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 messages in the brain which control the attention.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is the most effective treatment for adhd available for adults. It is available in a capsule that can either be taken with food or without food. It is suitable for the majority of people. It lasts longer than stimulants that have less time to take effect like amphetamine and methylphenidate.
1. Strattera
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a non-stimulant ADHD drug, functions differently than stimulant drugs like Adderall. It affects the brain chemical that regulates impulse control, behavior, and attention. Most people who take Strattera see significant improvement in their symptoms, although individual responses can vary. How effective the medication is for you is dependent on your symptoms and other factors, like overall health and genetics.
Stimulants like Ritalin or Vyvanse release the amphetamine, methylphenidate into your body in a rapid manner which increases concentration and reduces hyperactivity. These medications can cause side effects, including trouble sleeping and an increased risk of seizures and heart issues, as well as the tics, or sudden movements and sounds, like clearing the throat. These drugs can also increase the tics of adults suffering from Tourette's syndrome. Strattera is a good choice for adults with ADHD who want to stay clear of stimulant medication or cannot tolerate its negative side effects.
The most common dosage of Strattera is 40 milligrams once daily in the morning. Doctors may recommend a lower dose or suggest two doses. You should not exceed 80 mg per dose. A few studies have demonstrated that taking the medication first thing in the morning is more effective than taking it at night.
Strattera has the advantage of not being controlled substances. This makes it more secure than other ADHD medication. It's not a perfect fit for everyone so your doctor might try other medications first before giving you the recommendation for Strattera. You should tell your doctor about any negative or positive changes in your mood, thoughts or behavior while you are taking Strattera. The FDA warns that the drug could increase the susceptibility to suicidal thoughts especially in the beginning of treatment and when the dose is changed.
2. Qelbree
Qelbree is a brand-name medication that doctors prescribe to adults with ADHD. It's part of a class of medications known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. In a research study sponsored by Supernus Pharmaceuticals the researchers found that the drug decreased ADHD symptoms in a few adults after a six-week test. It also improved performance in certain patients and decreased impulsivity.
The medication can also assist with bipolar and depression. Before you start taking the medication, it is important to discuss your symptoms and goals with your doctor. Your doctor may also recommend therapies that are able to be used 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 suitable for all. People who are unable to tolerate stimulants or have other adverse reactions can benefit from non-stimulant drugs like Qelbree and Strattera.
Nonstimulant drugs, unlike stimulants that can lead to abuse and dependence, do not affect the brain areas that are responsible for attention, nor do they increase the levels of natural brain chemicals. They also help reduce symptoms without jitters and headaches and stomachaches, insomnia, and weight loss related to stimulant use.
Although the doctors aren't quite sure what Qelbree functions in the brain they believe that it increases the availability of norepinephrine and reduces dopamine. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate impulses and concentration.
Qelbree is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for adults and children aged 6 years and older. It is a capsule for oral use that is taken once daily at a low dosage that can be increased.
3. Bupropion
Doctors often prescribe medication to treat ADHD in addition to psychosocial treatment. The most common first-line, or gold standard, medications are stimulant drugs. They ease symptoms and aid people perform better at school, work or home. Certain people may need to try a variety of different medications before settling on one that works best for them. GPs are able to recommend specific brands of medication and provide regular follow-ups to ensure that they're working properly.
Doctors can also prescribe nonstimulant medication. These medications are less risky for people suffering from heart disease and don't cause stimulant effects. They can help reduce impulsivity, improve concentration and focus.
Bupropion, commonly known as Wellbutrin is an antidepressant used to treat ADHD. It boosts levels of dopamine, a chemical messenger, and slightly increases levels of norepinephrine, which can help calm people down and improve impulse control. Doctors can prescribe it in the form of an immediate-release or extended release tablet. The tablet that works immediately is faster. The extended-release tablet works slower and lasts longer.
Tell your doctor if have previously taken any other medication, including over-the counter supplements and drugs. Certain medications, such as clonidine or guanfacine can interact with the medication.
If you are suffering from a comorbidity, your physician may recommend other treatment options like an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) or an SNRI (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor). Both are drugs originally developed to treat anxiety and depression. They also help aid in reducing ADHD by decreasing impulsivity, improving the quality of life and attention, and reducing the risk of impulsivity.
Doctors can also refer patients to psychological therapy such as CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). This is a talking therapy that has been proven to help people suffering from ADHD. It teaches people who have ADHD new ways to think and behave. It can also aid in improving family relationships and improve the quality of life for children.
4. Guanfacine
Guanfacine is a drug that works in a completely different way from stimulants. It decreases activity in specific areas of the brain to control impulse-driven behavior. medications for adhd is available as a guanfacine tablets (Tenex) or extended-release tablet under brand name Intuniv. It could take a few weeks to see the full impact of the medication. Doctors usually start patients on a low dosage and gradually increase the dosage.
It isn't clear how guanfacine can help treat ADHD however it is believed to result in a decrease in norepinephrine production in certain regions of the brain that control attention and impulsivity. It is also thought to reduce blood pressure. In a study of eight weeks, guanfacine reduced ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo. This 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. The medication is usually prescribed for children between the age of 6-17, or when a medical condition renders stimulants unsafe.
Stimulants balance and increase levels of neurotransmitters in your brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. They can aid in improving concentration, focus and impulsiveness. Non-stimulant drugs, such bupropion and atomoxetine, reduce the brain's capacity to absorb these neurotransmitters. They can be employed in conjunction with behavioral therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment program.
Lisdexamfetamine stimulates certain areas of the brain, which improves concentration, improves impulsiveness and focus, and may be prescribed to teenagers and adults when methylphenidate treatment hasn't ameliorated symptoms. Lisdexamfetamine is the best treatment option for children who are older than 5 years old with ADHD. However it is also prescribed to adults and teenagers who have not seen improvement in their symptoms after six weeks of treatment.
5. Clonidine
Clonidine is part of a group of drugs referred to as alpha-adrenergic inhibitors. These drugs increase blood flow by relaxing blood vessels. Clonidine can also help reduce diarrhea.
Initially it was FDA approved it to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is now used to treat various ailments and symptoms, such as depression and anxiety. Clonidine can also assist those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.
The doctor could prescribe it as a tablet or patch. It is frequently used in combination with other ADHD medications. The medication must be taken according to the directions or it will not work. Clonidine is available in two forms: the brand name Kapvay and the generic version (KapvayXR).
Adults are given 0.1 mg taken orally prior to bedtime. The dosage can be gradually increased by 0.1 mg every week until your doctor has determined what the daily maximum dose is.
Clonidine is effective in improving the quality of sleep. This is a common side-effect of stimulant medications. It also helps in lessening the adverse effects of stimulants, such as aggression, jitteriness and tics. However the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends trying behavioral strategies for insomnia prior to prescribing medication.
Clonidine is recognized to interact with a variety of other medications, including antipsychotics and sedatives. In addition, it may increase the risk of seizures for some individuals. Clonidine can also raise your heart rate and blood pressure Therefore, you should inform your doctor be aware of any medication you're taking or if there is a medical background. It is also important to gradually decrease the dosage of clonidine and gradually, since abrupt withdrawal could cause high pressure, headaches or chest tightness. It can also cause anxiety.