The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
Adults with ADHD are typically prescribed stimulants. They help adjust levels of two chemical messengers within the brain that control the attention.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is the most effective adhd medication available for adults. It is available in a capsule that can either be taken with food or without. Many people find it to be efficient. It also lasts longer than the shorter-acting stimulants, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine.
1. Strattera
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a non-stimulant ADHD drug, functions differently from stimulant medications such as Adderall. It alters brain chemicals that regulate impulse control, attention and behavior. Strattera is effective for a majority of people, but the individual response will differ. How effective the medication is for you is dependent on your symptoms as well as other factors, like your overall health and genetics.
Stimulants such as Ritalin or Vyvanse release the amphetamine, methylphenidate, into your body in a rapid manner which increases your concentration and decreases hyperactivity. These drugs can cause adverse effects, including trouble sleeping and an increased risk of developing seizures and heart issues, as well as tics, or sudden movements and sounds, such as clearing the throat. The stimulant drugs can also cause the tics of adults suffering from Tourette's syndrome. Strattera is a great option for those with ADHD who wish to stay clear of stimulant medications or cannot tolerate their negative effects.
The most common dose of Strattera is 40 milligrams daily in morning. Doctors may start you on smaller doses or suggest two doses. You should not exceed 80 mg per day. Some studies have shown that taking the medication early in the morning is more effective than taking it at night.
The benefit of Strattera is that it's not a controlled substance, making it safer to take as opposed to other ADHD medication. However, it's not suitable for every person, so your physician might try other medications prior to recommending this one. Talk to your doctor if notice any changes in your mood or behavior after taking Strattera. The FDA warns the drug may increase your risk of suicide, particularly when you first begin treatment and the dose is changed.
2. Qelbree
Qelbree (viloxazine extended-release) is a brand name drug that doctors prescribe to treat ADHD in adults. It belongs to a class of medications known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. In a study conducted by Supernus Pharmaceuticals the researchers found that the drug reduced ADHD symptoms in some adults after a six-week test. It also improved performance and decreased impulsivity in some patients.
The medication can also help those suffering from bipolar disorder and depression. It is important to speak with your doctor about your symptoms and goals before taking it. Your doctor may also recommend therapies that are able to be used with medication to enhance the overall results of your treatment.
Adderall, Ritalin and other stimulant medications are often the first choice for those who suffer from ADHD. However they may not be appropriate for everyone. Non-stimulant drugs like Qelbree or Strattera are suitable for people who cannot tolerate stimulants, or have side effects.
Nonstimulant drugs like stimulants, which can lead to abuse and dependence they do not affect the brain regions responsible for attention or increase the levels of natural brain chemicals. They also can alleviate symptoms without anxiety, headaches, stomachaches, insomnia and weight loss that can be associated with stimulant use.
Although scientists aren't certain how Qelbree functions in the brain they believe that it increases the amount of norepinephrine available and reduces dopamine. Norepinephrine is an important neurotransmitter in the brain that helps regulate impulses and improve focus.
Qelbree has been endorsed by the Food and Drug Administration to treat children and adults 6 years and older. It is an oral capsule that is taken every day at a low dosage that can be increased.
3. Bupropion
In addition to psychosocial therapy doctors may prescribe medications to treat ADHD. The most commonly prescribed first-line, or gold standard, drugs are stimulant drugs. They improve symptoms and help people perform better at school, work or at home. Some people might need to try a variety of different medications before finding the one that works best for them. Physicians can recommend specific brands of medication and conduct regular follow-ups to ensure they're functioning well.
Nonstimulant drugs can also be prescribed by doctors. These medications don't have the same effects as stimulants, and are safer for people with heart problems. They can reduce impulsivity, increase focus and concentration.
Bupropion (also known as Wellbutrin) is an antidepressant medication used to treat ADHD. It increases the levels of dopamine which is a chemical messenger and norepinephrine. This helps calm people down and improves impulse control. Doctors can prescribe it either as an immediate-release or extended-release tablet. The tablet with immediate release is more efficient. The extended-release tablet is slower, but lasts longer.
