The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
Stimulants are the first choice of medication for adults with ADHD. They assist in adjusting the levels of two chemical messengers in the brain that control the ability to pay attention.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is the most effective treatment for adhd available for adults. It comes as an oral capsule that can be taken with or without food. Most people find it efficient. It lasts longer than stimulants with less time to take effect like amphetamine and methylphenidate.
1. Strattera
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a non-stimulant ADHD medication, which means that it works differently from stimulant drugs like Adderall. It affects the brain chemical that regulates impulse control behavior and attention. The majority of people who take Strattera see significant improvement in their symptoms, although the individual's responses may vary. Whether the drug is effective for you is dependent on your symptoms as well as other factors, like general health and genetics.
Stimulants, such as Ritalin and Vyvanse release amphetamine methylphenidate in your body quickly, which improves focus and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. These drugs can have side effects, such as trouble sleeping, an increased risk of developing seizures and heart problems, and tics, or rapid movements and sounds such as throat clearing. These drugs can also increase the tics of people with Tourette's syndrome. Strattera is a good option for people with ADHD who wish to stay clear of stimulant medications or cannot tolerate their adverse effects.
The most commonly used dose of Strattera, 40 milligrams once every day in the morning. The doctor may suggest smaller doses or two divided doses. You should not take more than 80 mg per day. Some studies have shown that taking the medication first thing in the morning is more effective than taking it at night.
Strattera has the advantage of not being a controlled substance. This makes it more secure than other ADHD medications. However, it's not a good fit for every person, so your physician might try other medications prior to making a recommendation for this one. It is important to inform your doctor about any negative or positive changes in your mood, thoughts or behavior while you are taking Strattera. adhd medication online warns that the drug can increase your risk of suicidal thinking especially in the beginning of treatment and as your dose is adjusted.
2. Qelbree
Qelbree is a brand-name drug that doctors prescribe for adults with ADHD. It belongs to a class of medications known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. In a study conducted by Supernus Pharmaceuticals the researchers found that the drug reduced ADHD symptoms in a few 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 aid those suffering from bipolar disorder and depression. Before you begin taking the medication it's important to discuss your symptoms and your goals with your doctor. Your doctor may also suggest therapy that can be combined with medication to enhance the overall outcome of your treatment.
Adderall, Ritalin and other stimulant medications are often the first choice for those with ADHD. However they may not be effective for everyone. Nonstimulant medications such as Qelbree or Strattera are suitable for people who are unable to tolerate stimulants or have side effects.
Nonstimulant medicines like stimulants, which can result in dependence and abuse, do not affect the brain areas that control attention or increase the levels of the natural brain chemicals. They also can reduce symptoms without jitters and headaches as well as stomachaches, sleeplessness and weight loss caused by stimulants.
Although the doctors aren't quite sure what Qelbree functions in the brain they believe that it increases the quantity of norepinephrine in the brain and decreases 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 an oral capsule taken once daily at a low dosage that can be increased.
3. Bupropion
In addition to psychosocial therapy, doctors often prescribe medications to treat ADHD. The most commonly prescribed first-line, or gold standard, medications are stimulant drugs. They ease symptoms and aid people perform better at work, school or home. Certain people may need to try several different medications before finding the one that works best for them. Doctors can recommend specific brands of medicine and provide regular follow-ups to make sure they're working effectively.
Nonstimulant medications may also be prescribed by doctors. These drugs are less dangerous for people with heart conditions and don't cause stimulant effects. They can reduce impulsivity, improve concentration and focus.
Bupropion (also called Wellbutrin) is an antidepressant used to treat ADHD. It increases the levels of dopamine which is a chemical messenger and norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter. This helps calm people down and improves impulse control. Doctors may prescribe it as a tablet that has immediate-release or an extended-release. The tablet with immediate release is more effective. The extended-release tablet is slower but lasts longer.
It is important to inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking or have taken in the past, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Certain medications like Guanfacine and clonidine may interact with the medication.
If you are suffering from a comorbidity, your physician may suggest other options for treatment like an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) or an SNRI (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor). Both drugs were originally developed to treat depression and anxiety. They can also improve ADHD symptoms by decreasing impulsivity and improving mood, focus and attention.
GPs may also recommend patients to psychological therapy like CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). CBT is a form of therapy that involves talking that has been proven to help people suffering from ADHD. It helps people with ADHD new ways of thinking and behavior. It can also help improve family relationships and life in general.
4. Guanfacine
Guanfacine is totally different from stimulants. It decreases the activity of certain brain regions to manage impulsive behaviour. It is available as an immediate-release tablet Guanfacine (Tenex), or extended-release tablets with the brand name Intuniv. It could take a few weeks to see the full effects of the drug. Doctors typically start patients on a low dosage and gradually increase it.
It isn't known how guanfacine is used to treat ADHD but it may work by decreasing norepinephrine levels in certain brain areas which control impulsivity. It is also believed to lower blood pressure. In one eight-week study Guanfacine was found to reduce ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo. This improvement was not as significant 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 patient 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 within the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. They can help improve focus, concentration and impulsiveness. Nonstimulant drugs, such as bupropion and atomoxetine, hinder the brain's ability to absorb these neurotransmitters. They can be used as part of an overall treatment plan that incorporates the use of behavioral therapy.
Lisdexamfetamine stimulates certain parts of the brain and increases concentration and impulsiveness. It also improves focus and can be given to teenagers and adults when at least six weeks of treatment with methylphenidate has not helped their symptoms. Lisdexamfetamine is the best choice medication for children older than 5 years old who suffer from ADHD. However it can also be given to teens and adults who have not seen improvement in their symptoms after six weeks of treatment.
5. Clonidine
Clonidine belongs in a class of drugs referred to as alpha-adrenergic inhibitors. These drugs increase blood flow by relaxing blood arteries. Clonidine can also reduce diarrhea.
Initially it was awaited approval by the FDA to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is used to treat a wide variety of symptoms and conditions such as depression and anxiety. Clonidine can also be effective for people with IBS.
It is available as a tablet or patch and can be prescribed by your doctor. It is typically taken in conjunction with other ADHD medication. The medication must be taken as directed or it won't work. Clonidine comes in two forms: the brand-name Kapvay and the generic version (KapvayXR).
The dose for adults is 0.1 mg taken orally prior to bedtime. The dosage can be gradually increased by 0.1 mg each week until your doctor determines what the maximum daily dose is.
Clonidine has been shown to be effective in improving sleep quality, a common side effect of stimulant drugs. It's also useful for decreasing the negative effects of stimulants such as anxiety, jitteriness, and tics. However, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine suggests experimenting with techniques to combat insomnia prior to prescribing medications.
Clonidine is recognized to interact with a variety of other medications, such as sedatives and antipsychotics. In addition, it may increase the risk of having seizures for some individuals. Clonidine may also increase your heart rate and blood pressure and blood pressure, so it's crucial to inform your doctor whether you're taking other medications or have a history of medical problems. It's also important to taper the dosage when you stop taking clonidine, since sudden withdrawal could cause high blood pressure, headache, chest tightness, nervousness, and other symptoms.