ADHD Medication For Adults - What is the Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults?
adhd no medication are the cornerstone of ADHD treatment, but they don't work for everyone. Antidepressants and nonstimulant drugs may aid.
Adults with ADHD can take pills or patches, or liquids. They can improve concentration and decrease the risk of impulsive behavior. They are prescribed by physicians when stimulants fail to work or cause side-effects.
1. Strattera
Strattera is a brand name for atomoxetine and is an effective ADHD medication for ADHD. Strattera is different from stimulant medications like Adderall that boost dopamine, norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters found in the brain. Strattera reduces ADHD symptoms without the need for this. 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 can control impulse-driven behaviors, without causing more anxiety or jitteriness. He says that atomoxetine is also an excellent choice for people who have specific medical reasons for avoiding stimulants, like seizures, or improperly managed glaucoma or people who are concerned about issues with substance abuse.
Doctors identify Strattera as a selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitor, an antidepressant medication that affects the brain by altering the use of norepinephrine. Dr. Zand notes that Strattera is usually prescribed to treat depression but it is also used to treat ADHD. It can be particularly beneficial for those who suffer from the comorbidity of ADHD with anxiety. It's usually prescribed in lower doses at first, then increased gradually according to the individual's weight and age.
The most common side effects are drowsiness, appetite changes and nausea. Strattera can interact with a variety of medications, including stimulants, and should not be taken in conjunction with clonidine or other drugs that block monoamine oxidase. It takes longer to take effect than stimulants and may take up to 24 hours for it to disappear. Doctors might suggest mixing Strattera and stimulants to extend the effects. For instance, you could add Adderall with Ritalin. This is not very common, and should only be done under the guidance of a doctor. Additionally, the FDA has a black-box warning on Strattera warning that it may cause serious and life-threatening liver problems in some individuals.
2. Methylphenidate
Methlphenidate is an ADHD medication that belongs to the class of medications known as central nervous system stimulants. It is also used to treat narcolepsy, a sleep disorder characterized by excessive nighttime sleepiness, as well as abrupt periods of sleep. Methlphenidate is a drug that alters the levels of certain natural substances within your brain. The medication can only be obtained with a prescription.
Stimulants help by boosting and balancing the levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They are the first-line choice for people suffering from ADHD. They can trigger adverse effects such as stomach upset, insomnia, and trouble concentrating. Discuss with your doctor the side effects you are experiencing. If the side effects are severe the doctor may recommend that you take an alternative medication.
If you or your child is taking methylphenidate it is important to tell your doctor about all the other medications you take. Certain medicines may cause harmful side effects when they interact with methylphenidate. Talk to your doctor if ever had a history of depression, seizures or other mental health issues.
Some people with ADHD do not respond to methylphenidate. In this instance, your doctor may recommend alternative ADHD treatments such as atomoxetine or lisdexamfetamine. Psychological treatments, such as behavioural therapy can also be helpful for some patients suffering from ADHD.
Methlphenidate is available 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 for an around-the-clock effect. The chewable tablets, long-acting tablets and granules are absorbed in your bloodstream more slowly and last longer than the short-acting version. Some patients are allergic methylphenidate, so your doctor will test you for this allergy before prescribing it.
3. Atomoxetine
While stimulant drugs are the first-choice treatment option for ADHD but they can also cause adverse effects that are difficult to handle. Adults who are unable to take stimulant medications, or who do not respond well to them, could benefit from nonstimulant medications. Nonstimulants increase the capacity of ADHD patients to pay attention, to control impulses, and reduce hyperactivity. These drugs build up slowly within the body. This allows the medication to be effective over an extended period of time, and also stops the symptoms from recurring after the drug has worn off. These medications come in different dosages and are consumed as pills or capsules. Some are long-acting and can last up to 16 hours. It is normal for people to try several medications before finding the one that works best for them.
Atomoxetine is an antidepressant that has been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD in both adults and children. It is a member of a group of medications known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). This class of medication boosts the levels of norepinephrine, which helps to reduce impulsivity and improve concentration. It is also less likely to cause side effects like agitation or anxiety as other stimulant medications.
It is essential to speak 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 however, you should continue taking the medication according to your doctor's instructions. Your doctor will keep track of you and adjust the dosage as needed.
These antidepressants have not been tested specifically for ADHD. These medications are prescribed to those who suffer from anxiety, depression or aversion to stimulants, or have a drug abuse history. Bupropion, a popular off-label drug, has been proved to be effective for some people.
4. Wellbutrin/Zyban
It is up to you to decide whether or not to use medication as an adult to treat ADHD. Around 70%-80% of adults who are prescribed medications find significant improvement in their symptoms, however it is important to discuss the benefits and risks of each treatment with your healthcare provider before making the decision. If you decide to try medication to treat ADHD the dosage and schedule may change over time.
Stimulants, the most common medication for ADHD help by increasing and balancing levels of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. However there are a number of alternatives that aren't stimulants for adults who have trouble with stimulants due to health issues or serious adverse effects. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is the first nonstimulant drug approved for ADHD and it acts on norepinephrine in the brain to improve concentration and focus. Venlafaxine (Effexor) could also help in reducing ADHD symptoms. However more research is needed to confirm this.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a supplement to the medications mentioned above can help you alter negative thoughts and behaviors that can contribute to ADHD. Through sessions, you'll be taught techniques like moderation, reassessing all-or-nothing thinking, and the reduction of negative self-talk. You can take CBT either on your own or in a group.
Bupropion, an antidepressant that is atypical is sometimes used to treat ADHD off-label. It works by altering dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which improves mood and concentration. Wellbutrin is available in three daily 150 mg-450 mg doses, however your doctor may start you with a lower dose. Wellbutrin is not recommended if you suffer from eating disorders, glaucoma or seizures.
5. Effexor
Effexor, or venlafaxine, is an antidepressant, and is also effective in treating ADHD. It functions similarly to stimulants, affecting levels of norepinephrine and dopamine. It isn't FDA approved for use as treatment for ADHD, but it's frequently prescribed off-label to treat the condition, particularly when stimulant medications are contraindicated or cause intolerable negative side effects. Other antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and duloxetine (Cymbalta) are also able to help improve ADHD symptoms in certain 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 in the brain, improving the communication between nerve cells. They also reduce the risk of hyperactivity and impulsivity, making them good choices for those with ADHD who suffer from depression or anxiety.
Some stimulant drugs can increase the risk of heart problems for young people and high school students, which is why nonstimulant ADHD drugs have become increasingly popular with those groups as well. Atomoxetine (Strattera) increases norepinephrine levels, while guanfacine and clonidine affect the alpha-2 adrenergic nerves in the brain to reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Some people's effectiveness of nonstimulant medications decreases with time. The best solution for you will depend on your medical history, genetics of your family and your reaction to medication. Many people suffering from ADHD will test a variety of medications over time to determine what is most effective for them. It's normal to to adjust your dosage as time goes by, as well, particularly when significant life changes occur. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment for your particular situation. Then, you can pick the ones that can help you live your life to the fullest.