The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually prescribed stimulants. They assist in adjusting the levels of two chemical messengers in the brain that regulate the ability to pay attention.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is the most effective medication for adhd available for adults. It is available in a capsule that can either be taken with food or without food. It is effective for a majority of people. It is also more effective than more sedatives, like methylphenidate or amphetamine.
1. Strattera
Strattera (atomoxetine), a nonstimulant ADHD drug, functions differently than stimulant drugs like Adderall. It affects brain chemical that regulates impulse control, behavior and attention. Strattera is effective for the majority of people, but individual responses can be different. The effectiveness of the drug for you depends on your symptoms as well as other factors, like general health and genetics.
Stimulants like Ritalin or Vyvanse release amphetamine, methylphenidate, into your body quickly which increases concentration and reduces hyperactivity. These drugs can cause side effects such as difficulty sleeping and a higher risk of having seizures and heart issues and sudden movements and noises like the clearing of your throat. The stimulant drugs can also cause tics in adults who have Tourette's syndrome. Strattera is a good choice for adults with ADHD that want to avoid stimulant medication or cannot tolerate its negative side effects.
The most common dose of Strattera is 40 milligrams each day in the morning. Doctors may start you on smaller doses or suggest two doses. You should not take more than 80 mg per day. Certain studies have shown that taking the medication in the morning is more effective than when it is taken in the evening.
Strattera has the advantage of not being controlled substances. This makes it safer than other ADHD medication. It's not for everyone, so your doctor may recommend other medications first before recommending Strattera. Tell your doctor if you notice any changes in your mood or behavior after taking Strattera. The FDA warns that the drug can increase your risk of suicidal thoughts particularly early in treatment and when your dose is adjusted.
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 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 the performance of some patients and reduced the degree of impulsivity.
The medication can also help with depression and bipolar disorders. Before you begin taking the medication it is essential to discuss your symptoms and goals with your doctor. Your doctor can also recommend therapy, which can be added to medication to improve the overall outcome of your treatment.
Adderall, Ritalin and other stimulant drugs are typically the first choice for people who suffer from ADHD. However they might not be appropriate for everyone. Those who cannot tolerate stimulants or have other side effects can benefit from nonstimulant medicines like Qelbree and Strattera.
Nonstimulant medicines like stimulants, which can result in dependence and abuse, do not affect the parts of the brain responsible for attention or increase the levels of the natural brain chemicals. They also reduce symptoms without the anxiety, headaches stomachaches, insomnia, and weight loss associated with stimulants.
Although doctors aren't sure how Qelbree affects the brain they believe it boosts the quantity of norepinephrine in the brain and reduces dopamine. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate impulses and improve focus.
Qelbree has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat adults and children ages 6 years and over. adhd treatment without medication is a capsule for oral use 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 therapies. The most popular first-line or gold standard, drugs are stimulant drugs. They aid in reducing symptoms and help you function better at work, at home or at school. There are many different medications available, and some may require a number of tests before they find the right one. Doctors can recommend specific brands of medicines and will provide regular check-ups to make sure they're working properly.
Doctors may also prescribe nonstimulant medication. These drugs are less dangerous for those with heart problems and don't have stimulant effects. They can decrease impulsivity, enhance focus and concentration.
Bupropion, commonly known as Wellbutrin is an antidepressant that's also used to treat ADHD. It increases levels of dopamine, a chemical messenger, and norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter. This helps to calm people down and improves their impulse control. Doctors can prescribe it as a tablet with immediate-release or extended-release. The immediate-release tablet works faster. The extended-release tablet performs slower and lasts longer.
It is essential to inform your doctor about any other medication you are taking or have previously taken, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Certain medications, like clonidine and guanfacine, can interact with the medication.
If you are suffering 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 drugs were originally designed to treat depression and anxiety. They can also improve ADHD symptoms by decreasing impulsivity and improving mood, focus and attention.
GPs may also refer patients for psychological therapy, for example CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy). CBT is a type of therapy that has proven to be effective for people with ADHD. It can teach people with ADHD new ways of thinking and behaving. It can also improve family relationships and improve the quality of life for children.
4. Guanfacine
Guanfacine is completely different from stimulants. It decreases the activity of certain brain areas to control impulse-driven behavior. It is available as a guanfacine tablets (Tenex) or an extended-release tablet under the brand name Intuniv. It could take a few weeks to feel the full effects of the medication. Doctors typically start patients on a low dosage and increase it gradually.
It isn't clear how guanfacine can help treat ADHD however it is believed to result in a decrease in norepinephrine production in certain areas of the brain that control attention and impulsivity. It is also believed to lower blood pressure. In one eight-week study Guanfacine was found to reduce ADHD symptoms when compared with placebo. The results were 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 is also sometimes used when the person is an infant between the ages of 6 and 17 years or if a medical condition makes it unsafe to take stimulants.
Stimulants balance and increase levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They can help improve focus, concentration and the ability to focus. Nonstimulant medications, such as bupropion and atomoxetine slow down the rate at which the brain absorbs these neurotransmitters. They can be used as a part of an overall treatment plan that incorporates treatment for behavioral disorders.
Lisdexamfetamine stimulates certain regions of the brain, increases concentration, improves impulsiveness and focus, and may be given to teens and adults if methylphenidate treatment has not improved symptoms. Lisdexamfetamine is a first-choice treatment for children over 5 with ADHD however, it is also available 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 class of medications known as alpha-adrenergic Agonists. These drugs increase blood flow by relaxing blood vessels. Clonidine may also help reduce the frequency of diarrhea.
Initially, it was approved by the FDA to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is used to treat a broad range of conditions and symptoms such as depression and anxiety. Clonidine is also effective for those suffering from IBS.
Your doctor may prescribe it as a patch or tablet. It is usually used in conjunction with other ADHD medication. The medication must be taken exactly as prescribed or it won't work. Clonidine is available as a brand-name drug Kapvay and as the generic version, clonidine (Kapvay XR).
The dose for adults is 0.1 mg taken orally at bedtime. The dose can be gradually increased by 0.1 mg every week until your doctor determines what the daily maximum dose is.
Clonidine is effective at improving the quality of sleep. This is a typical side-effect of stimulant drugs. Clonidine can also assist in reducing stimulant side effects such as aggression, jitteriness, and tics. However, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends trying behavioral strategies for insomnia before prescribing medication.
Clonidine has been known to interact negatively with other medications such as antipsychotics, sedatives and sedatives. It may also increase the risk of having seizures in certain people. Clonidine may also raise your heart rate and blood pressure, so you should let your doctor be aware of any medications you take or if there is a medical history. It is also essential to reduce the dose when discontinuing clonidine as abrupt withdrawal can result in high blood pressure, headache, chest tightness and nervousness among other symptoms.