ADHD Medication For Adults - What is the Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults?
Stimulant drugs are the foundation of ADHD treatment However, they don't work for everyone. Antidepressants and nonstimulant drugs may help.
Medications for adults with ADHD could be pills, patches or liquids. They improve concentration and reduce the impulsive behavior. Doctors often prescribe them when stimulants aren't effective or cause side effects.
1. types of adhd medication is a brand-name used for atomoxetine and is an effective ADHD medication. Contrary to stimulant medications such as Adderall which boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain to decrease 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 cause anxiety. It can help control impulse-driven behaviors, without causing more the jitteriness. He suggests that atomoxetine may be a good choice for those who are concerned about substance abuse or have medical reasons to stay away from stimulants.
Strattera is categorized by doctors as a selective Norepinephrine-Reuptake Inhibitor, an antidepressant that affects the brain's use of Norepinephrine. It's typically prescribed to treat depression, but it's also used to be used to treat ADHD as well. It may be particularly helpful for people suffering from comorbid ADHD and anxiety, notes Dr. Zand. It's typically prescribed at smaller doses initially and then gradually increased according to the person's weight and their age.
The most common side effect is drowsiness. Other common effects include nausea and appetite changes. Strattera is a drug that interacts with many other medications, including stimulants. It should not be taken with clonidine or other medications inhibiting monoamine oxidase. It takes longer for it to take effect and can last for up to 24 hours. In certain situations doctors may recommend mixing Strattera with stimulants, like adding Adderall to Ritalin to extend the effects of each. However, this isn't a common practice and should only be done with a doctor's guidance. The FDA has also placed a black-box warning for Strattera warning that the drug could cause serious and possibly fatal liver problems in certain people.
2. Methylphenidate
Methlphenidate is part of a class of drugs known as central nervous stimulants. It can also be used to treat narcolepsy which is a sleep disorder that manifests as excessive nighttime sleepiness, as well as abrupt episodes of sleep. Methlphenidate affects the amount of certain natural substances within your brain. This medication is available only on prescription.
The stimulants function by increasing and balancing brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Most people with ADHD prefer these drugs as their first choice. They can cause symptoms like stomach upset, insomnia, and difficulty concentrating. Discuss with your doctor the side effects you are experiencing. If they are severe they might recommend a different medication for you.
It is important that you inform your doctor if you or your child is taking methylphenidate. Certain medications can cause harmful side effects when they interact with methylphenidate. You should also inform your doctor the history of depression, seizures or other mental health issues.
Some people suffering from ADHD are not responsive to methylphenidate. In this case your doctor may recommend other ADHD medications, like atomoxetine and lisdexamfetamine. Psychological treatments like behavioral therapy can be beneficial for patients suffering from ADHD.
Methlphenidate is available as short-acting tablets and long-acting tablets. The tablets that work short-acting start to work in about an hour and need to be taken 2 or 3 times per day to get an effect that is continuous. Long-acting tablets enter your bloodstream more slowly and last longer. Your doctor will test for allergy to methylphenidate before prescribing the drug.
3. Atomoxetine
While stimulant drugs are the first-choice treatment for ADHD however, they can cause adverse effects that are difficult to tolerate. Nonstimulant medications are an excellent option for people who cannot tolerate stimulant medications or do not respond to them. They help increase the capacity to focus, control impulses and reduce hyperactivity in those with ADHD. They build up slowly in the body. This allows the medication to function for a long period of time and prevents symptoms from returning when the drug has worn off. The drugs are available in various dosages and are consumed in pills or capsules. Some are long-acting and last up to 16 hours. It is normal for patients to try a variety of drugs before settling on the one that works best for them.
Atomoxetine is an antidepressant that is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in children and adults. It is part of a class of medications known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). This class of medication boosts norepinephrine levels. This can aid in reducing impulsivity and increasing 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 doctor before beginning any new medication. It may take a few weeks before you notice any changes in your symptoms, however, you must continue taking the medication as directed. Your doctor will monitor you and adjust your dosage if needed.
Several antidepressants are used off-label in the treatment of ADHD, but they haven't been evaluated in clinical trials for this condition. These medications are prescribed to those who suffer from anxiety, depression or aversion to stimulants, or have a history of drug abuse history. Bupropion is an example of this kind of off-label medication that has been proven effective in certain people.
4. Wellbutrin/Zyban
It is up to you whether or not you decide to take medication as an adult to treat ADHD. It is important to discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of each treatment before making a choice. If you do choose to use medication 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 medication to treat ADHD, and they work through a mechanism that boosts and balances levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. However there are a number of alternatives that aren't stimulants for people who are struggling with stimulants due to health problems or serious adverse reactions. Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera is the first nonstimulant approved for ADHD. It helps by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. Another antidepressant known as Venlafaxine (Effexor) could aid in reducing ADHD symptoms, although more research is needed to confirm this.
In addition to the medication mentioned above, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can aid in the transformation of unhealthy thinking and behaviour patterns that contribute to ADHD. In sessions, you'll develop skills like moderation, reassessing all-or-nothing thinking, and the reduction of negative self-talk. You can take CBT either on your own or in groups.
Bupropion, an antidepressant that is atypical 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 typically taken in three daily doses of 150 mg to 450 mg, although your doctor will begin you at a lower dosage. It is not recommended to use Wellbutrin if you have any history of seizure disorder eating disorders, a disorder of the stomach, or glaucoma.
5. Effexor
Effexor, also known as venlafaxine is an antidepressant that can also be effective in treating ADHD. It works similarly to stimulants by affecting levels of norepinephrine and dopamine. It isn't FDA approved for use as treatment for ADHD however, it is often prescribed off-label to treat the condition, particularly when stimulant medicines are not recommended or cause intolerable unwanted side effects. Some people can benefit from antidepressants such as duloxetine and bupropion, 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 serotonin and norepinephrine levels within the brain, improving the communication between nerve cells. They also decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity, which makes them a great choice for people with ADHD who are depressed or anxious.
Some stimulant drugs can increase the risk of heart disease for young people and high school students, which is why non-stimulant ADHD drugs have become increasingly popular among those groups as well. Atomoxetine (Strattera) increases the levels of norepinephrine while guanfacine and Clonidine affect the alpha-2 adrenergic nerves in the brain to reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Nonstimulant medications aren't the right option for everyone with ADHD however, and certain people report that their effectiveness wanes with time. Your medical history, genetics in your family, and the response to medication will determine the best treatment for you. Many people with ADHD test various medications to determine the one that works best for themselves. It is also normal to adjust your dosage as you progress. This is particularly true when life changes are significant. Talk to over the counter adhd medication to find out more about the most effective medications for your specific situation. Then, you'll be able to pick the ones that will help you live your life to the fullest.