ADHD Medication For Adults - What is the Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults?
Stimulant medications are the cornerstone of ADHD treatment However, they don't work for all people. Antidepressants as well as nonstimulant drugs can aid.
Treatments for adults suffering from ADHD can be pills, patches or liquids. They improve concentration and reduce the risk of impulsive behavior. Doctors often prescribe them when stimulants aren't effective or cause side effects.
1. Strattera
Strattera is a brand-name used for atomoxetine. It is a highly effective ADHD medication for ADHD. Strattera differs from stimulant medications such as Adderall that increase dopamine, norepinephrine, and other neurotransmitters in the brain. Strattera reduces ADHD symptoms without causing any harm. It doesn't provide energy or cause your heart to beat and can help you control the impulsive behavior, without causing more anxiety or jitteriness, says Dr. Zishan Khan, a Texas-based psychiatrist and regional medical director at Mindpath Health. He says that atomoxetine can also a great option for those who have specific medical reasons to avoid stimulants, such as a history of seizures or glaucoma that is not properly controlled, or those worried about the effects of substance abuse.
Doctors identify Strattera as a selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitor, an antidepressant medication that alters the brain's functions by altering the use of norepinephrine. It's typically prescribed for depression, but it can also be used to treat ADHD as well. It may be particularly helpful for people with comorbid ADHD and anxiety, says Dr. Zand. It's usually prescribed in smaller doses to start and then increased gradually based on the individual's weight and age.
The most common side effects are drowsiness, nausea, and changes in appetite. Strattera may interact with other medications including stimulants, and should not be taken in conjunction with clonidine or other medications that inhibit monoamine oxidase. It takes longer for it to work and can last for up to 24 hours. In certain instances, doctors will recommend combining Strattera with stimulants, such as adding Adderall to Ritalin to extend the effects of each. This is not very common, and should only be done under the guidance of a physician. In addition to this, the FDA places a black box warning on Strattera indicating that it can cause serious and life-threatening liver problems in some people.
2. Methylphenidate
Methlphenidate is part of a class of drugs known as central nervous stimulants. It also treats Narcolepsy (a sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness and frequent episodes of sleep). Methlphenidate affects the amount of certain natural substances in your brain. The medication is only available by prescription.
Stimulants boost and balance levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. They are the first-line choice for people suffering from ADHD. However, they can cause side effects such as stomach upset, insomnia and difficulty with concentration. Discuss with your doctor the side effects you're experiencing. If they are severe, he or she may recommend a different medicine for you.
If you or your child is taking methylphenidate, it is important to inform your doctor about all other medications you take. Some medicines can have harmful negative effects when they are in combination with methylphenidate. Inform your doctor if you've ever had a history of depression, seizures or any other mental health issues.
Some people suffering from ADHD do not respond to methylphenidate. In this case your doctor may suggest other ADHD medication like lisdexamfetamine or atomoxetine. Some people with ADHD might also benefit from psychological treatments, such as behavioural treatment.
Methlphenidate comes in short-acting and long-acting varieties. The tablets that work short-acting start to work within an hour and must be taken twice or three times per day for an effect that is continuous. The chewable tablets, long-acting tablets and granules build up in your bloodstream slower and last longer than the shorter-acting form. Your doctor will check for methylphenidate allergy before prescribing the drug.
3. Atomoxetine
While stimulant medications are the first choice for ADHD treatment, it could be associated with side effects that are difficult to accept. Adults who cannot take stimulant drugs or are not responsive to them, could benefit from nonstimulant medication. Nonstimulants help to increase the capacity to focus, manage impulses and reduce hyperactivity in people with ADHD. These drugs are slow to work and accumulate in the body over time. This lets the medication function for a longer period of time, and also prevents the symptoms from returning once the drug has worn off. The drugs are available in various strengths and are taken in pills or capsules. Some are long-acting and can last up to 16 hours. click through the up coming document will try several medications before they discover the one that is right for them.
Atomoxetine is an antidepressant that has been FDA approved to treat ADHD both in adults and children. It is part of a class of drugs referred to as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). This class of medication increases norepinephrine levels. This may help to decrease impulsivity while increasing concentration. It is also less likely to cause negative side reactions such as agitation and anxiety as other stimulant medications.
It is important to talk with your physician prior to beginning any new medication. You may not notice any change in your symptoms for a few weeks, however, you must keep taking the medication according to your doctor's instructions. Your doctor will monitor your improvement and adjust your dosage if required.
Certain antidepressants are available off-label for the treatment of ADHD however, they haven't been specifically tested in studies for this condition. These drugs are prescribed to patients who suffer from anxiety, depression or aversion to stimulants, or have a drug abuse history. Bupropion, an off-label medication, has been proven 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. About 70%-80% of adults who are prescribed medication experience significant improvement in their symptoms, however it is important to discuss the benefits and risks of each treatment with your physician prior to making a decision. If you decide to try medication to treat ADHD the dosage and schedule may change over time.
Stimulants, the most common treatment for ADHD are used to boost and balancing levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. There are nonstimulant options for adults who cannot tolerate stimulants due to health issues or serious side-effects. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is the first nonstimulant drug that has been approved for ADHD and it is a stimulant that works on norepinephrine within the brain to improve focus and attention. Another antidepressant known as Venlafaxine (Effexor) can 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 assist you in resolving negative thoughts and behavior patterns that contribute to your ADHD. Through sessions, you'll learn techniques such as moderated thinking, reassessing your all-or nothing mentality, and reducing the negative self-talk you have about yourself. You can do CBT as a solo or in a group.
Bupropion, atypical antidepressant is sometimes used to treat ADHD off-label. It works by affecting dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which improves mood and concentration. Wellbutrin is typically taken in three daily doses of 150 mg up to 450 mg, although your doctor may start with a lower dose. It is not recommended to use Wellbutrin if you have an history of seizure disorders, eating disorders, or glaucoma.
5. Effexor
Effexor (venlafaxine) is an antidepressant, which is also effective in treating ADHD. Like stimulants, it works by affecting dopamine and norepinephrine levels. It's not FDA approved as an treatment for ADHD but it is often prescribed off-label, especially when stimulant medications cause adverse effects that are intolerable or are contraindicated. Other antidepressants, like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and duloxetine (Cymbalta), can also help improve ADHD symptoms in certain people.
Two blood pressure medications--guanfacine ER (Kapvay) and clonidine SR (Kapvay)--are also effective nonstimulant ADHD medications. Both drugs increase serotonin and norepinephrine levels within the brain. This enhances communication between nerve cells. They also reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity which makes them a good choice for people suffering from ADHD who have depression or anxiety.
Nonstimulant ADHD medications are also popular among students in high school and younger people because some stimulant drugs may increase the risk of developing heart disease. Atomoxetine, or Strattera is a stimulant that increases norepinephrine. Clonidine and Guanfacine alter alpha-2 receptors in the mind to reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Nonstimulant medications aren't the right option for everyone suffering from ADHD however, and certain people notice that their effectiveness wanes with time. Your medical history, the genetics of your family, and the response to medication will determine the best treatment for you. Many people suffering from ADHD will test a variety of medications over time to determine what is most effective for them. It is also normal to alter your dosage as time goes by. This is especially relevant when changes in your life are significant. Consult your physician to find out more about the most effective medications for your specific situation. Then, you can choose the medications that will allow you to live life to the fullest.