add adhd medications For Adults - What is the Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults?
Stimulant medication is the mainstay of ADHD treatment, but they don't work for everyone. Antidepressants as well as nonstimulant drugs can aid.
Medications for adults with ADHD can be patches, pills or liquids. They can improve concentration and decrease impulsive behavior. They are prescribed by doctors when stimulants fail to perform or cause adverse side effects.
1. Strattera
Strattera, the brand name of atomoxetine is an effective ADHD medication for adults. Strattera differs from stimulant medications like Adderall that boost dopamine, norepinephrine, and other neurotransmitters in the brain. Strattera reduces ADHD symptoms without doing this. Dr. Zishan, a Texas psychiatrist and regional director of Mindpath Health, says that Strattera does not cause you to feel more energetic or increase anxiety. It can control impulse-driven behaviors, without causing more jitteriness. He suggests that atomoxetine may be a great option for those who are worried about the use of substances or have medical reasons for avoiding stimulants.
Doctors define Strattera as a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. It's an antidepressant drug that alters the brain's functions by changing its use of norepinephrine. Dr. Zand notes that Strattera is usually prescribed to treat depression, but it is also used to treat ADHD. It could be especially helpful for people who suffer from comorbid ADHD with anxiety. It's usually prescribed in lower doses at first and then increased gradually depending on the person's weight and their age.
The most frequently reported adverse effect is drowsiness. Other common effects include nausea and changes in appetite. medication for adhd is a drug that interacts with many other medications which include stimulants. It should not be taken with clonidine, or other drugs that inhibit monoamine oxidase. It is more difficult to work than stimulants and may take up to 24 hours to disappear. In certain instances, doctors will recommend combining Strattera with stimulants, like adding Adderall to Ritalin to increase the effects of each. This is not very common, and should only be done under the guidance of a medical professional. The FDA has also issued a black-box warning on Strattera warning that the drug could cause serious and even fatal liver problems in certain people.
2. Methylphenidate
Methlphenidate is part of a class of drugs known as central nervous stimulants. It also treats the condition known as narcolepsy (a sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness and abrupt episodes of sleep). Methlphenidate is a drug that alters the levels of certain natural substances within your brain. It is available only with a prescription.
Stimulants help by boosting and balancing neurotransmitters in the brain. Most people with ADHD prefer these drugs as their first choice. However, they can cause side effects such as stomach upset, insomnia and problems with concentration. Consult your physician about the side effects that you are experiencing. If they are severe the doctor might recommend a different medication for you.
If you or your child is taking methylphenidate, it's important to tell your doctor about all other medicines you are taking. Some medicines can interact with methylphenidate, and have dangerous adverse effects. It is important to let your doctor know if you have a history of seizures, depression or other mental health problems.
Some people with ADHD do not respond to methylphenidate. In this instance, your doctor will recommend alternative ADHD medication, such as atomoxetine and lisdexamfetamine. Psychological treatments like behavioural therapy may be helpful for some patients suffering from ADHD.
Methlphenidate comes in short-acting and long-acting forms. The short-acting tablet begins to work within an hour. It is taken two or three times daily for a 24-hour effect. The long-acting tablets, chewable tablets and granules build up in your bloodstream slower and last longer than the short-acting version. Some patients are allergic the chemical methylphenidate. Your physician will check for the allergy prior to prescribing it.
3. Atomoxetine
Although stimulant medications are the first choice for ADHD treatment, it can cause side effects that are difficult to accept. Nonstimulant medications are a good option for people who cannot take stimulant drugs or do not respond to them. Nonstimulants increase the capacity of ADHD patients to pay attention, manage impulses, and to reduce hyperactivity. These drugs build up slowly in the body. This allows the medication to work over a longer period of time, and also prevents symptoms from returning when the drug wears off. These medications come in different strengths and are absorbed as pills or capsules. Certain medications are long-acting, lasting up to 16 hours. Many people will test several medications before they discover the one that works for them.
Atomoxetine is an antidepressant which has been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD in children and adults. It is part of a class of drugs known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). This class of drugs increases the levels of norepinephrine, which helps to decrease impulsivity and increase concentration. It is less likely to cause adverse effects such as anxiety or agitation than other stimulant medication.
Before beginning any new medication, it's important to consult your physician. It could take a few weeks before you notice any changes in your symptoms, but you should continue taking the medication as directed. Your doctor will track your progress and adjust your dosage if needed.
These antidepressants haven't been tested specifically for ADHD. They are usually prescribed when you suffer from other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression, cannot take stimulants, or have an history of substance abuse. Bupropion, a popular off-label drug, has been shown to be effective in certain people.
4. Wellbutrin/Zyban
It is up to you whether or not you decide to start taking medication as an adult to treat ADHD. Around 70%-80% of adults who are prescribed medications find significant improvement in their symptoms, however it's important to discuss the benefits and dangers of any treatment with your doctor prior to making an informed decision. If you decide to use medication for ADHD the dosage and schedule might change as time passes.
Stimulants, the most common treatment for ADHD are used to boost and balancing the levels of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. There are alternatives to stimulants that aren't as harmful for people who are unable to tolerate stimulants because of health problems or severe side effects. Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera, is the first nonstimulant that has been approved for ADHD. It helps by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. Another antidepressant, Venlafaxine (Effexor) can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms, though more studies are needed to confirm this.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), in addition to the medications listed above can help you alter unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to ADHD. In sessions, you'll develop techniques like moderation and reassessing your all-or-nothing mentality, and reducing negative self-talk. You can take CBT alone or in a group.
Bupropion, atypical antidepressant, is sometimes used to treat ADHD off-label. It works by affecting dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain to improve concentration and mood. Wellbutrin can be used in three daily 150 mg to 450 mg doses. However, your doctor might start you with a lower dose. It is not recommended to take Wellbutrin if you have a history of seizure disorders, eating disorders, or glaucoma.
5. Effexor
Venlafaxine, also known as Effexor, is an antidepressant that can also be effective in treating ADHD. Like stimulants, it functions by altering dopamine and norepinephrine levels. It's not FDA approved as an treatment for ADHD however, it is frequently prescribed off-label, particularly when stimulant drugs cause side effects that are unpalatable or are contraindicated. Other antidepressants, like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and duloxetine (Cymbalta) are also able to aid in reducing ADHD symptoms in certain people.
Two blood pressure medications--guanfacine ER (Kapvay) and clonidine SR (Kapvay)--are also effective nonstimulant ADHD medications. Both drugs work by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain, which improves communication between nerve cells. They also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, which makes them a good option for people suffering from ADHD who are depressed or anxious.
Certain stimulants can increase the risk of heart problems in young people and high school students, therefore nonstimulant ADHD drugs have become increasingly popular among these groups too. Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera is a stimulant that increases norepinephrine. Guanfacine and clonidine affect alpha-2 receptors in the mind to reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Some people's effectiveness with non-stimulant medications decreases with time. Your medical history, the genetics of your family, and the response to medications will determine the most effective solution for you. Many people with ADHD will try several different medications over time to find what works best for them. It is also normal to adjust your dosage as you progress. This is particularly relevant when changes in your life are significant. Talk to your doctor about the most appropriate medication for your needs. Then, you can choose the ones that will allow you to live your life to the fullest.