ADHD Medication For Adults - What is the Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults?
Stimulant drugs are the mainstay for ADHD treatment, but they may not work for all people. Antidepressants and nonstimulant drugs may help.
Adults with ADHD can take medications or patches, or even liquids. They boost concentration and reduce 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, which is an effective ADHD medication. In contrast to stimulant drugs like Adderall, which increase dopamine and norepinephrine availability in the brain to lessen ADHD symptoms, Strattera works differently. Dr. Zishan, a Texas psychiatrist and regional director at Mindpath Health, says that Strattera will not make you feel energized or increase anxiety. It can help control impulse-driven behaviors, without causing more jitteriness. inattentive adhd medication says that atomoxetine can be a suitable option for those who are concerned about substance abuse or have medical reasons to avoid stimulants.
Strattera is classified by doctors as a selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor an antidepressant that alters the brain's use of Norepinephrine. Dr. Zand notes that Strattera is often prescribed to treat depression however, it can also be used to treat ADHD. It may be particularly beneficial for those who have the comorbidity of ADHD with anxiety. It is usually prescribed in smaller doses at first and then gradually increased in accordance with a person's age and weight.
The most frequent side effects are drowsiness nausea and appetite changes. Strattera can interact with several medications which include stimulants. It should not be taken in conjunction with Clonidine or any other medication that inhibit monoamine oxidase. It takes longer for it to work and can last for up to 24 hours. Doctors may recommend combining Strattera and stimulants to extend the effects. For instance, combining Adderall and Ritalin. However, this isn't a common practice and should only be done with a doctor's direction. Additionally to this, the FDA has a black-box warning on Strattera indicating that it can cause serious and possibly life-threatening liver issues in certain individuals.
2. Methylphenidate
Methlphenidate is an ADHD medication that falls within the group of medications called central nervous system stimulants. It is also used to treat narcolepsy, a sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness as well as frequent moments of sleep. Methlphenidate is a drug that alters the levels of certain natural substances within your brain. This medication is available only with a prescription.
Stimulants can boost and balance the levels of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. The majority of people with ADHD opt for them as their first choice. They can cause symptoms like stomach upset, insomnia and difficulty in concentrating. Speak to your doctor in case you are experiencing any adverse effects. If the adverse effects are severe the doctor may recommend that you switch to a different medication.
It is important that you tell your doctor if you or your child are taking methylphenidate. Some medicines can interact with methylphenidate and have harmful adverse effects. You should inform your doctor if 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 case your doctor may suggest other ADHD medications, like lisdexamfetamine and atomoxetine. Certain people suffering from ADHD may benefit from psychological therapies like behavioural therapy.
Methlphenidate is available in both short-acting tablets as well as long-acting tablets. The tablet that works in a short-acting manner starts to work within an hour. It is taken twice or three times per day to have a 24-hour effect. The chewable tablets, long-acting tablets and granules are absorbed in your bloodstream more slowly and last longer than the shorter-acting form. buy adhd medication uk will test you for allergy to methylphenidate before prescribing the drug.
3. Atomoxetine
While stimulant medication is the first option for ADHD treatment, it could have side effects which are difficult to accept. Nonstimulant drugs are a great option for people who cannot tolerate stimulant drugs or are not able to respond to them. Nonstimulants help to enhance the ability to pay attention, control impulses and reduce hyperactivity in people with ADHD. They build up slowly within the body. This allows the medication to work for a long period of time and stops the symptoms from recurring after the drug wears off. These medications are usually taken in capsules or pills and are available in a variety of strengths. Some medications are long-acting, lasting up to 16 hours. It is normal for people to try several medications before settling on one that works best for them.
Atomoxetine is an antidepressant that is approved by the FDA 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 medications increases the levels of norepinephrine. This can help to reduce impulsivity and improve concentration. It is also less likely to cause adverse effects such as agitation and anxiety as other stimulant medications.
It is important to talk with your doctor prior to starting any new medication. There may not be any change in your symptoms for a few weeks, but you must keep taking the medication as prescribed. Your doctor will monitor your progress and adjust your dosage if necessary.
Certain antidepressants are available off-label in the treatment of ADHD however they haven't been specifically tested in trials for this condition. These medications are prescribed to those who suffer from anxiety, depression or aversion to stimulants, or have a substance abuse history. Bupropion, an off-label medication, has been proved to be effective for some people.
4. Wellbutrin/Zyban
The decision to use medication for ADHD as an adult is a decision that is personal to you. It is essential to discuss with your healthcare provider the potential risks and benefits of all treatments before making a decision. If you decide to treat your ADHD, it's likely that your dosage and schedule will change over time 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 increases and regulates levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. There are nonstimulant alternatives for adults who are unable to take stimulants due to health issues or severe side-effects. Atomoxetine, a.k.a Strattera, is the first nonstimulant approved for ADHD. It is a stimulant that increases the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. Venlafaxine (Effexor) could also help in reducing ADHD symptoms. However, more studies are required to confirm this.
In addition to the medications mentioned above, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can assist you in resolving negative thoughts and behavior patterns that contribute to your ADHD. In sessions, you'll learn skills such as moderation, reassessing the all-or thinking, and decreasing the negative self-talk you have about yourself. You can test CBT on your alone or in the group.
Bupropion, an antidepressant that is atypical, is sometimes used to treat ADHD off-label. It works by altering norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which improves mood and concentration. Wellbutrin can be taken in three daily 150 mg-450 mg doses, however your doctor may recommend starting with a lower dosage. Wellbutrin should not be taken in the case of eating disorders, glaucoma or seizure disorders.
5. Effexor
Effexor (venlafaxine) is an antidepressant that's also very effective in treating ADHD. It functions in a similar way to stimulants by affecting levels of norepinephrine and dopamine. It's not FDA approved as a treatment for ADHD but is often prescribed off-label, particularly if stimulant drugs cause side effects that are not tolerated or are contraindicated. Certain people may benefit from antidepressants such as bupropion and duloxetine which 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 levels and norepinephrine levels inside the brain. This enhances communication between nerve cells. They also decrease the risk of hyperactivity and impulsivity which makes them a good choice for people with ADHD who have depression or anxiety.
Certain stimulants can increase the risk of heart problems in young people and high school students, so non-stimulant ADHD medications are now popular among these groups as well. Atomoxetine (Strattera) increases levels of norepinephrine while guanfacine and Clonidine alter the alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brain to reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Certain people's effectiveness with nonstimulant medication decreases over time. Your medical history, genetics within your family, and response to medication will determine the most effective solution for you. Many people with ADHD will test different drugs over time to discover the one that works best for them. It's normal to to change your dosage over time, particularly when major life changes happen. Talk to your doctor to find out more about the best medications for your situation. Then, you can choose the ones that will enable you to live your life to the fullest.