ADHD Medication For Adults - What is the Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults?
Stimulant drugs are the foundation of ADHD treatment, but they don't work for all people. Antidepressants and nonstimulant medications can aid.
Adults who suffer from ADHD could be pills, patches or liquids. They can improve concentration and decrease impulsive behaviour. Doctors often prescribe them if stimulants don't work or cause side effects.
1. Strattera
Strattera is the brand name of atomoxetine, is an effective ADHD medication for adults. Contrary to stimulant medications such as Adderall, which increase dopamine and norepinephrine supply to the brain to lessen ADHD symptoms, Strattera works differently. It won't give you energy or make your heart race and can help you control the impulsive behavior, without causing more anxiety or jitteriness, says Dr. Zishan Khan, a psychiatrist based in Texas and regional medical director at Mindpath Health. Dr. Khan says that atomoxetine could be a great option for those who are worried about substance abuse or have medical reasons for avoiding stimulants.
Doctors identify Strattera as a selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitor, an antidepressant drug that alters the brain's function by changing its use of norepinephrine. It's often prescribed for depression, but can be used to treat ADHD too, and can be particularly beneficial for those suffering from the comorbidity of ADHD and anxiety, according to Dr. Zand. It's typically prescribed at lower doses at first and then increased gradually depending on the individual's weight and age.
The most frequent adverse effect is drowsiness. Other typical side effects include nausea and appetite changes. Strattera interacts with many medications which include stimulants. It is not recommended to be taken with clonidine or other medications that inhibit monoamine oxidase. It takes longer to take effect than stimulants and can take up to 24 hours for it to disappear. In certain instances, doctors will recommend combining Strattera with stimulants, for instance, adding Adderall to Ritalin to extend the effects of each. However, this isn't a common practice and should only be done under a physician's direction. The FDA has also put an advisory in the black-box for Strattera warning that the drug may cause serious and even fatal liver problems in certain individuals.
2. Methylphenidate
Methlphenidate is an ADHD medication that is part of the group of medications called central nervous system stimulants. It also treats the condition known as narcolepsy (a sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness and frequent attacks of sleep). Methlphenidate changes the amount of certain natural substances inside your brain. This medication is available only on prescription.
Stimulants boost and balance brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. The majority of people with ADHD prefer these drugs as their first choice. However, they do have adverse effects, such as stomach upset, insomnia, and difficulty with concentration. Consult your physician about the side effects that you are experiencing. If they are severe the doctor might suggest a different medication for you.
If you or your child are taking methylphenidate, it is important to tell your doctor about any other medicines you are taking. Certain medicines may cause harmful adverse effects when they interact with methylphenidate. Talk to your doctor if ever suffered from seizures, depression, or other mental health issues.
Certain people suffering from ADHD find that methylphenidate does not help them. In this situation your doctor may suggest alternative ADHD treatments such as the atomoxetine or lisdexamfetamine. Certain people suffering from ADHD can also benefit from psychological treatments, such as behavioural treatment.
Methlphenidate can be found in short-acting as well as long-acting varieties. 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 all-day effect. The chewable tablets, long-acting tablets and granules build up in your bloodstream slower and last longer than the shorter-acting version. Some patients are allergic the chemical methylphenidate. Your physician will check for the allergy prior to prescribing it.
3. Atomoxetine
Although stimulant medications are the first choice for ADHD treatment, it could have side effects which are difficult to accept. Nonstimulant drugs are a great alternative for adults who are unable to tolerate stimulant medications or are not able to respond to them. Nonstimulants help to improve the ability to pay attention, control impulses, and reduce hyperactivity among people with ADHD. These drugs build up slowly in the body. This allows the medication to function for a long period of time, and also stops the symptoms from recurring after the drug wears off. These medications are usually taken as pills or capsules and are available in a variety of strengths. adhd anxiety medication are long-acting and can last up to 16 hours. Many people try a variety of medications before they discover the one that works best for them.
Atomoxetine is an antidepressant that has been FDA approved to treat ADHD both in adults and children. It is a member of a group of drugs known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). This class of medications boosts the levels of norepinephrine, which helps to decrease impulsivity and increase concentration. It is less likely to cause side-effects such as agitation or anxiety than other stimulant medication.
It is essential to speak with your physician prior to beginning any new medication. It could 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 be able to monitor your improvement and adjust your dosage if needed.
Several antidepressants are used off-label to treat ADHD however, they have not been specifically evaluated in clinical trials for this condition. They are usually prescribed when you suffer from other mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, can't take stimulants or have a history of drug abuse. Bupropion, an off-label drug, has proven to be effective for certain people.
4. Wellbutrin/Zyban
The decision to take medication for ADHD as an adult is a choice that is entirely personal. Around 70%-80% of adults who receive medication see significant improvement in their symptoms, however it is important to discuss the benefits and risks of each treatment with your doctor prior to making a decision. If you decide to take medications for your ADHD It's likely your dosage and schedule will change as you adjust to the effects of your treatment.
Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment for ADHD, and they operate by triggering a mechanism that enhances and balances levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. However there are a number of nonstimulant options available for adults who have trouble with stimulants due to health problems or severe side effects. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is the first drug that is non-stimulant to be approved for ADHD and is a stimulant that works on norepinephrine within the brain to improve focus and attention. Another antidepressant called Venlafaxine (Effexor) can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms, though more research is required to confirm this.
In addition to the medication mentioned above, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can aid in the transformation of unhealthy thinking and behavior patterns that contribute to ADHD. Through sessions, you'll develop skills like moderation, reassessing the all or thinking, and decreasing your negative self-talk. You can practice CBT either on your own or in groups.
Bupropion is an atypical antidepressant that is sometimes prescribed off-label for treating ADHD. It works by altering dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, improving mood and concentration. Wellbutrin is typically taken in three daily doses of 150 mg up to 450 mg, although your doctor will begin you on a lower dose. It is not recommended to use Wellbutrin if you have a history of seizure disorders, eating disorders, or glaucoma.
5. Effexor
Effexor (venlafaxine) is an antidepressant that's also very effective in treating ADHD. It functions in a similar way to stimulants, affecting levels of norepinephrine and dopamine. It's not FDA approved to be used as an treatment for ADHD, but it's frequently prescribed off-label to treat the condition, especially when stimulant medicines are not recommended or cause unacceptably adverse unwanted side effects. Certain people may also benefit from antidepressants, such as bupropion and duloxetine, that 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 work by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels within the brain. This improves communication between nerve cell. They also decrease impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity, making them good choices for people suffering from ADHD who have anxiety or depression.
Nonstimulant ADHD medication is also popular among high school students and young people because some stimulant drugs may increase the risk of developing heart diseases. Atomoxetine (Strattera) increases the levels of norepinephrine, while guanfacine and clonidine affect the alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brain, which reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Some people's effectiveness of nonstimulant medication decreases over time. The most effective solution for you will depend on your medical history, genetics in your family and the response to medication. Many people with ADHD will try several different medications over time to determine what works best for them. It's normal to need to alter your dosage over time as well, particularly when significant life changes occur. Speak to your doctor about the most appropriate medication for your situation. You can then select the medicines that allow you to live your life fully.