The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically prescribed stimulants. They aid in regulating levels of two chemical signals in the brain which control attention.
The most effective medication for adhd for adults is Strattera (atomoxetine). adult adhd medication is an oral capsule that can be taken either with or without food. The majority of people find it to be effective. It lasts longer than stimulants with an action time that is shorter like amphetamine or methylphenidate.
1. Strattera
Strattera (atomoxetine), a nonstimulant ADHD drug, performs differently from stimulant medications like Adderall. It alters brain chemicals that regulate impulse control, attention and behavior. Most people who use Strattera notice a significant improvement in their symptoms, but the individual's responses may vary. Whether the drug is effective for you depends on your symptoms as well as other factors, including your overall health and genetics.
Stimulants, such as Ritalin and Vyvanse release amphetamine methylphenidate into your body quickly, which improves focus and decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity. These medications can have side effects such as difficulty sleeping as well as a higher risk of seizure and heart issues, tics or sudden noises and movements, such a throat clearing. The stimulant drugs can also cause tics in adults who have Tourette's syndrome. Strattera is a good option for people with ADHD who wish to avoid stimulant medication or cannot tolerate its side effects.
The most common dose of Strattera, 40 milligrams once each day in the morning. Doctors may start you on a lower dose or suggest two divided doses. You should not take more than 80 mg daily. A few studies have demonstrated that taking the medication early in the morning is more effective than taking it later in the evening.
A benefit of Strattera is that it's not a controlled substance, which makes it less risky than other ADHD medication. But it doesn't work well for everyone, so your doctor may consider other medications before recommending this one. It is important to inform your doctor about any negative or positive changes in your mood, thoughts, or behaviors while you are taking Strattera. The FDA warns the drug may increase the risk of suicide, particularly when you are first starting treatment and your dose is altered.
2. Qelbree
Qelbree is a brand-name medication that doctors prescribe to adults with ADHD. It belongs to a class of drugs called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. In a study funded by the manufacturer Supernus Pharmaceuticals, researchers found that over the course of a six-week test, the drug reduced ADHD symptoms for a few adults. It also improved performance and decreased impulsivity in some patients.
Alongside helping with hyperactivity and inattention, the medication can help with bipolar disorder and depression. It is essential to talk to your doctor about your symptoms and goals prior to taking the medication. Your doctor can also suggest therapy, which could be used in conjunction with medication to enhance the overall outcomes of treatment.
Adderall, Ritalin and other stimulant medications are usually the first choice for those with ADHD. However they may not be suitable for everyone. Non-stimulant drugs such as Qelbree or Strattera are good for those who are not able to take stimulants or have side effects.
Nonstimulant medications in contrast to stimulants that could cause dependence and abuse, do not affect the parts of the brain responsible for attention or increase the levels of natural brain chemicals. They also can reduce symptoms without headaches and jitters, stomachaches, sleeplessness, and weight loss associated with stimulant use.
Although doctors aren't sure how Qelbree works in the brain they believe that it increases the quantity of norepinephrine in the brain and decreases dopamine. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate impulses and concentration.
Qelbree is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat adults and children ages 6 years and over. It is a capsule for oral use that is taken every day at a low dose that can be increased.
3. Bupropion
Doctors often prescribe medication to treat ADHD in addition to psychosocial treatment. The gold standard of first-line medications is stimulant drugs. They help improve symptoms and help you function better at work, at home or school. Some people might need to test a variety of medicines before they find the one that is most suitable for them. GPs can suggest specific brands of medications and provide regular follow-ups to ensure they're functioning well.
Nonstimulant medications may be prescribed by a doctor. These drugs don't have the same effects as stimulants and are safer for people suffering from heart conditions. They can reduce the impulsivity of people and increase concentration and focus.
Bupropion (also also known as Wellbutrin) is an antidepressant used to treat ADHD. It boosts the levels of dopamine which is a chemical messenger and norepinephrine. This helps to calm people and improves impulse control. Doctors can prescribe it either as an immediate-release or extended-release tablet. The immediate-release tablet is more efficient. The extended-release tablet works slower and lasts longer.
