ADHD Medication For Adults - What is the Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults?
Stimulant medication is the mainstay of ADHD treatment However, they don't work for everyone. Nonstimulant drugs and antidepressants may help.
Adults with ADHD can take pills or patches, or even liquids. They can improve concentration and decrease impulsive behaviour. They are prescribed by doctors if stimulants do not work or cause side-effects.
1. Strattera
Strattera is a brand name for atomoxetine, which is an effective ADHD medication for ADHD. Unlike stimulant medications like Adderall, which increase dopamine and norepinephrine supply to the brain to reduce 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, says Dr. Zishan Khan, a psychiatrist based in Texas and regional medical director at Mindpath Health. He says that atomoxetine can be a great option for those who are worried about substance abuse or have medical reasons to stay away from stimulants.
Doctors classify Strattera as a selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitor, an antidepressant drug that affects the brain by altering its use of norepinephrine. Dr. Zand notes that Strattera is usually prescribed to treat depression however, it can also be used to treat ADHD. It may be especially beneficial for those who suffer from the comorbidity of ADHD with anxiety. It's typically prescribed in smaller doses initially, and then gradually increased according to the person's weight and age.
The most common adverse effects include drowsiness, appetite changes and nausea. Strattera can interact with several medications, including stimulants, and should not be taken with clonidine or other drugs that inhibit monoamine oxidase. It takes longer for it to work and may last for up to 24 hours. Doctors might suggest mixing Strattera and stimulants to extend the effects. For example, adding Adderall to Ritalin. But this isn't very common and should only be done with a doctor's instructions. Additionally the FDA puts a black box warning on Strattera warning that it may lead to serious and potentially life-threatening liver issues in certain people.
2. Methylphenidate
Methlphenidate is an ADHD medication that belongs to the group of medications called central nervous system stimulants. It also treats Narcolepsy (a sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness as well as frequent attacks of sleep). Methlphenidate alters the amount of certain natural substances within your brain. It is available only on prescription.
Stimulants increase and balance the levels of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. Many people suffering from ADHD choose them as their first choice. However, they can have negative side effects like insomnia, stomach upset and trouble with concentration. Speak to your doctor in case you are experiencing any adverse effects. If the side effects are serious your doctor may suggest that you switch to an alternative medication.
If you or your child is taking methylphenidate, it is important to inform your doctor about all the other medicines you are taking. Certain medications can interact with methylphenidate, and result in harmful side effects. You should also let your doctor know if you have a history of depression, seizures or other mental health issues.
Some people with ADHD are not responsive to methylphenidate. In this instance, your doctor will recommend alternative ADHD medications, like the atomoxetine or lisdexamfetamine. Psychological treatments such as behavioural therapy may be helpful for some patients suffering from ADHD.
Methlphenidate is available as short-acting tablets as well as long-acting tablets. The short-acting tablet starts working in an hour. It is taken twice or three times per day for a 24 hour effect. The chewable tablets, long-acting tablets and granules accumulate in your bloodstream slower and last longer than the short-acting form. Some patients are allergic to methylphenidate, so your doctor will test you for the allergy prior to prescribing it.
3. Atomoxetine
Although stimulant medications are the first choice for ADHD treatment, it could cause side effects that are difficult to accept. Adults who aren't able to take stimulant medications, or who do not respond well to them, might benefit from nonstimulant medications. Nonstimulants can increase the capacity to focus, control impulses and decrease hyperactivity in people with ADHD. They build up slowly in the body. This allows the medication to work over a longer period of time, and also stops the symptoms from recurring after the drug wears off. These medications come in different strengths and are taken in pills or capsules. Some are long-acting and last for up to 16 hours. It is common for people to test a variety of medications before settling on one that is the most effective for them.
Atomoxetine, an antidepressant, has been FDA approved to treat ADHD both in children and adults. It belongs to a class of drugs known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). This class of medications increases norepinephrine levels. This may reduce impulsivity while increasing concentration. It is also less likely to cause negative side effects such as agitation and anxiety than other stimulant medications.
Before beginning any new medication, it is important to talk with your physician. There may not be any change in your symptoms for a few weeks however, you must continue to take the medication as prescribed. Your doctor will be able to monitor your progress and adjust your dosage as required.
Certain antidepressants are available off-label for the treatment of ADHD, but they have not been specifically evaluated in clinical trials for this condition. These medicines are generally prescribed if you suffer from other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, can't take stimulants or have a history of drug abuse. Bupropion, an off-label drug, has shown to be effective in certain individuals.
4. Wellbutrin/Zyban
It's your choice to decide whether or not to start taking medications as an adult with ADHD. It is essential to discuss with your doctor the potential risks and benefits of each treatment before making a choice. If you do choose to take medications for 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 treatment for ADHD, and they work through a mechanism that increases and regulates levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. There are nonstimulant options for people who are unable to tolerate stimulants due to health issues or severe side effects. Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera, is the first nonstimulant that has been approved for ADHD. how does medication for adhd work works by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. Venlafaxine (Effexor) could also help in reducing ADHD symptoms. However, more studies are required to confirm this.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as to the medications mentioned above can help you alter bad habits and thoughts that can contribute to ADHD. Through sessions, you'll be taught techniques like moderation, reassessing all-or-nothing thinking, and reducing negative self-talk. You can test CBT on your own or as part of a group.
Bupropion, atypical antidepressant is often used to treat ADHD off-label. It works by altering dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to improve concentration and mood. Wellbutrin is usually consumed in three daily doses of 150 mg up to 450 mg. However, your doctor may start you at a lower dosage. You should not use Wellbutrin if you have a history of seizure disorders eating disorders, a disorder of the stomach, or glaucoma.
5. Effexor
Effexor, or venlafaxine, is an antidepressant which is also effective in treating ADHD. Like stimulants, it works by altering dopamine and norepinephrine levels. It isn't FDA approved to be used as an treatment for ADHD however, it is often prescribed off-label to treat the condition, especially when stimulant drugs are contraindicated or cause intolerable negative side effects. Other antidepressants, like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and duloxetine (Cymbalta) are also able to help 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 work by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain, thereby improving communication between nerve cells. They also decrease the risk of hyperactivity and impulsivity, making them good choices for people with ADHD who suffer from depression or anxiety.
Nonstimulant ADHD medications are also popular among high school students and young people because some stimulants can increase the risk of developing heart disease. Atomoxetine (Strattera) increases levels of norepinephrine while guanfacine and Clonidine affect the alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brain to reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Some people's effectiveness of nonstimulant medications decreases over time. Your medical history, genetics within your family, and your response to medication will determine the most effective solution for you. Many people suffering from ADHD will try several different medications over time to determine what works best for them. It's normal to need to change your dosage over time particularly when major life changes occur. Speak to your doctor about the most appropriate medication for your situation. Then, you'll be able to pick the ones that can enable you to live your life to the fullest.