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 everyone. Antidepressants as well as nonstimulant drugs can aid.
Adults suffering from ADHD can take medications or patches, or even liquids. They improve concentration and reduce the impulsive behavior. Doctors often prescribe them when stimulants fail to work or cause adverse effects.
1. Strattera
Strattera is a brand name for atomoxetine, is an effective ADHD medication for adults. Unlike stimulant medications like Adderall, which increase dopamine and norepinephrine supply to the brain to reduce 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 cause anxiety. It can control impulse-driven behaviors, without causing more jitteriness. He adds that atomoxetine is also an excellent choice for people who have specific medical reasons for avoiding stimulants, such as seizures in the past or glaucoma that is not properly controlled, or those worried about the effects of substance abuse.
Strattera is classified by doctors as a selective Norepinephrine-Reuptake Inhibitor an antidepressant that alters the brain's use of Norepinephrine. Dr. Zand notes that Strattera is usually prescribed to treat depression but it can also be used to treat ADHD. It could be especially helpful for people who have the comorbidity of ADHD with anxiety. It's typically prescribed in smaller doses at first and then gradually increased in accordance with the weight and age of the patient.
The most common side effect is drowsiness. Other typical side effects include nausea and appetite changes. Strattera is a drug that interacts with many other medications which include stimulants. It is not recommended to be taken with clonidine or other drugs that inhibit monoamine oxidase. It takes longer to take effect than stimulants, and can take up to 24 hours for it to disappear. In some cases doctors may recommend mixing Strattera with stimulants, for instance, adding Adderall to Ritalin to increase the effects of each. However, this isn't a common practice and should only be done under a physician's guidance. The FDA has also placed a black-box warning on Strattera, indicating that the drug may cause serious and possibly fatal liver problems in some individuals.
2. Methylphenidate
Methlphenidate belongs to a group of drugs referred to as central nerve stimulants. It also treats narcolepsy (a sleep disorder that results in excessive daytime sleepiness and abrupt episodes of sleep). Methlphenidate affects the quantity of certain natural substances inside your brain. This medication can only be obtained through a prescription.
Stimulants increase and balance the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. Many people suffering from ADHD prefer these drugs as their first choice. However, they can have adverse effects, such as stomach upset, insomnia and trouble with concentration. Speak to your doctor if you are experiencing adverse effects. If the side effects are serious the doctor may recommend that you take an alternative medication.
It is essential to tell your doctor if you or your child are taking methylphenidate. Some medicines can have dangerous negative effects when they are in combination with methylphenidate. Tell your doctor if you've ever suffered from seizures, depression, or other mental health issues.
Some people with ADHD do not respond to methylphenidate. In this situation, your doctor will recommend other ADHD medication, such as atomoxetine and lisdexamfetamine. Psychological treatments such as behavioural therapy can also be helpful for some people suffering from ADHD.
Methlphenidate is available in both short-acting tablets and long-acting ones. The tablets that are short-acting begin to work within a matter of minutes and should be taken 2 or 3 times per day for an around-the-clock effect. The chewable tablets, long-acting tablets and granules accumulate in your bloodstream slower and last longer than the short-acting forms. Your doctor will test for allergy to methylphenidate before prescribing the drug.
3. Atomoxetine
Although stimulant medications are the first choice for treating ADHD however, they can cause negative side effects that are difficult to handle. Nonstimulant medications are a good option for people who cannot tolerate stimulant drugs or are not responsive to them. Nonstimulants enhance the capacity of ADHD patients to pay attention, manage impulses, and to reduce hyperactivity. They are slow to work and accumulate within the body over time. This lets the medication function for a longer time, and prevents symptoms from returning after the drug wears off. The medications are available in a variety of 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 test a variety of medications before settling on the one that is the most effective for them.
Atomoxetine, an antidepressant, has been FDA approved to treat ADHD both in children and adults. It is a member of a group of drugs referred to as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). This class of medications increases norepinephrine levels, which can reduce impulsivity while increasing concentration. It is also less likely to cause adverse effects like agitation or anxiety as other stimulant medications.
Before beginning any new medication, it is important to consult your physician. It is possible that you will not notice any change in your symptoms for a few weeks however, you must continue taking the medication as prescribed. Your doctor will keep track of you and adjust your dosage if required.
These antidepressants haven't been tested specifically for ADHD. managing adhd without medication are prescribed to those who have depression, anxiety and who are unable to tolerate stimulants or have a history of drug abuse history. Bupropion, a common off-label drug, has been proved to be effective for certain individuals.
4. Wellbutrin/Zyban
The decision to seek treatment for ADHD as an adult is a decision that is personal to you. It is essential to discuss with your healthcare provider the risks and benefits of all treatments before making a decision. If you do choose to take medications for your ADHD It's likely your dosage and schedule will change as you adjust to the effects of the treatment.
Stimulants, the most common medication for ADHD are used to boost and balancing levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. There are nonstimulant options for adults who cannot tolerate stimulants due to health issues or severe side-effects. Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera is the first nonstimulant that has been approved for ADHD. It helps by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. Another antidepressant, Venlafaxine (Effexor) can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms, though more studies are needed to confirm this.
In addition to the medications mentioned above, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can assist you in resolving negative thoughts and behavior patterns that contribute to your ADHD. Through sessions, you'll learn techniques such as moderation, reassessing the all-or nothing mentality, and reducing your negative self-talk. You can explore CBT on your on your own or in a group.
Bupropion, an antidepressant that is atypical is often used to treat ADHD off-label. It works by affecting dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain to improve mood and concentration. Wellbutrin is usually consumed in three daily doses of 150 mg up to 450 mg, although your doctor will start with a lower dose. Wellbutrin should not be used in the case of 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 altering dopamine and norepinephrine levels. It isn't FDA approved to be used as a treatment for ADHD however, it is often prescribed off-label to treat the condition, particularly when stimulant medicines are not recommended or cause intolerable unwanted side effects. Certain people may benefit from antidepressants such as bupropion and duloxetine, which are available under brand names Wellbutrin and Cymbalta.
Two blood pressure medications--guanfacine ER (Kapvay) and clonidine SR (Kapvay)--are also effective nonstimulant ADHD medications. Both drugs increase serotonin and norepinephrine levels within the brain. This improves communication between nerve cell. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, which makes them an ideal choice for people with ADHD who are depressed or anxious.
Nonstimulant ADHD medication is also very popular among students in high school and younger people because some stimulants may increase the risk of heart disease. Atomoxetine (Strattera) increases levels of norepinephrine as well as guanfacine, clonidine and guanfa affect the alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brain to decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Nonstimulant medications aren't the right choice for everyone with ADHD, though, and certain people notice that their effectiveness diminishes with time. Your medical history, genetics within your family, and response to medication will determine the best treatment for you. Many people suffering from ADHD will try several different medications over time to find what is most effective for them. It is also normal to alter your dosage as you progress. This is particularly the case when life changes are significant. Consult your physician to find out more about the best medications for your particular situation. Then, you can choose the medication that will allow you to live life to the fullest.