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 within the brain that regulate the ability to pay attention.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is the most effective medication for adhd available for adults. It is available as 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 an action time that is shorter like amphetamine or methylphenidate.
1. Strattera
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a nonstimulant ADHD medication, which means it works differently from stimulant drugs like Adderall. It affects brain chemicals that regulate the ability to control impulses, attention, and behavior. Strattera is effective for a majority of people, however, the results for each individual will differ. Whether the drug is effective for you is dependent on your symptoms as well as other factors, such as your overall health and genetics.
Stimulants like Ritalin or Vyvanse release amphetamine, also known as methylphenidate, into your body quickly which increases your concentration and reduces hyperactivity. These drugs can cause adverse effects, including trouble sleeping, an increased risk of having seizures and heart problems, and the tics, or sudden movements and sounds, like clearing the throat. The stimulant drugs can also cause the tics of adults with Tourette’s syndrome. Strattera is a great option for those with ADHD who want to avoid stimulant medication or do not want to suffer their side effects.
The most common dose of Strattera is 40 milligrams every day in the morning. The doctor may suggest lower doses or two doses. You should not exceed 80 mg per dose. Certain studies have shown that taking the medication in the morning can be more effective than when it is taken in the evening.
Strattera has the benefit of not being a controlled substance. This makes it more secure than other ADHD medication. It doesn’t work for everyone so your doctor might try other medications first before suggesting Strattera. You should tell your doctor about any positive or negative changes in your mood, thoughts or behaviors while you are taking Strattera. The FDA warns that the drug can increase your risk of suicidal thoughts, especially early in treatment and as your dose is altered.
2. Qelbree
Qelbree (viloxazine extended-release) is a brand name drug that doctors prescribe to treat ADHD in adults. It belongs to the class of drugs known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. In a study sponsored by Supernus Pharmaceuticals the researchers found that the drug decreased ADHD symptoms in some adults after a six-week test. It also improved performance in certain patients and reduced the amount of impulsivity.
In addition to helping with inattention and hyperactivity, the medication can help with bipolar disorder and depression. Before you start taking the medication, it’s important to discuss your symptoms and your goals with your doctor. Your doctor may also recommend treatments that can be used along with medication to improve the overall results of your treatment.
Adderall, Ritalin and other stimulant medications are usually the first choice for those with ADHD. However they may not be appropriate for everyone. People who are unable to tolerate stimulants or experience other adverse reactions can benefit from nonstimulant medications such as Qelbree and Strattera.
Unlike stimulants, which have the potential for abuse and dependence, nonstimulant drugs don’t increase the amount of natural brain chemicals or affect parts of the brain that are involved in concentration. They can also help reduce symptoms without the anxiety, headaches nausea, stomachaches, insomnia or weight loss that are associated coping with adhd without medication stimulants.
Qelbree is believed to increase the availability of dopamine and reduce norepinephrine levels in the brain. Doctors are not sure how it works. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that helps control impulses and concentration.
Qelbree has been endorsed by the Food and Drug Administration to treat children and adults six years and up. It is a pill or oral capsule that is taken one time a day at a dose that is low at first and can be titrated up.
3. Bupropion
Doctors often prescribe medication to treat ADHD in addition to psychosocial therapies. The most common first-line, or gold standard, medications are stimulant drugs. They help improve symptoms and help you function better at work, home or school. Some people may have to try several different medications before settling on one that works best for them. GPs are able to recommend specific brands of medicines and provide regular follow-ups to make sure they’re functioning properly.
Nonstimulant drugs can also be prescribed by doctors. These medications don’t cause the same effects as stimulants, and are safer for those who suffer from heart issues. They can help reduce impulsivity, improve concentration and focus.
Bupropion, more commonly referred to as Wellbutrin, is an antidepressant used to treat ADHD. It boosts levels of dopamine, the chemical messenger. It also slightly increases the levels of norepinephrine which helps to calm people down and improve their control over impulses. Doctors may prescribe it as a tablet with immediate-release or extended-release. The tablet with immediate release is more effective. The extended-release tablet is slower and lasts longer.
It is essential to inform your doctor about any other medicines you’re taking or have taken in the past such as over-the-counter medications and supplements. Certain medications like Guanfacine and clonidine may interact with the medication.
If you suffer from a comorbidity, your doctor might suggest other medication options, such as an SSRI or SNRI. Both were created to treat anxiety and depression. They can also improve ADHD by cutting down on impulsivity, enhancing concentration and mood, and decreasing impulsivity.
GPs may also refer patients to psychotherapy, like CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy). CBT is a form of therapy that involves talking that has been proven to help people with ADHD. It teaches people who have treating adhd without medication new ways of thinking and acting. It can also improve family relationships and lives.
4. Guanfacine
Guanfacine is totally different from stimulants. It slows down activity in certain areas of the brain to regulate impulsive behavior. It is available as a guanfacine tablet (Tenex) or extended-release tablets under the brand name Intuniv. It could take several weeks to feel the full effect of the non medication treatment for adhd. Doctors typically start patients with a low dose and gradually increase the dosage.
It is not known what the effects of guanfacine on ADHD, but it could help by reducing the levels of norepinephrine in certain brain regions that control impulsivity. It is also thought to lower blood pressure. In a study of eight weeks the guanfacine drug reduced ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo. The improvement was not as dramatic however, as it was with stimulants.
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 recommended for children age of 6-17, or when a medical condition renders stimulants dangerous.
Stimulants balance and increase levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. They can enhance concentration, focus, and the ability to focus. Nonstimulant drugs, like bupropion and atomoxetine, reduce the speed at which the brain absorbs these neurotransmitters. They can be used as part of the treatment plan which includes the use of behavioral therapy.
Lisdexamfetamine stimulates certain regions of the brain, which improves concentration, improves impulsivity and focus, and can also be given to teens and adults when methylphenidate treatment hasn’t ameliorated symptoms. Lisdexamfetamine is a first-choice medication for children over 5 with ADHD however it is also available to adults and teens who’s symptoms do not improve after at least six weeks of treatment methylphenidate or other stimulants.
5. Clonidine
Clonidine is part of a category of drugs known as alpha-adrenergic antagonists. These drugs improve blood circulation 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 used to treat a broad range of conditions and symptoms such as depression and anxiety. Clonidine can also help those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.
Your doctor might prescribe it as a patch or tablet. It is usually used in conjunction with other ADHD medication. This medication must be taken 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 prior to the time of sleeping. The dosage can be gradually increased by 0.1 mg every week until your physician determines what the maximum daily dose is.
Clonidine is effective in improving sleep quality. This is a typical effect of stimulant medications. Clonidine is also helpful in reducing the negative effects of stimulants such as aggression, jitteriness and tics. However it is recommended that the American Academy of Sleep Medicine suggests experimenting with techniques to combat insomnia before prescribing medication.
Clonidine has been known to interact negatively with other medications, such as sedatives, antipsychotics, and sedatives. In addition, it may increase the risk of seizures in certain individuals. Clonidine can also increase your blood pressure and heart rate, so you should let your doctor be aware of any medication you’re taking or if you have an medical background. It is also important to taper off clonidine gradually, as sudden withdrawal can cause high pressure, headaches or chest tightness. It can also cause nervousness.