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ADHD Medication For Adults - What is the Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults?
Stimulant drugs are the mainstay for ADHD treatment, but they do not work for everyone. Antidepressants and nonstimulant drugs may aid.
Adults with ADHD can take medication, patches or liquids. They improve concentration and reduce the impulsive behavior. Doctors often prescribe them when stimulants don't work or cause side effects.
1. Strattera
Strattera is a brand-name used for atomoxetine. It is a highly effective ADHD medication for ADHD. Contrary to stimulant medications such as Adderall that increase dopamine and norepinephrine supply to the brain to decrease ADHD symptoms, Strattera works differently. It won't give you energy or cause your heart to beat and can help manage the impulsive behavior, without causing more jitteriness or anxiety, says Dr. Zishan Khan, a psychiatrist based in Texas and regional medical director at Mindpath Health. He says that atomoxetine is an excellent option for people who have particular medical reasons to stay away from stimulants, like a history of seizures or improperly managed glaucoma or those who are concerned about issues with substance abuse.
Doctors define Strattera as a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. It's an antidepressant medication that affects the brain by altering its use of norepinephrine. Dr. Zand notes that Strattera is often prescribed to treat depression but it can also be used to treat ADHD. It could be especially helpful for people who suffer from the comorbidity of ADHD with anxiety. It's usually prescribed in smaller doses initially, and then gradually increased in accordance with a person's age and weight.
The most frequent adverse effect is drowsiness. Other effects that are common include nausea and appetite changes. Strattera may interact with other medications including stimulants, and is not recommended to be taken with clonidine or other drugs that inhibit monoamine oxidase. It takes longer for it to take effect and can last up to 24 hours. Doctors may suggest combining Strattera and stimulants to increase the effects. For instance, combining Adderall to Ritalin. This is not very common, and should only be done with the advice of a doctor. Additionally to this, the FDA puts a black box warning on Strattera which warns that it could cause serious and possibly life-threatening liver problems in a few individuals.
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 sudden moments of sleep. Methlphenidate alters the amount of certain natural substances within your brain. This medication is only available with a prescription.
Stimulants boost and balance the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. They are the first-line choice for the majority of people suffering from ADHD. They can trigger symptoms like insomnia, stomach upset, and trouble concentrating. Speak to your doctor if you are experiencing adverse effects. If they are severe the doctor may recommend a different medicine for you.
It is crucial to inform your doctor if you or your child is taking methylphenidate. Certain medicines may cause harmful adverse effects when they interact with methylphenidate. You should let your doctor know if you have a history of depression, seizures, or any other mental health issues.
Some people with ADHD don't respond to methylphenidate. In this situation, your doctor may recommend alternative ADHD medication like the atomoxetine or lisdexamfetamine. Psychological treatments, such as behavioural therapy may be beneficial for people suffering from ADHD.
Methlphenidate is available in short-acting and long-acting forms. The short-acting tablet begins to work in an hour. It is taken two or three times daily for a 24 hour effect. The long-acting tablets, chewable tablets and granules accumulate in your bloodstream more slowly and last longer than the shorter-acting version. Your doctor will test for methylphenidate allergy before prescribing the medication.
3. Atomoxetine
While stimulant medications are the first choice for treating ADHD but they can also cause negative side effects that are difficult to tolerate. Adults who aren't able to take stimulant medications, or do not respond well to them, may benefit from nonstimulant medications. Nonstimulants increase the capacity of ADHD patients to focus, manage impulses, and to reduce hyperactivity. The drugs are slowly absorbed in the body. This allows the medication to be effective over an extended period of time and stops the symptoms from recurring after the drug wears off. The medications are available in a variety of strengths and are absorbed as capsules or pills. Certain medications are long-acting and lasting up to 16 hours. It is normal for many people to try several medications before finding the one that is most effective for them.
Atomoxetine is an antidepressant which has been approved by the FDA for treating ADHD in children and adults. It belongs to a group of medications known as selective norepinephrine receptor inhibitors (SNRIs). This class of drugs boosts the levels of norepinephrine, which helps to reduce impulsivity and increase concentration. It is less likely to cause adverse side effects like anxiety or agitation than other stimulant medications.
Before starting any new medication, it's essential to speak with your physician. There may not be any change in your symptoms for a few weeks but you must keep taking the medication according to your doctor's instructions. Your doctor will track your changes and adjust your dosage if required.
A variety of antidepressants are prescribed off-label for the treatment of ADHD however, they have not been specifically tested in studies for this condition. These medications are prescribed to those who have depression, anxiety and who are unable to tolerate stimulants or have a drug abuse history. Bupropion, a common off-label medication, has been shown to be effective in certain individuals.
4. Wellbutrin/Zyban
The decision to take 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, however it's crucial to discuss the advantages and risks of all treatments with your healthcare provider before making the decision. If you decide to try medication to treat ADHD, your dosage and schedule could change as time passes.
Stimulants, the most common medication for ADHD, work by boosting and balancing the levels of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. However, there are a few nonstimulant options available for adults who have trouble with stimulants due to health problems or severe adverse effects. Atomoxetine, a.k.a Strattera, is the first nonstimulant that has been approved for ADHD. adhd medication uk for adults helps by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. Venlafaxine (Effexor) could also help in reducing ADHD symptoms. However further research is needed to confirm this.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), in addition to the medications listed above, can help you change negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to ADHD. During sessions, you will learn skills such as moderated thinking, reassessing your all-or nothing thinking, and reducing your negative self-talk. You can test CBT on your own or as part of a group.
Bupropion, an atypical antidepressant is often used to treat ADHD off-label. It works by affecting dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, improving mood and concentration. Wellbutrin is usually consumed in three daily doses of 150 mg to 450 mg. However, your doctor will begin you at a lower dosage. Wellbutrin is not recommended in the case of eating disorders, glaucoma, or seizure disorders.
5. Effexor
Effexor (venlafaxine) is an antidepressant, which is also effective in treating ADHD. It works similarly to stimulants, affecting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. It's not FDA approved as a treatment for ADHD however, it is frequently prescribed off-label, particularly if stimulant medications cause side effects that are unpalatable or are not recommended. Other antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and duloxetine (Cymbalta), can also aid in reducing ADHD symptoms in some people.
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, improving the communication between nerve cells. They also decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity, making them a good option for those with ADHD who are depressed or anxious.
Some stimulant drugs can increase the risk of heart disease for young people and high school students, so nonstimulant ADHD medications are now popular with those groups as well. Atomoxetine, or Strattera increases norepinephrine. Clonidine and guanfacine affect alpha-2 receptors in the brain to reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Nonstimulant medications aren't the right option for everyone suffering from ADHD However, some people find that their effectiveness diminishes with time. The best solution for you will depend on your medical history, genetics in your family and your response to treatment. Many people suffering from ADHD will test different drugs over time to discover what works best for them. It is also normal to alter your dosage as you progress. This is especially the case when life changes are significant. Consult your physician about the most appropriate medication for your situation. Then, you can choose the medications that will allow you to live your life to the fullest.
