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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 medications can help.
Adults with ADHD can take medications or patches, or liquids. They can improve concentration and decrease the impulsive behavior. Doctors often prescribe them when stimulants don't work or cause side effects.
1. Strattera
Strattera, the brand name of atomoxetine is a highly effective ADHD medication for adults. Strattera is different from stimulant medications such as Adderall which increase dopamine, norepinephrine, and other neurotransmitters found in the brain. Strattera reduces ADHD symptoms without doing this. It won't give you energy or cause your heart rate to increase, and can help control the impulsive behavior, without causing more jitteriness or anxiety, says Dr. Zishan Khan, a Texas-based psychiatrist and regional medical director at Mindpath Health. He adds that atomoxetine is also a great option for those with specific medical reasons to avoid stimulants, such as seizures, or glaucoma that is not properly controlled or those who are concerned about issues with substance abuse.
Doctors classify Strattera as a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, an antidepressant drug that alters the brain's function by altering its use of norepinephrine. It's typically prescribed to treat depression, but it can also be used to treat ADHD as well, and can be particularly beneficial for those suffering from co-occurring ADHD and anxiety, according to Dr. Zand. It's typically prescribed in smaller doses initially and then gradually increased in accordance with the person's weight and age.
The most common side effect is drowsiness. Other typical side effects include nausea and appetite changes. Strattera is a drug that interacts with many other medications including stimulants. It should not be taken in conjunction with clonidine or other medications that inhibit monoamine oxidase. It takes longer for it to take effect and can last for up to 24 hours. In certain situations, doctors will recommend combining Strattera with stimulants, such as adding Adderall to Ritalin to extend the effects of each. But this isn't very common and should be done under a physician's direction. In addition the FDA places a black box warning on Strattera indicating that it can cause serious and possibly life-threatening liver issues in certain people.
2. Methylphenidate
Methlphenidate is an ADHD medication that is part of the class of drugs known as central nervous system stimulants. It can also be used to treat narcolepsy a sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and frequent moments of sleep. Methlphenidate is a drug that alters the amounts of certain natural substances within your brain. The medication can only be obtained by prescription.
Stimulants can boost and balance brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. They are the first choice for the majority of people suffering from ADHD. They can trigger side effects like stomach upset, insomnia and trouble concentrating. Discuss with your doctor the side effects that you are experiencing. If the adverse effects are severe, your doctor may recommend that you switch to an alternative medication.
If you or your child are taking methylphenidate, it is important to tell your doctor about any other medications you take. Some medicines may interact with methylphenidate and have dangerous side effects. Tell adhd otc medication if you've ever suffered from depression, seizures or any other mental health issues.
Some people suffering from ADHD find that methylphenidate does not help them. In this situation your doctor may suggest alternative ADHD medication like the atomoxetine or lisdexamfetamine. Psychological treatments like behavioral therapy can be beneficial for certain patients suffering from ADHD.
Methlphenidate can be found in both short-acting tablets and long-acting tablets. The short-acting tablet starts working within an hour. It is taken twice or three times a day for a 24-hour effect. The chewable tablets, long-acting tablets and granules build up in your bloodstream slower and last longer than the short-acting version. Some patients are allergic to methylphenidate, so your doctor will test you for this allergy prior to prescribing it.
3. Atomoxetine
Although stimulant medications are the first choice for ADHD treatment, it could be associated with side effects that are difficult to accept. Nonstimulant drugs are a great option for adults who cannot take stimulant drugs or do not respond to them. Nonstimulants can enhance the ability to focus, control impulses and reduce hyperactivity among people with ADHD. These drugs take time to work and are absorbed within the body over time. This allows the medication work for a longer period of time, and prevents symptoms from returning after the drug wears off. The drugs are available in various dosages and are consumed as pills or capsules. Certain medications are long-acting and lasting up to 16 hours. It is normal for many people to test a variety of medications before settling on one that is the most effective for them.
Atomoxetine is an antidepressant which has been approved by the FDA for treating ADHD in adults and children. It belongs to a group of drugs known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). This class of medication increases the levels of norepinephrine. This can help to reduce impulsivity and improve concentration. It is also less likely to cause negative side effects like agitation or anxiety as other stimulant medications.
It is important to talk 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, but you must continue to take the medication as prescribed. Your doctor will be monitoring you and adjust the dosage as needed.
Certain antidepressants are available off-label in the treatment of ADHD however, they haven't been evaluated in clinical trials for this condition. They are usually prescribed if you have other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, are unable to tolerate stimulants or have an history of substance abuse. Bupropion, an off-label drug, has been proven to be effective for certain people.
4. Wellbutrin/Zyban
It's your choice to decide whether or not to use medication as an adult to treat ADHD. Around 70%-80% of adults who receive medication see significant improvement in their symptoms. However, it's important to discuss the benefits and dangers of any treatment with your physician prior to making the decision. If you do choose to treat 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 common treatment for ADHD and operate by triggering a mechanism that increases and regulates levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters. There are nonstimulant options for adults who cannot tolerate stimulants because of health problems or severe side-effects. Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera is the first nonstimulant that has been approved for ADHD. It is a stimulant that increases the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. Another antidepressant, Venlafaxine (Effexor) can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms, though more studies are required 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. During sessions, you will learn skills such as moderation, reassessing the all-or nothing thinking, and reducing your negative self-talk. You can practice CBT either on your own or in groups.
Bupropion, atypical antidepressant is often used to treat ADHD off-label. It works by altering dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain to improve mood and concentration. Wellbutrin can be used in three daily 150 mg to 450 mg doses, however your doctor may recommend starting with a lower dose. It is not recommended to use Wellbutrin in the event that you have a history of seizure disorders eating disorders, a disorder of the stomach, or glaucoma.
5. Effexor
Effexor (venlafaxine) is an antidepressant that's also effective in treating ADHD. It functions similarly to stimulants by affecting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. It isn't FDA approved for use as an treatment for ADHD, but it's frequently prescribed off-label to treat the condition, particularly when stimulant medications are contraindicated or cause unacceptably adverse negative side effects. Other antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and duloxetine (Cymbalta) can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms in some individuals.
Two blood pressure medications--guanfacine ER (Kapvay) and clonidine SR (Kapvay)--are also effective nonstimulant ADHD medications. Both medications work by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain, thereby improving communication between nerve cells. They also reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity, making them an ideal choice for people with ADHD who are depressed or anxious.
adhd otc medication can increase the risk of heart problems in young people and high school students, so non-stimulant ADHD medications are now popular for those groups as well. Atomoxetine (Strattera) increases the levels of norepinephrine, while guanfacine and clonidine alter the alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brain to reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Some people's effectiveness of nonstimulant medications decreases with time. Your medical history, the genetics of your family, and the response to medication will determine the best solution for you. Many people suffering from ADHD will test a variety of medications over time to find what is most effective for them. It's normal to need to change your dosage over time as well, particularly when significant life changes happen. Speak to your doctor about the most appropriate medication for your situation. Then, you can choose the medicines that allow you to live life to the fullest.