The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
Stimulants are the most effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. They aid in regulating levels of two chemical signals in the brain that regulate attention.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is the most effective treatment for adhd available for adults. It comes as an oral capsule that can be taken either with or without food. Many people find it to be efficient. It also lasts longer than the shorter-acting stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate.
1. Strattera
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a non-stimulant ADHD medication, meaning it works differently from stimulant drugs like Adderall. It affects the brain chemical that regulates impulse control behavior and attention. Most people who use Strattera see significant improvement in their symptoms, however individual responses can vary. Whether the drug is effective for you is dependent on your symptoms and other factors, such as overall health and genetics.
Stimulants like Ritalin or Vyvanse release the amphetamine, methylphenidate, into your body quickly which increases concentration and decreases hyperactivity. These drugs can cause side effects like insomnia and a higher risk of having seizures and heart problems as well as sudden movements and noises, such a throat clearing. The stimulant drugs can also cause the tics of adults suffering from Tourette's syndrome. Strattera is a great option for adults with ADHD who wish to stay clear of stimulant medication or do not want to suffer their negative effects.
The most common dose of Strattera, 40 milligrams once daily in morning. The doctor might recommend smaller doses or two divided doses. You should not exceed 80 mg per dose. Certain studies have proven that taking the medication first thing 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 safer to take than other ADHD medication. It's not a perfect fit for everyone so your doctor may recommend other medications first before suggesting Strattera. It is recommended to inform your doctor about any positive or negative changes in your mood, thoughts or behavior while taking Strattera. The FDA warns that the drug may increase your risk of suicidal thinking, especially early in treatment and after the dose is changed.
2. Qelbree
Qelbree is a trademarked medicine that doctors prescribe to adults suffering from ADHD. It's part of the class of drugs known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. In a study funded by the manufacturer Supernus Pharmaceuticals, researchers found that during a six-week study the drug reduced ADHD symptoms for some adults. It also improved performance in some patients and reduced the degree of impulsivity.
Alongside helping with hyperactivity and inattention, the medication can help those suffering from bipolar disorder and depression. Before you begin taking the medication it is essential to discuss your symptoms and goals with your physician. Your doctor may also suggest therapies that are able to be used along with medication to improve the overall outcome of your treatment.
Stimulant drugs like Adderall and Ritalin are typically considered the first choice for people with ADHD however, they might not be the best choice for all. Nonstimulant medications like Qelbree or Strattera are ideal for those who are unable to tolerate stimulants or suffer from side effects.
Nonstimulant drugs, unlike stimulants that can result in dependence and abuse are not affecting the brain areas responsible for attention or increase the levels of natural brain chemicals. They can also reduce symptoms without jitters and headaches as well as stomachaches, sleeplessness and weight loss related to stimulants.
Although doctors aren't sure how Qelbree works in the brain, they believe it increases the amount of norepinephrine available and decreases dopamine. Norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter, helps to regulate impulses and concentration.
Qelbree is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for adults and children 6 years and older. It is an oral capsule taken every day at a moderate dosage that can be increased.
3. Bupropion
In addition to psychosocial therapy doctors frequently prescribe medication to treat ADHD. The most popular of first-line medications is stimulant drugs. They aid in reducing symptoms and perform better at home, work or at school. There are many different medicines available, and some people might need to try a variety of before settling on the one that is right for them. GPs are able to recommend specific brands of medication and will provide regular check-ups in order to ensure they're working properly.
Nonstimulant drugs can also be prescribed by doctors. These drugs don't have the same effects as stimulants and are more suitable for people with heart problems. They can help reduce impulsivity and improve concentration and focus.
Bupropion, more commonly referred to as Wellbutrin, is an antidepressant used to treat ADHD. It increases levels of dopamine, the chemical messenger. It also slightly increases levels of norepinephrine which can help calm people down and improve impulse control. Doctors can give it either as an immediate-release or extended-release tablet. The tablet that works immediately is faster. The extended-release tablet is slower but lasts longer.
Inform your doctor if you have ever taken any other medications that are not prescription drugs and supplements. Certain medications like Guanfacine or clonidine can interact with the medication.
If you have a comorbidity your doctor may consider alternative options for medication including an SSRI or an SNRI. Both were developed to treat depression and anxiety. They also help improve ADHD by reducing impulsivity, improving the quality of life and attention, and reducing the amount of impulsivity.
The GP can also recommend patients to psychological therapy like CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). CBT is a type of therapy that has proven to be effective for people with ADHD. It helps people with ADHD new ways of thinking and behavior. It can also improve family relationships and lives.
4. Guanfacine
Guanfacine works in a completely different manner than stimulants. It slows down the activity in certain brain areas to control the impulsive behavior. It is available as a guanfacine tablet (Tenex) or extended-release tablet under brand name Intuniv. It could take a few weeks before the full effects of the medication are evident. Doctors usually begin patients on a low dosage and increase it gradually.
It isn't clear how guanfacine treats ADHD, but it could help by reducing the levels of norepinephrine in specific brain regions which control the impulsivity. It is also believed to reduce blood pressure. In a study of eight weeks, guanfacine significantly reduced ADHD symptoms compared with placebo. The improvement was not as drastic but it was comparable to stimulants.
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 aged between the age of 6 and 17 years or if a medical condition makes it unsafe to take stimulants.
Stimulants increase and balance levels of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They can enhance focus, concentration and the ability to focus. Nonstimulant medicines, such as atomoxetine and bupropion, reduce the speed at which the brain absorbs these neurotransmitters. medication for adhd can be used as a part of an overall treatment plan that incorporates treatment for behavioral disorders.
Lisdexamfetamine stimulates specific parts of the brain. It improves concentration, improves impulsivity and focus, and may also be prescribed to adults and teenagers when methylphenidate treatment hasn't improved 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 do not improve after at least six weeks of treatment with methylphenidate or other stimulants.
5. Clonidine
Clonidine is part of a group of drugs referred to as alpha-adrenergic inhibitors. These medications increase blood circulation by relaxing blood vessels. Clonidine may also help reduce the frequency of diarrhea.
At first it was FDA approved it to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is now used to address a variety of ailments and symptoms, including depression and anxiety. Clonidine can also help those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.
Your doctor may prescribe it as a patch or tablet. It is usually employed in conjunction with other ADHD medications. This medication must be taken exactly as prescribed or it will not work. Clonidine is available as the brand-name drug Kapvay and also as a generic version, clonidine ER (Kapvay XR).
The dose for adults is 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 dosage that is the highest daily amount.
Clonidine has been found to be effective in improving the quality of sleep, a common side effect of stimulant medication. Clonidine can also assist in reducing stimulant side effects like jitteriness, aggression and tics. However, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine suggests trying behavioral strategies for insomnia prior to prescribing medications.
Clonidine is known to interact with several other medications, including sedatives and antipsychotics. In addition, it may increase the risk of having seizures in certain people. Clonidine may also raise your blood pressure and heart rate, so you should let your doctor be aware of any medication you're taking or if you have an medical background. It is also essential to reduce the dose after stopping clonidine, since sudden withdrawal can result in high blood pressure, headaches tension in the chest and nervousness among other signs.