Tell your doctor if have ever taken any other medications, including over-the counter drugs and supplements. Certain medications like clonidine or guanfacine can interfere with the medication.
If you suffer from a comorbidity, your doctor might suggest alternative options for medication, such as an SSRI or an SNRI. Both are drugs originally developed to treat depression and anxiety. They can also reduce ADHD symptoms by decreasing impulsivity, and improve mood, focus and attention.
Doctors can also recommend patients to psychological therapy such as CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). This is a talking treatment that has proven to be effective for people suffering from ADHD. It teaches those with ADHD new ways of thinking and acting. It can also improve family relationships and life in general.
4. Guanfacine
Guanfacine is completely different from stimulants. It reduces activity in certain areas of the brain to control the impulsive behavior. It is available as an immediate-release tablet Guanfacine (Tenex), or extended-release tablets with the brand name Intuniv. It could take a few weeks before the full effects of the medication are evident. Doctors typically start patients on a low dosage and gradually increase it.
It isn't known how guanfacine treats ADHD however, it is believed to help by reducing the levels of norepinephrine in certain brain regions that regulate impulsivity. It is also believed to lower blood pressure. In one eight-week study Guanfacine was found to reduce ADHD symptoms when compared with placebo. The improvement was not as dramatic as seen with stimulants, however.
This medication is usually only prescribed for ADHD when stimulants like amphetamine-dextroamphetamine (Adderall) are not tolerated or do not produce adequate results. It can also be employed when the person is a child between the ages of 6 and 17 years or if a medical condition makes it unsafe to take stimulants.
Stimulants balance and increase levels of neurotransmitters within the brain, including norepinephrine and dopamine. They can help improve focus, concentration and impulsiveness. Nonstimulant medicines, such as bupropion and atomoxetine slow down the rate at which the brain absorbs these neurotransmitters. They can be employed in conjunction with behavioral therapy as part of a complete treatment plan.
Lisdexamfetamine stimulates certain areas of the brain. It improves concentration, improves impulsiveness and focus, and can be prescribed to teenagers and adults if methylphenidate treatment has not improved symptoms. Lisdexamfetamine is the best choice medication for children older than 5 years old with ADHD. However, it can also be prescribed to adults and teenagers who have not seen improvement in their symptoms after six weeks of treatment.
5. Clonidine
Clonidine belongs in a class of drugs called alpha-adrenergic antagonists. These medications improve blood circulation by relaxing blood vessels. Clonidine can also reduce diarrhea.
In the beginning, the FDA approved it to treat high blood tension (hypertension). It is used to treat a broad variety of symptoms and conditions like depression and anxiety. Clonidine is also effective for those suffering from IBS.
It is available as a patch or tablet and can be prescribed by your physician. It is frequently used in combination with other ADHD medication. It is essential to take this medication according to the directions otherwise it will not be effective. Clonidine comes in two forms: the brand-name Kapvay and the generic version of clonidine (KapvayXR).
Adults are given 0.1 mg taken orally before the time of sleeping. The dosage can be increased in increments of 0.1 mg each week until your physician determines the dose that is the most effective for you.
Clonidine is effective in enhancing the quality of sleep. This is a common side-effect of stimulant medications. Clonidine also helps in reducing stimulant side effects such as aggression, jitteriness and tics. However the American Academy of Sleep Medicine suggests experimenting with methods to manage insomnia prior to prescribing medication.
Clonidine is recognized to interact with a variety of other medications, such as sedatives and antipsychotics. It can also increase the risk of seizure in some people. Clonidine can also raise your heart rate and blood pressure and heart rate, so it is important to let your doctor know about any medications you take or if you have an medical background. It's also important to taper the dose when discontinuing clonidine as abrupt withdrawal could cause high blood pressure, headaches tension in the chest nervousness, and other symptoms.