The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
Adults with ADHD are typically prescribed stimulants. They aid in adjusting levels of two chemical messengers in the brain that regulate the attention.
The most effective adhd medication for adults is Strattera (atomoxetine). It is available in capsules that can be taken with food or without. Many people find it to be effective. It lasts longer than stimulants that have a shorter duration of action like amphetamine and methylphenidate.
1. Strattera
Strattera (atomoxetine), a nonstimulant ADHD drug, works differently from stimulant medications like Adderall. It alters the brain chemical that regulates impulse control behavior and attention. Strattera is effective for a majority of people, but the individual response may differ. The effectiveness of the drug is contingent on your symptoms and other factors, such as overall health and genetics.
Stimulants, such as Ritalin and Vyvanse release amphetamine methylphenidate in your body quickly, which enhances concentration and reduces hyperactivity and impulse control. These drugs can have adverse effects such as difficulty sleeping, increased risk of seizure and heart issues and abrupt movements and noises like the clearing of your throat. Stimulant drugs can also exacerbate the tics of adults suffering from Tourette's syndrome. Strattera is a good option for people with ADHD who want to avoid stimulant medications or cannot tolerate their side effects.
The most commonly used dose of Strattera, 40 milligrams once every day in the morning. The doctor may suggest a lower dosage or two divided doses. It is recommended not to exceed 80 mg per dose. Some studies suggest that taking the medication in the morning is more effective than taking it in the evening.
Strattera has the benefit of not being a controlled substance. This makes it safer than other ADHD medications. However, it's not suitable for everyone, so your doctor might try other medications prior to making a recommendation for this one. You should tell your doctor about any negative or positive changes in your mood, thoughts or behaviors while you are taking Strattera. The FDA warns that the drug could increase the risk of suicide, especially when you are first starting treatment and your dosage is adjusted.
2. Qelbree
Qelbree (viloxazine extended-release) is a brand-name drug that doctors prescribe to treat ADHD in adults. It belongs to the class of drugs known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. In a study conducted by Supernus Pharmaceuticals the researchers found that the drug decreased ADHD symptoms in some adults after a test lasting six weeks. It also improved performance in certain patients and decreased the degree of impulsivity.
The medication can also assist those suffering from bipolar disorder and depression. Before taking the medication, it is important to discuss your symptoms and goals with your physician. Your doctor may also suggest treatments that can be used along with medication to improve the overall results of your treatment.
Adderall, Ritalin and other stimulant medications are often the first choice for people with ADHD. However they might not be appropriate for all. Those who cannot tolerate stimulants or have other side effects can benefit from nonstimulant medicines like Qelbree and Strattera.
Contrary to stimulants, which have the potential to be addictive and dependence, nonstimulant drugs don't increase the amount of natural brain chemicals or affect the areas of the brain that are involved in concentration. They also help reduce symptoms without headaches, jitters, stomachaches, sleeplessness, and weight loss associated with stimulants.
Although scientists aren't certain how Qelbree affects the brain they believe that it increases the quantity of norepinephrine in the brain and reduces dopamine. Norepinephrine is an important neurotransmitter in the brain that helps regulate impulses and focus.
Qelbree is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for adults and children 6 years or older. It is an oral capsule that is taken every day at a low dosage that can be increased.
3. Bupropion
Doctors frequently prescribe medications to treat ADHD in addition to psychosocial treatment. The gold standard of first-line medications is stimulant medication. They can help alleviate symptoms and help you function better at work, home 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. Physicians can recommend specific brands of medication and offer regular check-ups to make sure they're working well.
Nonstimulant drugs can be prescribed by a doctor. These drugs don't have the same effects as stimulants, and are safer for people who suffer from heart issues. They can reduce impulsivity and improve concentration and focus.
Bupropion, also known as Wellbutrin is an antidepressant used to treat ADHD. It boosts levels of the chemical messenger dopamine and slightly increases levels of norepinephrine, which can help reduce stress and improve their control over impulses. Doctors can prescribe it as a tablet with immediate-release or extended-release. The tablet that works immediately is quicker. The extended-release tablet performs slower and lasts longer.
It's important to tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking or have previously taken including prescription drugs and supplements. Certain medications, such as Guanfacine and clonidine may interact with the medication.
If you suffer from a comorbidity, your physician might consider other medication options such as an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) or an SNRI (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor). Both are drugs originally developed to treat depression and anxiety. They can also improve ADHD symptoms by decreasing impulsivity, and improve the quality of life, focus and mood.
GPs may also refer patients for psychological therapy, such as CBT (cognitive behavior therapy). CBT is a type of therapy that has proven to be effective for people suffering from ADHD. It teaches people with ADHD new ways of thinking and acting. It can also aid in improving family relationships and improve the quality of life for children.
4. Guanfacine
Guanfacine is totally different from stimulants. It reduces activity in certain areas of the brain, allowing it 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 felt. Doctors usually begin patients on a low dose and gradually increase the dosage.
It is not clear how guanfacine can help treat ADHD however it is believed to work by decreasing norepinephrine in certain areas of the brain that control impulsivity and attention. It is also believed to lower blood pressure. In a study lasting eight weeks Guanfacine was found to reduce ADHD symptoms when compared with placebo. The improvement was not as drastic however, as it was 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. The medication is usually prescribed for children between the ages 6-17 or when a medical condition makes stimulants dangerous.
Stimulants boost and balance levels of neurotransmitters, like dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain. They can help improve concentration, focus and impulsiveness. Non-stimulant drugs, such bupropion and atomoxetine hinder the brain's ability to absorb these neurotransmitters. They can be utilized as part of a treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy.
Lisdexamfetamine stimulates certain areas of the brain, which improves concentration, improves impulsiveness and concentration, and can also be prescribed to teenagers and adults if methylphenidate treatment has not resulted in improvement of symptoms. Lisdexamfetamine is a first-choice treatment for children over 5 with ADHD, but it can be offered to adults and teens whose 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 flow by relaxing blood vessels. Clonidine may also help reduce the frequency of diarrhea.
In the beginning, it was approved by the FDA to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is now used to treat many conditions and symptoms, including depression and anxiety. adhd medications for adults is also beneficial for people with irritable Bowel Syndrome.
The doctor could prescribe it as a patch or tablet. It is usually used in conjunction with other ADHD medications. It is essential to use this medication in accordance with the directions or else it won't be effective. Clonidine is available as a brand-name drug Kapvay and also as a generic version, clonidine ER (Kapvay XR).
Adults are advised to take 0.1 mg of the medication orally prior to bedtime. The dose can be increased in increments of 0.1 mg each week until your doctor determines the dosage that is the highest daily amount.
Clonidine has been found to be effective in improving sleep quality, a common side effect of stimulant drugs. It can also help in decreasing the negative effects of stimulants like aggression, jitteriness and tics. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine suggests that behavioral strategies be tested prior to prescribing medication for insomnia.
Clonidine is well-known to interact with many other medications, including sedatives and antipsychotics. It may also increase the risk of having seizures in certain people. Clonidine can also increase your blood pressure and heart rate and heart rate, so it is important to let your doctor be aware of any medication you're taking or if you have an medical history. It is also essential to taper off clonidine gradually in order to avoid sudden withdrawal. This can cause high pressure, headaches, chest tightness and anxiety.