The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically prescribed stimulants. They help regulate levels of two chemical messages in the brain that regulate the attention.
The most effective adhd medication for adults is Strattera (atomoxetine). It comes as an oral capsule that can be taken with or without food. Most people find it effective. It lasts longer than stimulants that have an action time that is shorter like amphetamine and methylphenidate.
1. Strattera
Strattera (atomoxetine), a nonstimulant ADHD drug, works differently than stimulant drugs like Adderall. It alters the brain chemical that regulates impulse control, behavior and attention. Strattera is effective for most people, but the individual response will differ. The effectiveness of the drug is contingent on your symptoms, as well as other factors like general health and genetics.
Stimulants such as Ritalin or Vyvanse release the amphetamine, methylphenidate, into your body quickly, which improves concentration and reduces hyperactivity. These drugs can have adverse effects, such as insomnia and a higher risk of having seizures and heart problems and abrupt movements and noises, such the clearing of your throat. These drugs can also increase tics in adults who have Tourette's syndrome. Strattera can be a good choice for adults with ADHD who wish to avoid stimulant medication or do not want to suffer its adverse effects.
The most common dosage of Strattera is 40 milligrams taken once daily in the morning. The doctor might recommend smaller doses or two doses. It is recommended to not take more than 80 mg daily. Certain studies have shown that taking the medication in the morning can be more effective than 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 all people, so your doctor may try other medications before making a recommendation for this one. Talk to your doctor if notice any changes in your mood or behavior when taking Strattera. The FDA warns that the drug may increase your risk of suicidal thinking especially in the beginning of treatment and as your dose is altered.
2. Qelbree
Qelbree (viloxazine extended-release) is a brand-name medication that doctors prescribe to treat ADHD in adults. It is part of the class of drugs referred to as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. In a study funded by the manufacturer Supernus Pharmaceuticals, researchers found that in a six-week trial the drug decreased ADHD symptoms in some adults. It also improved performance and decreased impulsivity in some patients.
The medication can also aid those suffering from bipolar disorder and depression. Before taking the medication, it is important to discuss your symptoms and your goals with your physician. Your doctor may also recommend therapy that can be combined with medication to improve the overall effectiveness 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. For those who are not able to take stimulants or suffer from other side effects can benefit from nonstimulant medicines like Qelbree and Strattera.
Unlike stimulants, which have the potential to be addictive and dependence, nonstimulant medications do not raise the levels of brain chemicals that are natural or affect the areas of the brain that are involved in attention. They also reduce symptoms without the anxiety, headaches nausea, stomachaches, insomnia or weight loss that are associated with stimulants.
Although doctors aren't sure how Qelbree works in the brain, they believe it increases the amount of norepinephrine available and reduces dopamine. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that helps control impulses and concentration.
Qelbree has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat adults and children ages six years and up. It is a pill or oral capsule that is taken once a day at a dose that is initially low and can be adjusted up.
3. Bupropion
Doctors frequently prescribe medications to treat ADHD in addition to psychosocial treatments. The most popular of first-line medications is stimulant medication. medication adhd adults aid in reducing symptoms and help you function better at home, work or school. Certain people may need to test a variety of medicines before they find the one that is most suitable for them. GPs are able to recommend specific brands of medication and can provide regular follow-ups to make sure they're working as intended.
Nonstimulant medicines can also be prescribed by doctors. These drugs don't have the same effects as stimulants, and are safer for people with heart problems. They can help reduce impulsivity and improve concentration and focus.
Bupropion, also known as Wellbutrin is an antidepressant that's also used to treat ADHD. It boosts levels of dopamine, a chemical messenger, and slightly increases the levels of norepinephrine which help to calm people down and improve their control over impulses. Doctors can prescribe it as a tablet that has immediate-release or an extended-release. The immediate-release tablet works quicker. The extended-release tablet is slower, but lasts longer.
It is essential to inform your doctor about any other medicines you're taking or have taken in the past including prescription drugs and supplements. Certain medications like Guanfacine or clonidine can interfere with the medication.
If you have a comorbidity, your physician may suggest other options for treatment such as an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) or an SNRI (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor). Both were designed to treat anxiety and depression. They also help improve ADHD symptoms by reducing impulsivity and improving the quality of life, focus and mood.
GPs may also refer patients for psychotherapy, like CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). CBT is a type of therapy that's proven to be helpful for those suffering from ADHD. It helps people with ADHD new ways of thinking and acting. It can also help improve relationships and family life.
4. Guanfacine
Guanfacine is completely different from stimulants. It slows down the activity in certain brain areas to control impulsive behaviour. It is available as an immediate-release tablet Guanfacine (Tenex) or extended-release tablets with the brand name Intuniv. It may take several weeks before the full effects of the medication are evident. Doctors typically begin patients on a lower dose and gradually increase the dosage.
It is not clear what the effects of guanfacine are on ADHD however, it could be able to help by reducing norepinephrine levels in certain areas of the brain that regulate attention and impulsivity. It also is believed to reduce blood pressure. In a study of eight weeks, guanfacine significantly reduced ADHD symptoms compared with placebo. The improvement was not as dramatic as those 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 is also used when the person is a child between the six 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 improve concentration, focus and impulsiveness. Nonstimulant medications, such as bupropion and atomoxetine, slow down how quickly the brain absorbs these neurotransmitters. They can be utilized as part of the treatment plan which includes the use of behavioral therapy.
Lisdexamfetamine stimulates certain areas of the brain and increases concentration and impulsiveness. It also increases focus and can be given to adults and teens if at least 6 weeks of treatment with methylphenidate has not improved their symptoms. Lisdexamfetamine should be the first treatment option for children who are older than 5 years old who suffer from ADHD. However it is also prescribed to teenagers and adults who's symptoms haven't improved after six weeks of treatment.
5. Clonidine
Clonidine belongs in a class of drugs known as 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 approved by the FDA to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is used to treat a wide variety of symptoms and conditions like depression and anxiety. Clonidine can also aid people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.
It is available in the form of a patch or tablet and can be prescribed by your doctor. It is typically used in conjunction with other ADHD medications. It's important to take this medication according to the instructions, or it won't work. Clonidine comes in two forms: the brand-name Kapvay and the generic version of clonidine (KapvayXR).
Adults are advised to take 0.1 mg before bedtime. The dosage can be increased in increments of 0.1 mg at weekly intervals until your doctor determines the dose that is the most effective for you.
Clonidine has been shown to be effective in improving sleep quality as a frequent side effect of stimulant medications. It can also help in decreasing the negative effects of stimulants, such as anxiety, jitteriness, and tics. However it is recommended that the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends trying techniques to combat insomnia before prescribing medication.
Clonidine is known to interact with several other medications, including sedatives and antipsychotics. It can also increase the risk of seizure in some people. Clonidine may also increase 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 is also essential to reduce the dose when discontinuing clonidine as abrupt withdrawal can result in high blood pressure, headache tension in the chest nervousness, and other symptoms.