15 Things You Didn't Know About Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
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 all people. Nonstimulant drugs and antidepressants may help. Adults who suffer from ADHD can be pills, patches or liquids. They improve concentration and reduce the impulsive behavior. They are prescribed by doctors if stimulants do not perform or cause adverse side effects. 1. Strattera Strattera, the brand name of atomoxetine is an effective ADHD medication for adults. Contrary to stimulant medications such as Adderall which boost dopamine and norepinephrine availability in the brain to reduce ADHD symptoms, Strattera works differently. Dr. Zishan, a Texas psychiatrist and regional director of Mindpath Health, says that Strattera does not cause you to feel energized or cause anxiety. It is able to control the impulsive behavior without causing more jitteriness. He suggests that atomoxetine may be a great option for those who are concerned about the use of substances or have medical reasons for avoiding stimulants. Doctors identify Strattera as a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, an antidepressant drug that alters the brain's functions by altering its use of norepinephrine. Dr. Zand notes that Strattera is usually prescribed to treat depression, but it is also used to treat ADHD. It can be particularly beneficial for those who have the comorbidity of ADHD with anxiety. It's usually prescribed in lower doses at first and then increased gradually based on the person's weight and their 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 with clonidine, or any other medications inhibiting monoamine oxidase. It is more difficult to work than stimulants and can take up to 24 hours to wear off. In certain instances doctors may recommend mixing Strattera with stimulants, such as adding Adderall to Ritalin to enhance the effects of each. But this isn't very common and should be done with a doctor's direction. Additionally to this, the FDA places a black box warning on Strattera warning that it may cause serious and life-threatening liver issues in certain individuals. 2. Methylphenidate Methlphenidate is an ADHD medication that is part of the class of medications known as central nervous system stimulants. It also treats narcolepsy (a sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness as well as abrupt episodes of sleep). Methlphenidate is a drug that alters the levels of certain natural substances in your brain. This medication is available only on prescription. Stimulants work by boosting and balancing the levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Most people with ADHD prefer them as their first option. They can cause side effects like insomnia, stomach upset, and trouble concentrating. Discuss with your doctor the side effects you are experiencing. If they are severe the doctor might recommend a different medication for you. If you or your child are taking methylphenidate, it is important to inform your doctor about all the other medications you are taking. Certain medicines can interact with methylphenidate and have dangerous adverse effects. Talk to your doctor if ever had a history of depression, seizures or any other mental health issues. Certain people suffering from ADHD find that methylphenidate doesn't help them. In most effective adhd medication for adults may recommend alternative ADHD medications, like atomoxetine and lisdexamfetamine. Psychological treatments such as behavioural therapy may be beneficial for patients suffering from ADHD. Methlphenidate can be found in short-acting as well as long-acting versions. The tablet that works in a short-acting manner starts to work in an hour. It is taken two or three times daily to have a 24-hour effect. Long-acting tablets get into your bloodstream slower and last longer. Certain patients are allergic to methylphenidate, so your doctor will examine you for the presence of this allergy before prescribing it. 3. Atomoxetine Although stimulant medications are the first choice for ADHD treatment, it can be associated with side effects that are difficult to accept. Nonstimulant drugs are a great option for adults who cannot tolerate stimulant medications or are not responsive to them. Nonstimulants help to increase the capacity to focus, manage impulses and decrease hyperactivity in those with ADHD. They take time to work and are absorbed in the body over time. This allows the medication work for a longer time, and also prevents the symptoms from returning once the drug has worn off. The medications are typically taken in capsules or pills and are available in various strengths. Some are long-acting and last up to 16 hours. It is normal for people to test a variety of medications before finding the one that is the most effective for them. Atomoxetine is an antidepressant that has been FDA-approved to treat ADHD in adults and children. It is part of a class of drugs known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibits (SNRIs). This class of medications increases norepinephrine levels. This may help to decrease impulsivity while increasing concentration. It is also less likely to cause adverse reactions such as agitation and anxiety as other stimulant medications. Before beginning any new medication, it is important to talk with your doctor. It may take a few weeks before you notice any changes in your symptoms, but you should continue taking the medication according to instructions. Your doctor will monitor your progress and make adjustments to your dosage as required. These antidepressants haven't been tested specifically for ADHD. These medications are prescribed to those who have depression, anxiety, cannot tolerate stimulants or have a drug abuse history. Bupropion, an off-label medication, has been proven to be effective for some people. 4. Wellbutrin/Zyban The decision to take medication for ADHD as an adult is a decision that is personal to you. About 70%-80% of adults who are prescribed medication experience significant improvement in their symptoms. However, it's important to discuss the benefits and risks of all treatments with your doctor prior to making an informed decision. If you do choose to use medication for your ADHD it's likely that your dosage and schedule will change over time as you adjust to the effects of the treatment. Stimulants, the most common treatment for ADHD, work by boosting and balancing the levels of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. However there are a number of alternatives that aren't stimulants for adults who have trouble with stimulants due to health problems or serious adverse effects. Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera is the first nonstimulant approved for ADHD. It works by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. Another antidepressant, Venlafaxine (Effexor) can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms, but 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 contribute to ADHD. In sessions, you'll develop strategies for managing your thoughts as well as reassessing the all-or-nothing mindset and decreasing negative self-talk. You can do CBT alone or in groups. Bupropion is a typical antidepressant, which is often taken off-label to treat ADHD. It works by altering dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, thereby improving mood and concentration. Wellbutrin can be used in three daily 150 mg to 450 mg doses. However, your doctor may start you with a lower dose. You should not use Wellbutrin if you have a history of seizure disorders or eating disorders. glaucoma. 5. Effexor Effexor (venlafaxine) is an antidepressant that's also effective in treating ADHD. Like stimulants, it works by altering dopamine and norepinephrine levels. It's not FDA approved as an treatment for ADHD but it is often prescribed off-label, particularly if stimulant medications cause adverse effects that are unpalatable or are not recommended. Other antidepressants, like 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 increase norepinephrine and serotonin levels in the brain, thereby improving communication between nerve cells. They also decrease the risk of hyperactivity and impulsivity which makes them a good choice for people with ADHD who suffer from anxiety or depression. Non-stimulant ADHD medication is also popular among students in high school and young people because some stimulants can increase the risk of developing heart diseases. Atomoxetine, or Strattera, increases norepinephrine. Guanfacine and clonidine affect alpha-2 receptors in the mind to reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Some people's effectiveness of nonstimulant medication decreases over time. Your medical history, genetics in your family, and the response to medication will determine the most effective solution for you. Many people with ADHD test a variety of medications to determine the one that works best for themselves. It's normal to to change your dosage over time too, especially when significant life changes happen. Speak to your doctor about the most appropriate medication for your situation. You can then select the medications that will allow you to live your life to the fullest.