The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
Stimulants are the first choice of medication for adults with ADHD. They help regulate levels of two chemical messages in the brain that control attention.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is the most effective adhd medication available for adults. It is available in capsules that can be taken with food or without. It is suitable for the majority of people. It is also more effective than more sedatives, like amphetamine and methylphenidate.
1. Strattera
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a non-stimulant ADHD drug, performs differently than stimulant drugs such as Adderall. It affects brain chemical that regulates impulse control behavior, and attention. Most people who use Strattera see a significant improvement in their symptoms, although individual responses can vary. Whether the drug is effective for you depends on your symptoms as well as other factors, including overall health and genetics.
Stimulants, such as Ritalin and Vyvanse release amphetamine methylphenidate within your body quickly, which increases focus and decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity. These medications can have side effects like insomnia, increased risk of seizure and heart problems and sudden noises and movements like a throat clearing. These drugs can also increase the tics of adults suffering from Tourette's syndrome. Strattera is a good option for people with ADHD who wish to stay clear of stimulant medication or do not want to suffer their side effects.
The most common dose of Strattera, 40 milligrams once every day in the morning. Doctors may recommend a lower dose or suggest two doses. It is recommended not to exceed 80 mg per dose. Some studies show that taking the medication in the morning can be 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. medication for adult add doesn't work for everyone so your doctor might try other medications before giving you the recommendation for Strattera. Inform your doctor if you notice any changes in your mood or behavior after taking Strattera. The FDA warns that the drug can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts especially in the beginning of treatment and when the dose is changed.
2. Qelbree
Qelbree is a trademarked drug that doctors prescribe for adults with ADHD. It's part of a class of drugs called selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. In a study sponsored 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 performance in certain patients and decreased impulsivity.
The medication can also assist with bipolar and depression. Before you begin taking the medication it's important to discuss your symptoms and goals with your physician. Your doctor can also suggest therapy, which could be used in conjunction with medication to enhance your overall treatment outcomes.
Stimulant medications like Adderall and Ritalin are often considered to be the first-choice for people with ADHD however, they might not be suitable for everyone. Nonstimulant medicines like Qelbree or Strattera are suitable for people who are unable to tolerate stimulants or suffer from side effects.
Nonstimulant drugs, unlike stimulants that can result in dependence and abuse they do not affect the brain areas that control attention or increase the levels of the natural brain chemicals. They also can alleviate symptoms without the headaches, jitters, stomachaches, sleeplessness, and weight loss that are caused by stimulant use.
Although scientists aren't certain how Qelbree works in the brain they believe that it increases the availability of norepinephrine and reduces dopamine. Norepinephrine is an important neurotransmitter in the brain that helps regulate impulses and improve focus.
Qelbree is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat children and adults 6 years and older. It is a capsule for oral use that is taken every day at a low dosage that can be increased.
3. Bupropion
In addition to psychosocial therapy doctors may prescribe medications to treat ADHD. The most effective of these medications is stimulant drugs. They aid in reducing symptoms and help you function better at work, at home or at school. There are many different medicines available, and some people might need to try a variety of before they find the right one. Doctors can suggest specific brands of medication and can provide regular follow-ups to ensure that they're working properly.
Nonstimulant medications may be prescribed by doctors. These drugs don't have the same effects as stimulants, and are safer for people who suffer from heart issues. They can help reduce impulsivity and improve concentration and focus.
Bupropion (also called Wellbutrin) is an antidepressant medication used to treat ADHD. It boosts levels of the chemical messenger dopamine and slightly increases levels of norepinephrine which helps to calm people and improve their control over impulses. Doctors may 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 important to inform your doctor about any other medicines you're taking or have taken in the past, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Certain medications such as Guanfacine or clonidine can interact with the medication.
If you have a comorbidity, your doctor may suggest other options for treatment such as an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) or an SNRI (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor). Both drugs were originally designed to treat anxiety and depression. They can also reduce ADHD symptoms by decreasing impulsivity and improving the quality of life, focus and mood.
Doctors can also recommend patients to psychological therapy such as CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). CBT is a form of therapy that involves talking that has been proven to benefit those suffering from ADHD. It helps people with ADHD new ways to think and behave. It can also improve family relationships and lives.
4. Guanfacine
Guanfacine works in a completely different way from stimulants. It decreases activity in specific areas of the brain to regulate impulse-driven behavior. It is available in the form of a guanfacine tablet (Tenex) or extended-release tablets under the brand name Intuniv. It could take a few weeks before the full effects of the medication begin to be felt. Doctors typically start patients on a low dosage and gradually increase the dosage.
It isn't clear what the effects of guanfacine are on ADHD however it is believed to be able to help by reducing norepinephrine levels in specific areas of the brain that control the impulsivity and attention. It is also believed to lower 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. This medication is often prescribed for children between the 6-17 years old or when a medical condition renders stimulants unfit for use.
Stimulants balance and increase levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They can enhance concentration, focus and impulsivity. Nonstimulant medications, like bupropion and atomoxetine slow down the brain's ability to absorb these neurotransmitters. They can be used in combination with behavioral therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment program.
Lisdexamfetamine stimulates specific parts of the brain. It improves concentration, improves impulsiveness and focus, and may be prescribed to adults and teenagers if methylphenidate treatment has not resulted in improvement of symptoms. Lisdexamfetamine should be the first choice for children older than 5 years old with ADHD. However, it can also be 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 class of medications known as alpha-adrenergic Agonists. These drugs increase blood flow by relaxing blood vessels. Clonidine can also help to reduce the frequency of diarrhea.
At first it was FDA approved it to treat high blood tension (hypertension). It is now used to address various ailments and symptoms, such as depression and anxiety. Clonidine can also be effective for those suffering from IBS.
The doctor could prescribe it as a tablet or patch. It is typically taken along with other ADHD medication. This medication must be taken according to the directions or it will not work. Clonidine comes in two forms: the brand name Kapvay, and the generic version clonidine (KapvayXR).
The dosage for adults is 0.1 mg taken orally before time of bed. The dosage can be increased by increments of 0.1 mg at weekly intervals until your physician determines the dosage that is the highest daily amount.
Clonidine is effective at improving sleep quality. It is a frequent effect of stimulant medications. It also helps in decreasing the negative effects of stimulants such as aggression, jitteriness and tics. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that behavioral strategies be tested prior to prescribing medication for insomnia.
Clonidine has been proven to interact negatively with other medications such as sedatives, antipsychotics, and sedatives. In addition, it may increase the risk of seizures in some individuals. Clonidine use can also raise your heart rate and blood pressure It is important to let your doctor know if you are taking any other medications or have a history of medical problems. It is also important to gradually reduce the dose of clonidine in order to avoid sudden withdrawal. This can cause headaches, high pressure, chest tightness and anxiety.