Tell your doctor if have ever taken any other medications, including over-the counter drugs and supplements. Certain medications, such as Guanfacine and clonidine, may interact with the medication.
If you have a comorbidity, your doctor may suggest other options for treatment like an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) or an SNRI (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor). Both drugs were originally designed to treat anxiety and depression. They can also aid in the treatment of ADHD by cutting down on impulsivity, enhancing concentration and mood, and decreasing impulsivity.
Doctors can also refer patients to psychological therapy like CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). CBT is a form of therapy that involves talking that has been proven to aid people with ADHD. adhd and depression medication helps people with ADHD new ways of thinking and behaving. It can also aid in improving family relationships and life in general.
4. Guanfacine
Guanfacine is completely different from stimulants. It slows down the activity in certain brain regions to manage impulse-driven behavior. It is available in the form of a guanfacine tablet (Tenex) or an extended-release tablet under the brand name Intuniv. It could take a few weeks before the full effects of the medication are evident. Doctors usually begin patients on a lower dose and gradually increase the dosage.
It isn't known what the effects of guanfacine on ADHD, but it could help by reducing the levels of norepinephrine in certain brain regions which control impulsivity. It is also believed to decrease blood pressure. In a study of eight weeks Guanfacine was found to reduce ADHD symptoms when compared with placebo. This improvement was not as significant, however, as with stimulants.
This medication is usually only prescribed for ADHD when stimulants like amphetamine-dextroamphetamine (Adderall) are not tolerated or do not produce adequate results. This medication is often prescribed for children between the ages 6-17 or when a medical condition renders stimulants unsafe.
Stimulants boost and balance levels of neurotransmitters, like dopamine and norepinephrine that are found in the brain. They can aid in improving focus, concentration and impulsiveness. Nonstimulant medicines, such as bupropion and atomoxetine, slow down how quickly the brain absorbs these neurotransmitters. They can be used as a part of a treatment plan that includes the use of behavioral therapy.
Lisdexamfetamine stimulates certain areas of the brain, increases concentration, improves impulsivity and concentration, and can also be given to teens and adults if methylphenidate treatment has not ameliorated symptoms. Lisdexamfetamine is a first-choice drug for children who are over 5 years old with ADHD however, it is also available to teenagers and adults who's symptoms don't improve after at least six weeks of treatment with methylphenidate or other stimulants.
5. Clonidine
Clonidine belongs in a class of drugs called alpha-adrenergic antagonists. These medications increase blood circulation by relaxing blood vessels. Clonidine can also help to reduce the frequency of diarrhea.
In the beginning it was FDA approved it to treat high blood tension (hypertension). It is now used to address various ailments and symptoms, including depression and anxiety. Clonidine can also assist those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.
Your doctor might prescribe it as a tablet or patch. It is often used in combination with other ADHD medications. The medication must be taken according to the directions or it won't work. Clonidine is available as the brand-name drug Kapvay and as the generic version, clonidine ER (Kapvay XR).
Adults are advised to take 0.1 mg of the medication orally prior to the time of bed. The dosage can be increased by increments of 0.1 mg each week until your doctor determines the maximum daily dose.
Clonidine is effective at improving the quality of sleep. This is a common side-effect of stimulant medications. Clonidine can also assist in reducing the effects of stimulants like jitteriness, aggression, and tics. However, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends trying techniques to combat insomnia prior to prescribing medication.
Clonidine is known to interact with several other medications, such as sedatives and antipsychotics. Additionally, it can increase the risk of having seizures in some individuals. Clonidine use can also raise your heart rate and blood pressure, so it's important to let your doctor know whether you're taking other medications or have an history of medical issues. It's also important to taper the dose after stopping clonidine as abrupt withdrawal could result in high blood pressure, headache and chest tightness nervousness, and other signs.