ADHD Medication For Adults - What is the Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults?
Stimulant medication is the primary ingredient for ADHD treatment, but they do not work for everyone. Antidepressants and other nonstimulant drugs can aid.
Adults who suffer from ADHD can be pills, patches, or liquids. They can improve concentration and decrease the risk of impulsive behavior. Doctors often prescribe them when stimulants don't work or cause side effects.
1. Strattera
Strattera, an atomoxetine brand name is a highly effective ADHD medication for adults. Strattera differs from stimulant medications like Adderall that increase dopamine, norepinephrine, as well as other neurotransmitters found in the brain. Strattera reduces ADHD symptoms without causing any harm. Dr. Zishan, a Texas psychiatrist and regional director of Mindpath Health, says that Strattera won't make you feel energized or cause anxiety. It can control the impulsive behavior without causing more anxiety or jitteriness. He suggests that atomoxetine may be a good choice for those who are worried about the effects of substance abuse or have medical reasons for avoiding stimulants.
Doctors classify Strattera as a selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitor, an antidepressant medication that alters the brain's function by altering its use of norepinephrine. Dr. Zand notes that Strattera is usually prescribed to treat depression but it is also used to treat ADHD. It could be particularly beneficial for those who have the comorbidity of ADHD with anxiety. It's typically prescribed in smaller doses initially and then gradually increased based on the person's weight and age.
The most frequent side effects are drowsiness nausea, and changes in appetite. Strattera may interact with other medications including stimulants, and should not be taken with clonidine or other medications that inhibit monoamine oxidase. It takes longer to work and can last for up to 24 hours. In certain instances, doctors will recommend combining Strattera with stimulants, for instance, adding Adderall to Ritalin to enhance the effects of each. This is not very common and should be done under the guidance of a medical professional. Additionally the FDA puts a black box warning on Strattera which warns that it could lead to serious and potentially life-threatening liver problems in a few individuals.
2. Methylphenidate
Methlphenidate is an ADHD medication that is part of the class of medications known as central nervous system stimulants. It can also be used to treat narcolepsy, a sleep disorder characterized by excessive nighttime sleepiness, as well as sudden episodes of sleep. Methlphenidate affects the quantity of certain natural substances in your brain. It can only be obtained by prescription.
Stimulants can boost and balance the levels of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. They are the first option for people suffering from ADHD. However, buy adhd medication uk can have adverse effects, such as insomnia, stomach upset and trouble with concentration. Consult your physician about the side effects that you are experiencing. If the side effects are serious, your doctor may recommend that you try a different medication.
If you or your child are taking methylphenidate it is important to inform your doctor about any other medications you take. Certain medicines may cause dangerous negative effects when they are in combination with methylphenidate. You should also let your doctor know whether you have a history of depression, seizures or other mental health issues.
Some people suffering from ADHD find that methylphenidate doesn't help them. In this situation your doctor might 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 is available as short-acting tablets and long-acting tablets. The short-acting tablets start working within an hour and need to be taken 2 or 3 times per day to get an effect that is continuous. The chewable tablets, long-acting tablets and granules build up in your bloodstream more slowly and last longer than the short-acting version. Your doctor will check for allergy to methylphenidate before prescribing the medication.
3. Atomoxetine
While stimulant drugs are the first-choice treatment option for ADHD however, they can cause side effects that are difficult to manage. Nonstimulant drugs are a great alternative for adults who are unable to tolerate stimulant drugs or do not respond to them. Nonstimulants improve the ability of ADHD patients to focus, control impulses, and reduce hyperactivity. They are slow to work and accumulate within the body over time. This allows the medication to function for a long period of time, and also prevents symptoms from returning when the drug wears off. The medications are available in a variety of strengths and are taken as pills or capsules. Some are long-acting and last for up to 16 hours. Many people try a variety of medications before they find the one that works for them.
Atomoxetine is an antidepressant that has been FDA-approved to treat ADHD in adults and children. It is a member of a group of drugs referred to as selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitors (SNRIs). This class of medication increases norepinephrine levels. This can reduce impulsivity while increasing concentration. It is less likely to cause adverse side effects such as agitation or anxiety than other stimulant medications.
It is crucial to speak with your doctor before beginning any new medication. It is possible that you will not notice any change in your symptoms for a few weeks however, you should continue to take the medication as prescribed. Your doctor will keep track of your progress and make adjustments to your dosage as required.
Certain antidepressants are available off-label to treat ADHD however, they haven't been evaluated in clinical trials for this condition. These drugs are prescribed to patients who have depression, anxiety and who are unable to tolerate stimulants or have a substance abuse history. Bupropion, a common off-label drug, has proven 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 important to discuss with your doctor the potential risks and benefits of all treatments before making a decision. If you decide to take medication for ADHD the dosage and schedule may alter as time passes.
Stimulants, the most popular medication for ADHD help by increasing and balancing neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. There are nonstimulant alternatives for adults who are unable to take stimulants because of health problems or severe side-effects. Atomoxetine, a.k.a Strattera, is the first approved nonstimulant for ADHD. It helps by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. Venlafaxine (Effexor) may also reduce ADHD symptoms. However further research is needed to confirm this.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), in addition to the medications mentioned above can help you overcome bad habits and thoughts that contribute to ADHD. Through sessions, you'll learn skills such as moderation, reassessing the all or nothing thinking, and reducing the negative self-talk you have about yourself. You can try CBT on your alone or in the group.
Bupropion, atypical antidepressant is sometimes used to treat ADHD off-label. It works by affecting dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, thereby improving mood and concentration. Wellbutrin is usually taken in three daily doses of 150 mg to 450 mg, although your doctor will begin with a lower dose. It is not recommended to use Wellbutrin if you have an history of seizure disorders eating disorders, a disorder of the stomach, or glaucoma.
5. Effexor
Effexor, or venlafaxine, is an antidepressant that can also be effective in treating ADHD. It functions in a similar way to stimulants by altering levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. It's not FDA approved as treatment for ADHD but is often prescribed off-label, especially when stimulant medications cause adverse effects that are unpalatable or are not recommended. Other antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and duloxetine (Cymbalta) are also able to aid in reducing ADHD symptoms in some people.
Two blood pressure medications--guanfacine ER (Kapvay) and clonidine SR (Kapvay)--are also effective nonstimulant ADHD medications. Both medications work by increasing norepinephrine and serotonin levels in the brain, which improves the communication between nerve cells. They also decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity and hyperactivity, making them excellent choices for those with ADHD who have depression or anxiety.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication is also very popular among students in high school and young people due to the fact that stimulants may increase the risk of developing heart diseases. Atomoxetine (Strattera) increases norepinephrine levels while guanfacine and Clonidine affect the alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brain, which reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Nonstimulant medications aren't the right choice for everyone with ADHD, though, and certain people report that their effectiveness decreases as time passes. Your medical history, the genetics of your family, and response to medication will determine the most effective solution for you. Many people with ADHD will try several different medications over time to determine what works best for them. It's also normal to need to alter your dosage over time. This is especially relevant when changes in your life are significant. Talk to your doctor regarding the most effective medication for your needs. You can then choose the medications that will allow you to live your life fully.