with time. Your medical history, genetics within your family, and response to medication will determine the best solution for you. Many people suffering from ADHD will test several different drugs to determine the one that is most effective for them. It's normal to to adjust your dosage over time too, especially when significant life changes occur. Talk to your doctor regarding the most effective medication for your situation. Then, you can choose the ones that will enable you to live your life to the fullest.