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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 as well as nonstimulant drugs can aid.
Adults suffering from ADHD can take pills or patches, or even liquids. They boost concentration and reduce impulsive behaviour. Doctors often prescribe them if stimulants fail to work or cause side effects.
1. Strattera
Strattera is a brand-name for atomoxetine and is an effective ADHD medication for ADHD. Unlike stimulant medications like Adderall that increase dopamine and norepinephrine availability in the brain to decrease ADHD symptoms, Strattera works differently. It doesn't provide energy or make your heart race and can help manage the impulsive behavior, without causing more anxiety or jitteriness, according to Dr. Zishan Khan, a Texas-based psychiatrist and regional medical director at Mindpath Health. He adds that atomoxetine is an excellent option for people who have specific medical reasons for avoiding stimulants, for example, seizures in the past or glaucoma that is poorly controlled or those who are concerned about substance abuse issues.
Doctors define Strattera as a selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitor, an antidepressant drug that alters the brain's functions by altering its use of norepinephrine. Dr. Zand notes that Strattera is typically prescribed to treat depression but it is also used to treat ADHD. It could be especially helpful for people who suffer from the comorbidity of ADHD with anxiety. It is usually prescribed in smaller doses initially and then gradually increased in accordance with the weight and age of the patient.
The most frequent adverse effects include drowsiness, appetite changes and nausea. Strattera can interact with a variety of medications which include stimulants. It should not be taken with clonidine or other medications that inhibit monoamine oxidase. It takes longer for it to work and may last up to 24 hours. In certain situations doctors will suggest combining Strattera with stimulants, for instance, adding Adderall to Ritalin to enhance the effects of each. This isn't a common practice and should only be done under the guidance of a doctor. The FDA has also put a black-box warning on Strattera, indicating that the drug can cause serious and possibly fatal liver problems in certain individuals.
2. Methylphenidate
Methlphenidate is an ADHD medication that is part of the class of drugs known as central nervous system stimulants. It also treats Narcolepsy (a sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness as well as frequent attacks of sleep). Methlphenidate affects the quantity of certain natural substances within your brain. This medication is available only on prescription.
Stimulants boost and balance the levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. Many people suffering from ADHD prefer them as their first option. However, they can have negative side effects like stomach upset, insomnia, and trouble with concentration. Speak to your doctor when you experience adverse effects. If they are severe, he or she might recommend a different medication for you.
It is important that you inform your doctor if you or your child are taking methylphenidate. Certain medicines may interact with methylphenidate and can cause dangerous side effects. Tell your doctor if you've ever had a history of seizures, depression or any other mental health issues.
Some people with ADHD don't respond to methylphenidate. In this case, your doctor will recommend other ADHD medication, such as the atomoxetine or lisdexamfetamine. Certain people suffering from ADHD may benefit from psychological therapies, such as behavioural treatment.
Methlphenidate is available in both short-acting tablets and long-acting tablets. The short-acting tablet begins to work within an hour. It is taken two or three times daily to have a 24-hour effect. The chewable tablets, long-acting tablets and granules accumulate in your bloodstreams more slowly and last longer than the shorter-acting forms. Some patients are allergic to methylphenidate. Your doctor will test you for this allergy before prescribing it.
3. Atomoxetine
Although stimulant medications are the first-choice treatment option for ADHD but they can also cause side effects that are difficult to manage. Nonstimulant medications are an excellent option for people who cannot tolerate stimulant medications or are not responsive to them. Nonstimulants enhance the capacity of ADHD patients to focus, control impulses, and reduce hyperactivity. adhd and medication take time to work and are absorbed within the body over time. This allows the medication to function over an extended period of time, and also keeps symptoms from recurring when the drug is gone. The medications are typically taken as pills or capsules and are available in various strengths. Some medications are long-acting, lasting up to 16 hours. It is normal for many people to try several medications before settling on one that works best for them.
Atomoxetine, an antidepressant, has been FDA approved to treat ADHD both 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 help to decrease impulsivity while increasing concentration. It is less likely to cause adverse side effects such as anxiety or agitation as other stimulant medications.
It is crucial to speak with your doctor prior to starting any new medication. It could take several weeks before you notice any changes in your symptoms, however, you must continue taking the medication according to instructions. Your doctor will be able to monitor your changes and adjust your dosage if required.
These antidepressants haven't been tested specifically for ADHD. These medicines are generally prescribed if you have other mental health issues like anxiety or depression, cannot take stimulants or have an addiction history. Bupropion, a common off-label drug, has proved to be effective for some people.
4. Wellbutrin/Zyban
It's your choice whether or not you decide to use medications as an adult with ADHD. It is essential to discuss with your healthcare provider the risks and benefits of every treatment before making a choice. If you do choose to use medication for your ADHD, it's likely that your dosage and schedule will change as you adjust to the effects of your treatment.
Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment for ADHD They work through a mechanism that enhances and balances levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. However there are a number of alternatives to nonstimulants for those who struggle with stimulants due health issues or serious side effects. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is the first drug that is non-stimulant to be approved for ADHD and is a stimulant that works on norepinephrine within the brain to increase focus and attention. Another antidepressant known as Venlafaxine (Effexor) can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms, but more studies are needed to confirm this.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a supplement to the medications mentioned above, can help you change bad habits and thoughts that contribute to ADHD. Through sessions, you'll learn skills such as moderation, reassessing the all or nothing mentality, and reducing the negative self-talk you have about yourself. You can take CBT as a solo or in a group.
Bupropion is an antidepressant that can be taken off-label to treat ADHD. It works by altering dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain to improve mood and concentration. Wellbutrin can be taken in three daily 150 mg-450 mg doses, but your doctor may start you with a lower dose. It is not recommended to use Wellbutrin in the event that 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 which is also effective in treating ADHD. Like stimulants, it works by affecting dopamine and norepinephrine levels. It isn't FDA approved for use as a treatment for ADHD however it's often prescribed off-label to treat the condition, especially when stimulant medications are contraindicated or cause intolerable negative side effects. Other antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and duloxetine (Cymbalta), can also improve ADHD symptoms in some individuals.
Two blood pressure medications--guanfacine ER (Kapvay) and clonidine SR (Kapvay)--are also effective nonstimulant ADHD medications. Both medications increase serotonin and norepinephrine levels within the brain, which improves communication between nerve cells. They also decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity, making them a great option for people suffering from ADHD who are depressed or anxious.
Nonstimulant ADHD medication is also popular among students in high school and young people due to the fact that certain stimulants can increase the risk of developing heart diseases. Atomoxetine, or Strattera, increases norepinephrine. Clonidine and Guanfacine alter alpha-2 receptors in the brain to reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Certain people's effectiveness with nonstimulant medications decreases over time. Your medical history, genetics within your family, and response to medication will determine the best treatment for you. Many people who suffer from ADHD will test several different medications to determine the one that works best for themselves. It's normal to need to adjust your dosage as time goes by, particularly when major life changes occur. Speak to your doctor about the most appropriate medication for your situation. Then, you can choose the ones that will enable you to live your life to the fullest.