5 Clarifications On Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
ADHD Medication For Adults – What is the Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults? Stimulant medications are the cornerstone of ADHD treatment, but they don't work for everyone. Antidepressants and nonstimulant medications can help. Medications for adults with ADHD can be patches, pills, or liquids. They boost concentration and reduce the risk of impulsive behavior. They are prescribed by a doctor when stimulants fail to perform or cause adverse side effects. 1. Strattera Strattera, a brand name for atomoxetine, is an effective ADHD medication for adults. Strattera differs from stimulant medications like Adderall which increase dopamine, norepinephrine, and other neurotransmitters found in the brain. Strattera reduces ADHD symptoms without doing this. Dr. Zishan, a Texas psychiatrist and regional director at Mindpath Health, says that Strattera will not make you feel energized or increase anxiety. It is able to control impulsive behaviors without increasing the jitteriness. He suggests that atomoxetine may be a good choice for those who are concerned about the effects of substance abuse or have medical reasons to stay away from stimulants. Doctors classify Strattera as a selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitor, an antidepressant drug that alters the brain's function by altering the use of norepinephrine. Dr. Zand notes that Strattera is typically prescribed to treat depression, but it can also be used to treat ADHD. It could be particularly beneficial for those who have an underlying condition like ADHD with anxiety. It's typically prescribed at smaller doses to start and then increased gradually according to the individual's weight and age. The most common side effect is drowsiness. Other common effects include nausea and appetite changes. Strattera may interact with other medications including stimulants, and is not recommended to be taken with Clonidine or any other medication that block monoamine oxidase. It is more difficult to work than stimulants, and can take up to 24 hours to take effect. In Learn Additional , doctors will recommend combining Strattera with stimulants, like adding Adderall to Ritalin to increase the effects of each. This is not a very common practice, and should only be done under the supervision of a medical professional. In addition, the FDA places a black box warning on Strattera which warns that it could cause serious and possibly life-threatening liver issues in certain people. 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 abrupt periods of sleep. Methlphenidate works by changing the levels of certain natural substances in your brain. This medication is only available with a prescription. Stimulants increase and balance the levels of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. The majority of people with ADHD prefer these drugs as their first choice. However, they can cause negative side effects like stomach upset, insomnia and difficulty with concentration. Speak to your doctor when you experience side effects. If the side effects are serious your doctor may suggest that you switch to another medication. It is important that you inform your doctor that you or your child are taking methylphenidate. Certain medicines can interact with methylphenidate and have harmful side effects. Tell your doctor if you've ever had a history of depression, seizures or any other mental health issues. Certain people suffering from ADHD find that methylphenidate is not effective in helping them. In this instance your doctor may suggest other ADHD medication like lisdexamfetamine or atomoxetine. Certain people suffering from ADHD may also benefit from psychological treatments such as behavioural therapy. Methlphenidate is available in both short-acting tablets and long-acting tablets. The tablets that work short-acting start to work within an hour and should be taken 2 or 3 times per day for an effect that is continuous. Long-acting tablets get into the bloodstream slowly and last longer. Certain patients are allergic to methylphenidate. Your doctor will check for the allergy prior to prescribing it. 3. Atomoxetine Although stimulant medications are the first option for ADHD treatment, it could be associated with side effects that are difficult to accept. Adults who aren't able to take stimulant medications, or who do not respond well to them, may benefit from nonstimulant drugs. Nonstimulants improve the ability of ADHD patients to pay attention, manage impulses, and to reduce hyperactivity. They are slow to work and accumulate within the body over time. This lets the medication function for a longer period of time, and also prevents the symptoms from recurring after the drug wears off. These medications are usually taken in capsules or pills and are available in various strengths. Certain medications are long-acting and lasting up to 16 hours. It is common for patients to try a variety of drugs before finding the one that works best for them. Atomoxetine is an antidepressant that has been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD in adults and children. It is part of a class of drugs known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). This class of medication increases norepinephrine levels. This may aid in reducing impulsivity and increasing concentration. It is less likely to cause side-effects such as anxiety or agitation than other stimulant medication. It is essential to speak with your doctor prior to starting any new medication. There may not be any changes in your symptoms for a few weeks however, you must continue taking the medication according to your doctor's instructions. Your doctor will monitor you and adjust your dosage if necessary. A variety of antidepressants are prescribed off-label for the treatment of ADHD, but they haven't been specifically tested in trials for this condition. They are usually prescribed when you suffer from other mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, cannot tolerate stimulants, or have an history of substance abuse. Bupropion is an example of this kind of off-label medication, which has been proven effective in certain people. 4. Wellbutrin/Zyban The decision to use medication for ADHD as an adult is a choice that is entirely personal. Around 70%-80% of adults who are prescribed medication experience significant improvement in their symptoms, but it is important to discuss the benefits and risks of each treatment with your physician prior to making an informed decision. If you decide to treat your ADHD It's likely your dosage and schedule will change as you adjust to the effects of your treatment. Stimulants, the most popular treatment for ADHD help by increasing and balancing levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. However there are a number of alternatives that aren't stimulants for those who struggle with stimulants due to health issues or severe adverse reactions. 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. Venlafaxine (Effexor) could also help in reducing ADHD symptoms. However more research is needed to confirm this. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as to the medications listed above, can help you change bad habits and thoughts that can contribute to ADHD. In sessions, you'll develop techniques like moderation as well as reassessing the all-or-nothing mindset and reducing negative self-talk. You can test CBT on your alone or in a group. Bupropion, an atypical antidepressant, is sometimes 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. It is not recommended to use Wellbutrin when you have any history of seizure disorder, eating disorders, or glaucoma. 5. Effexor Effexor, or venlafaxine, is an antidepressant which is also effective in treating ADHD. It functions in a similar way to stimulants by altering levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. It's not FDA approved for use as an treatment for ADHD however it's often prescribed off-label to treat the condition, particularly when stimulant medications are contraindicated or cause unacceptably adverse side effects. Other antidepressants, like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and duloxetine (Cymbalta) are also able to help improve ADHD symptoms in some people. Two blood pressure medications—guanfacine ER (Kapvay) and clonidine SR (Kapvay)—are also effective nonstimulant ADHD medications. Both drugs increase serotonin levels and norepinephrine levels inside the brain. This enhances communication between nerve cells. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, making them an ideal option for those with ADHD who are anxious or depressed. Non-stimulant ADHD medication is also popular among students in high school and younger people because some stimulants may increase the risk of developing heart diseases. Atomoxetine, or Strattera is a stimulant that increases norepinephrine. Guanfacine and clonidine affect alpha-2 receptors in the mind to reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Certain people's effectiveness with nonstimulant medications decreases with time. Your medical history, the genetics of your family, and response to medication will determine the best solution for you. Many people with ADHD will test several different medications to find the one that works best for themselves. It's normal to need to alter your dosage as time goes by, too, especially when significant life changes happen. Consult your physician to learn more about the best medication for your situation. Then, you can pick the ones that can enable you to live your life to the fullest.