ADHD Medication For Adults - What is the Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults?
Stimulant drugs are the mainstay 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 boost concentration and reduce the risk of impulsive behavior. They are prescribed by physicians if stimulants do not work or cause side-effects.
1. Strattera
Strattera is a brand name for atomoxetine is an effective ADHD medication for adults. Contrary to stimulant medications such as Adderall which boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain to lessen ADHD symptoms, Strattera works differently. Dr. Zishan, a Texas psychiatrist and regional director of Mindpath Health, says that Strattera will not make you feel energized or increase anxiety. It is able to control impulse-driven behaviors, without causing more the jitteriness. He adds that atomoxetine is also an excellent choice for people who have specific medical reasons to avoid stimulants, like seizures, or improperly managed glaucoma or those who are concerned about substance abuse issues.
Doctors define Strattera as a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. It's an antidepressant drug that alters the brain's function by altering its use of norepinephrine. Dr. Zand notes that Strattera is often prescribed to treat depression, but it is also used to treat ADHD. It may be particularly beneficial for those who suffer from comorbid ADHD with anxiety. It is usually prescribed in smaller doses initially, and then gradually increased according to a person's age and weight.
The most common side effect is drowsiness. Other effects that are common include nausea and appetite changes. Strattera may interact with other medications, including stimulants, and is not recommended to be taken with Clonidine or any other medication that inhibit monoamine oxidase. It is more difficult to work than stimulants, and can take up to 24 hours to wear off. In certain instances doctors will suggest combining Strattera with stimulants, like adding Adderall to Ritalin to increase the effects of each. But this isn't very common and should be done under a physician's guidance. The FDA has also placed an advisory in the black-box for Strattera warning that the drug could cause serious and possibly fatal liver problems in certain individuals.
2. Methylphenidate
Methlphenidate is part of a family of drugs called central nervous stimulants. It is also used to treat narcolepsy an illness of sleep that is characterised by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden periods of sleep. Methlphenidate works by changing 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 levels of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. The majority of people with ADHD choose these drugs as their first choice. They can trigger symptoms like stomach upset, insomnia, and difficulty concentrating. Consult your physician if you are experiencing adverse effects. If the side effects are serious, your doctor may recommend that you try a different medication.
It is crucial to inform your doctor that you or your child are taking methylphenidate. Certain medicines may interact with methylphenidate and result in harmful side effects. It is important to inform your doctor whether you have a history of depression, seizures or other mental health issues.
Some people with ADHD don't respond to methylphenidate. In this instance your doctor may suggest alternative ADHD medications such as lisdexamfetamine or atomoxetine. Some people with ADHD might also benefit from psychological treatments, such as behavioural treatment.
Methlphenidate is available in both short-acting tablets and long-acting tablets. The tablets that work short-acting start to work within a matter of minutes and should be taken twice or three times per day to get an around-the-clock effect. The long-acting tablets, chewable tablets and granules accumulate in your bloodstreams more slowly and last longer than the shorter-acting version. Your doctor will test you for allergies to methylphenidate prior to prescribing the medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Although stimulant medications are the first-choice treatment for ADHD but they can also cause side effects that are difficult to handle. Adults who aren't able to take stimulant medications, or are not responsive to them, might benefit from nonstimulant medication. Nonstimulants enhance the capacity of ADHD patients to focus, control impulses, and to reduce hyperactivity. These drugs build up slowly in the body. This allows the medication to work over an extended period of time, and also prevents symptoms from returning when the drug has worn off. These medications are usually taken in capsules or pills and are available in various strengths. Some are long-acting and last for up to 16 hours. Many people will try several medications before they discover the one that works for them.
Atomoxetine is an antidepressant that is approved by the FDA to treat ADHD in adults and children. It belongs to a category of drugs known as selective norepinephrine receptor inhibits (SNRIs). This class of medication boosts the levels of norepinephrine, which helps to reduce impulsivity and improve concentration. It is less likely to cause side-effects like anxiety or agitation than other stimulant medication.
It is important to talk with your doctor before beginning any new medication. It is possible that you will not notice any changes in your symptoms for a few weeks, however, you must continue taking the medication according to your doctor's instructions. Your doctor will monitor you and adjust your dosage if required.
Several antidepressants are used off-label for the treatment of ADHD however, they haven't been tested in studies for this condition. These medications are prescribed to those who have depression, anxiety or aversion to stimulants, or have a substance abuse history. Bupropion, a popular off-label medication, has been proved to be effective for some people.
4. Wellbutrin/Zyban
The decision to seek treatment for ADHD as an adult is a personal one. It is essential to talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of every treatment before making a choice. If you decide to use medication to treat ADHD, your dosage and schedule could alter as time passes.
Stimulants, the most common treatment for ADHD help by increasing and balancing levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. However there are treating adhd without medication of nonstimulant options available for adults who have trouble with stimulants due to health issues or severe side effects. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is the first nonstimulant drug that has been approved for ADHD and is a stimulant that works on norepinephrine within the brain to improve concentration and attention. Another antidepressant called venlafaxine (Effexor), may also aid in reducing ADHD symptoms, but more research is needed to confirm this.
In addition to the medications mentioned above, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can assist you in resolving negative thoughts and habits that contribute to your ADHD. During sessions, you'll learn strategies for managing your thoughts as well as reassessing the all-or-nothing mindset and the reduction of negative self-talk. You can do CBT as a solo or in groups.
Bupropion is an atypical antidepressant that can be taken off-label to treat ADHD. It works by altering dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain to improve concentration and mood. Wellbutrin is usually consumed in three daily doses of 150 mg up to 450 mg, although your doctor may start you on a lower dose. It is not recommended to take Wellbutrin when you have an history of seizure disorders, eating disorders, or glaucoma.
5. Effexor
Effexor (venlafaxine) is an antidepressant that's also effective in treating ADHD. It functions similarly to stimulants by affecting levels of norepinephrine and dopamine. It's not FDA approved to be used as treatment for ADHD however, it is often prescribed off-label to treat the condition, especially when stimulant medicines are not recommended or cause unacceptably adverse unwanted side effects. Other antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and duloxetine (Cymbalta), can also aid in reducing ADHD symptoms in some individuals.
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 and hyperactivity, making them excellent choices for those with ADHD who have anxiety or depression.
Some stimulant drugs can increase the risk of heart issues in young people and high school students, which is why nonstimulant ADHD medications are now popular among these groups too. Atomoxetine (Strattera) increases levels of norepinephrine as well as guanfacine, clonidine and guanfa alter the alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brain to decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Nonstimulant medication isn't the best option for everyone suffering from ADHD However, some people find that their effectiveness diminishes as time passes. The best solution for you will depend on your medical history, genetics of your family, and reaction to treatment. Many people suffering from ADHD will test different drugs over time to discover what is most effective for them. It is also normal to adjust your dosage as time goes by. This is particularly relevant when changes in your life are significant. Talk to your doctor to learn more about the best medications for your specific situation. Then, you can choose the medication that will allow you to live your life to the fullest.