ADHD Medication For Adults - What is the Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults?
Stimulant medication is the mainstay of ADHD treatment however they aren't effective for all people. Nonstimulant drugs and antidepressants may aid.
Medications for adults with ADHD could be patches, pills, or liquids. They improve concentration and reduce impulsive behaviour. They are prescribed by a doctor when stimulants fail to work or cause side-effects.
1. Strattera
Strattera, an atomoxetine brand name, is an effective ADHD medication for adults. Contrary to stimulant medications such as Adderall which boost dopamine and norepinephrine availability in the brain to lessen ADHD symptoms, Strattera works differently. It won't give you energy or make your heart race, and can help control the impulsive behavior, without causing more anxiety or jitteriness, according to Dr. Zishan Khan, a psychiatrist based in Texas and regional medical director at Mindpath Health. He suggests that atomoxetine may be a great option for those who are worried about the use of substances or have medical reasons to avoid stimulants.
Doctors classify Strattera as a selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitor, an antidepressant medication that affects the brain by altering the use of norepinephrine. It's often prescribed to treat depression, but can be used to treat ADHD as well, and may be particularly helpful for those suffering from comorbid ADHD and anxiety, notes Dr. Zand. It's usually prescribed in lower doses at first, then increased gradually according to the person's weight and age.
The most common side effects are drowsiness, nausea and appetite changes. Strattera interacts with a variety of medications including stimulants. official source should not be taken with clonidine, or any other medications that inhibit monoamine oxidase. It takes longer to work than stimulants and may take up to 24 hours to take effect. In certain situations doctors may recommend mixing Strattera with stimulants, such as adding Adderall to Ritalin to extend the effects of each. This is not a very common practice and should be done under the supervision of a physician. The FDA has also placed an advisory in the black-box for Strattera warning that the drug may cause serious and even fatal liver problems in certain people.
2. Methylphenidate
Methlphenidate is an ADHD medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as central nervous system stimulants. It also treats the condition known as narcolepsy (a sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness and frequent episodes of sleep). Methlphenidate is a drug that alters the levels of certain natural substances in your brain. It is available only with a prescription.
Stimulants work by boosting and balancing the levels of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. They are the first choice for people suffering from ADHD. However, they can have side effects such as insomnia, stomach upset and problems with concentration. Talk to your doctor about the side effects that you are experiencing. If the adverse effects are severe the doctor may recommend that you try an alternative medication.
It is important that you tell your doctor if you or your child is taking methylphenidate. Certain medications can cause dangerous side effects when they interact with methylphenidate. It is important to let your doctor know whether you have a history of seizures, depression or other mental health problems.
Some people with ADHD find that methylphenidate does not help them. In this instance, your doctor will recommend alternative ADHD medications, such as the atomoxetine or lisdexamfetamine. Psychological treatments such as behavioural therapy may be helpful for some people with ADHD.
Methlphenidate is available in short-acting and long-acting versions. The tablets that are short-acting begin to work in about an hour and must be taken two or three times a day for an effect that is continuous. The long-acting tablets, chewable tablets and granules build up in your bloodstream slower and last longer than the short-acting version. Your doctor will test for allergy to methylphenidate before prescribing the medication.
3. Atomoxetine
While stimulant drugs are the first-choice treatment for ADHD but they can also cause adverse effects that are difficult to handle. Adults who aren't able to tolerate stimulant drugs, or do not respond well to them, may benefit from nonstimulant medication. Nonstimulants increase the capacity of ADHD patients to pay attention, to control impulses, and to reduce hyperactivity. The drugs are slowly absorbed in the body. This allows the medication to work for a long period of time and keeps symptoms from recurring when the drug has worn off. The medications are available in a variety of dosages and are consumed in pills or capsules. Some medications are long-acting, lasting up to 16 hours. Many people will try several medications before they discover the one that works best for them.
Atomoxetine is an antidepressant which has been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD in adults and children. It is a member of a group of drugs referred to as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). This class of medication increases norepinephrine levels. This can help to decrease impulsivity while increasing concentration. It is also less likely to cause negative side effects such as agitation and anxiety as other stimulant medications.
Before beginning any new medication, it is essential to speak with your physician. It could take a few weeks before you notice any changes in your symptoms, however, you should continue to take the medication according to instructions. Your doctor will track your changes and adjust your dosage as needed.
Several antidepressants are used off-label for the treatment of ADHD however they have not been specifically evaluated in clinical trials 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 common off-label medication, has been shown to be effective in certain individuals.
4. Wellbutrin/Zyban
The decision to use medication for ADHD as an adult is a decision that is personal to you. It is important to discuss with your doctor the potential risks and benefits of each treatment before making a decision. If you decide to take medications for your ADHD It's likely your dosage and schedule will change over time as you adjust to the effects of the treatment.
Stimulants, which are the most commonly used treatment for ADHD are used to boost and balancing neurotransmitters in the brain. There are alternatives to stimulants that aren't as harmful for adults who are unable to take stimulants because of health problems or severe side-effects. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is the first drug that is non-stimulant to be approved for ADHD and works by stimulating norepinephrine in the brain to increase focus and attention. Another antidepressant known as Venlafaxine (Effexor) could aid in reducing ADHD symptoms, although more research is needed to confirm this.
In addition to the medications mentioned above, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can aid in the transformation of unhealthy thinking and behavior patterns that contribute to ADHD. In sessions, you'll learn techniques such as moderation, reassessing the all or nothing thinking, and reducing the negative self-talk you have about yourself. You can test CBT on your on your own or in an ensemble.
Bupropion, an atypical antidepressant, is sometimes used to treat ADHD off-label. It works by affecting dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, improving mood and concentration. Wellbutrin is usually taken 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 for those suffering from glaucoma, eating disorders or seizures.
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 for use as an treatment for ADHD however it's often prescribed off-label to treat the condition, particularly when stimulant drugs are contraindicated or cause intolerable unwanted side effects. Some people can 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 drugs work by increasing norepinephrine and serotonin levels in the brain, improving the communication between nerve cells. They also reduce the risk of hyperactivity and impulsivity, making them good choices for people suffering from ADHD who have anxiety or depression.
Nonstimulant ADHD medication is also popular among students in high school and younger people due to the fact that certain stimulants may increase the risk of developing heart disease. Atomoxetine (Strattera) increases levels of norepinephrine, while guanfacine and clonidine alter the alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brain to reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Some people's effectiveness with non-stimulant medications decreases over time. Your medical history, the genetics of your family, and the response to medications will determine the best treatment for you. Many people suffering from ADHD test various drugs to determine the one that is most effective for them. It's normal to to alter your dosage over time, as well, particularly when significant life changes occur. Consult your physician about the most appropriate medication for your needs. Then, you can choose the medications that will allow you to live your life fully.