Blog entry by Vivian Call
The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
Stimulants are the most effective medication for adults with ADHD. They help adjust levels of two chemical messengers in the brain that control attention.
The most effective adhd medication for adults is Strattera (atomoxetine). It is an oral capsule that can be taken with or without food. It is suitable for the majority of people. It lasts longer than shorter-acting stimulants, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine.
1. Strattera
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a nonstimulant ADHD medication, which means it works differently from stimulant drugs like Adderall. It alters the brain chemical that regulates impulse control, behavior, and attention. Strattera is effective for a majority of people, but individual responses can be different. The effectiveness of the medication is dependent on your symptoms as well as other factors, such as your overall health and genetics.
Stimulants, including Ritalin and Vyvanse, release the amphetamine methylphenidate into your body quickly, which improves focus and reduces hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. These drugs can have side effects, including trouble sleeping, an increased risk of developing seizures and heart issues, as well as the tics, or abrupt movements and sounds, such as clearing the throat. Stimulant drugs can also exacerbate the tics of people with Tourette's syndrome. Strattera is a good choice for adults with ADHD who want to stay clear of stimulant medication or do not want to suffer its negative side effects.
The most common dose of Strattera, 40 milligrams once daily in morning. Doctors may recommend a lower dose or recommend two doses. It is recommended to not take more than 80 mg per day. Some studies suggest that taking the medication in the morning can be more effective than taking it in the evening.
A benefit of Strattera is that it's not a controlled substance, which makes it safer to take as opposed to other adhd medication (what google did to me). It doesn't work for everyone so your doctor may suggest other medications first before giving you the recommendation for Strattera. Talk to your doctor if notice any changes in your mood or behavior when taking Strattera. The FDA warns that the drug can increase your susceptibility to suicidal thoughts, especially early in treatment and when the dose is changed.
2. Qelbree
Qelbree is a brand name medicine that doctors prescribe to adults suffering from ADHD. It belongs to a class of drugs referred to as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors. In a study financed by the manufacturer Supernus Pharmaceuticals, researchers found that over the course of a six-week test, the drug reduced ADHD symptoms for a few adults. It also improved performance in some patients and reduced the degree of impulsivity.
The medication can also assist those suffering from bipolar disorder and depression. It is important to speak with your doctor about your symptoms and goals prior to starting the medication. Your doctor may also suggest therapy, which can be combined with medication to improve the overall outcome of your treatment.
Adderall, Ritalin and other stimulant medications are usually the first choice for those who suffer from ADHD. However they might not be appropriate for all. Nonstimulant medications such as Qelbree or Strattera are suitable for people who are unable to tolerate stimulants or suffer from side effects.
Nonstimulant drugs in contrast to stimulants that could cause 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 can alleviate symptoms without the anxiety, headaches stomachaches, insomnia, and weight loss associated with stimulant use.
Although scientists aren't certain how Qelbree works in the brain they believe it boosts the amount of norepinephrine available and reduces dopamine. Norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter, helps control impulses and concentration.
Qelbree has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat children and adults 6 years and over. It comes as an oral capsule that is taken one time each day at a dosage that is initially low and can be adjusted up.
3. Bupropion
Doctors often prescribe medication to treat ADHD in addition to psychosocial treatment. The most popular of first-line drugs is stimulant medication. They alleviate symptoms and help people perform better at school, work, or at home. Certain people may need to try several different medications before finding the one that works best medication for anxiety depression and adhd for them. Doctors can recommend specific brands of medication and can provide regular follow-ups in order to ensure they're functioning properly.
Doctors may also prescribe nonstimulant medication. These medications don't have the same effects as stimulants and are more suitable for people suffering from heart conditions. They can help reduce impulsivity, improve concentration and focus.
Bupropion, more commonly referred to as Wellbutrin, is an antidepressant that's also used to treat ADHD. It increases levels of the chemical messenger dopamine and slightly increases levels of norepinephrine, which helps to calm people and improve their control over impulses. Doctors can give it as an immediate-release or extended-release tablet. The tablet that works immediately is faster. The extended-release tablet is slower but lasts longer.
It is important to inform your doctor about any other medicines you're taking or taken in the past such as over-the-counter medications used to treat adhd and supplements. Certain medications like Guanfacine and clonidine may interfere with the medication.
If you suffer from an underlying condition, your doctor might consider other medication options such as an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) or an SNRI (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor). Both were created to treat depression and anxiety. They can also improve ADHD by cutting down on impulsivity, enhancing the quality of life and attention, and reducing the risk of impulsivity.
Doctors can also recommend patients to psychological therapy such as CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). This is a talking treatment that has proven to be effective for people with ADHD. It teaches people who have adhd and depression medication new ways of thinking and acting. It can also help improve family relationships and life in general.
4. Guanfacine
Guanfacine is completely different from stimulants. It reduces the activity in certain brain areas to control impulsive behaviour. It can be prescribed as an immediate-release tablet guanfacine (Tenex) or extended-release tablets under the brand name Intuniv. It could take a few weeks before the full effects of the medication are evident. Doctors usually start patients with a low dose and gradually increase the dosage.
It is not known how guanfacine treats ADHD but it may help by reducing the levels of norepinephrine in certain brain regions which control the impulsivity. 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 ages 6-17 or when a medical condition makes stimulants dangerous.
Stimulants boost and balance levels of neurotransmitters, like dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. They can help improve focus, concentration, and the ability to focus. Non-stimulant drugs, such bupropion and atomoxetine reduce the brain's capacity to absorb these neurotransmitters. They can be used as a part of the treatment plan which includes behavioral therapy.
Lisdexamfetamine stimulates certain areas of the brain. It also improves concentration and impulsiveness. It also increases focus and can be given to teenagers and adults when at least six weeks of treatment with methylphenidate have not resulted in improvement of their symptoms. Lisdexamfetamine is a first-choice drug for children over 5 with ADHD however, it is also available to adults and teens who's symptoms don't improve after at least six weeks of treatment 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 reduce diarrhea.
In the beginning, the FDA approved it to treat high blood tension (hypertension). It is used to treat a broad variety of symptoms and conditions including anxiety and depression. Clonidine can also assist people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.
Your doctor might prescribe it as a patch or tablet. It is often taken along with other ADHD medication. It is crucial to take this medication as directed, or it won't work. Clonidine is available under the brand name drug Kapvay and as the generic version, clonidine ER (Kapvay XR).
The dosage for adults is 0.1 mg taken orally at the time of sleeping. The dose can be gradually increased by 0.1 mg each week until your doctor determines the dosage that is the highest daily limit is.
Clonidine is effective in improving the quality of sleep. This is a common side-effect of stimulant medications. Clonidine can also assist in reducing the negative effects of stimulants such as aggression, jitteriness and tics. However, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine suggests experimenting with techniques to combat insomnia prior to prescribing medication.
Clonidine is known to interact with several other medications, including antipsychotics and sedatives. It can also increase the risk of having seizures in some people. Clonidine use can also raise your blood pressure and heart rate It is important to inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications or have a history of medical problems. It is also essential to reduce the dose when discontinuing clonidine, since sudden withdrawal can cause high blood pressure, headache and chest tightness nervousness, and other signs.