The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
Adults with ADHD are typically prescribed stimulants. They help adjust levels of two chemical messengers within the brain that regulate the ability to pay attention.
(Image: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Royal_College_of_Psychiatrists_logo.png)The most effective medication for adhd for adults is Strattera (atomoxetine). It is an oral capsule that can be taken either with or without food. The majority of people find it to be effective. It is also more effective than more sedatives, like amphetamine and methylphenidate.
1. Strattera
Strattera (atomoxetine) is a non-stimulant ADHD drug, functions differently than stimulant drugs such as Adderall. It alters brain chemicals that regulate impulse control, attention and behavior. Strattera is effective for the majority of people, but individual responses may differ. How effective the medication is for you is contingent on your symptoms as well as other factors, such as general health and genetics.
Stimulants such as Ritalin or Vyvanse release the amphetamine, methylphenidate, into your body rapidly which increases your concentration and reduces hyperactivity. These drugs can cause adverse effects, including trouble sleeping and an increased risk of developing seizures and heart problems, and the tics, or sudden movements and sounds, such as throat clearing. The stimulant drugs can also cause the tics of people with Tourette's syndrome. Strattera is a great option for those with ADHD who wish to avoid stimulant medications or who are unable to tolerate its negative side effects.
The most commonly used dose of Strattera is 40 milligrams every day in the morning. Doctors can start you on a lower dose or suggest two divided 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 when it is taken in the evening.
Strattera has the advantage of not being controlled substances. This makes it safer than other ADHD medications. It doesn't work for everyone so your doctor may suggest other medications first before giving you the recommendation for Strattera. Tell your doctor if you notice any changes in your mood or behavior while taking Strattera. The FDA warns that the drug could increase the susceptibility to suicidal thoughts, especially early in treatment and as your dose is adjusted.
2. Qelbree
Qelbree (viloxazine extended-release) is a brand name drug that doctors prescribe to treat ADHD in adults. It is part of the 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 following a six-week test. It also improved performance and decreased the level of impulsivity in certain patients.
In addition to assisting with inattention and hyperactivity In addition, the medication can assist with bipolar disorder and depression. Before you start taking the medication, it's important to discuss your symptoms and your goals with your physician. Your doctor can also recommend therapy, which can be used in conjunction with medication to enhance your overall treatment outcomes.
Stimulant medications like Adderall and Ritalin are usually considered first-choice for people with ADHD However, they may not work well for everyone. Nonstimulant medications like Qelbree or Strattera are suitable for people who are unable to tolerate stimulants or have adverse effects.
Unlike stimulants, which have the potential for abuse and dependence, non-stimulant medications do not increase the level of brain chemicals that are natural or affect the areas of the brain involved in attention. They also can reduce symptoms without headaches, jitters nausea, stomachaches, insomnia or weight loss that can be associated with stimulant use.
Although doctors aren't sure what Qelbree functions in the brain, they believe it increases the quantity of norepinephrine in the brain and decreases dopamine. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate impulses and improve focus.
Qelbree has been endorsed by the Food and Drug Administration to treat adults and children ages six years and up. It comes as an oral capsule that is taken once a day at a dose that is initially low and can be increased.
3. Bupropion
In addition to psychosocial therapy, doctors often prescribe medications to treat ADHD. The gold standard of first-line drugs is stimulant medication. They can help alleviate symptoms and perform 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 settling on the one that is right for them. Doctors can recommend specific brands of medications and can provide regular follow-ups to make sure they're working as intended.
Nonstimulant drugs can be prescribed by doctors. These medications don't have the same effects as stimulants and are safer for people suffering from heart conditions. They can reduce the impulsivity of people and increase concentration and focus.
Bupropion (also known as Wellbutrin) is an antidepressant medication used to treat ADHD. It increases levels of the chemical messenger dopamine and slightly increases levels of norepinephrine which help to calm people down and improve their control over impulses. Doctors can give it as an immediate-release or extended-release tablet. The tablet that works immediately is quicker. The extended-release tablet is slower, but lasts longer.
It is important to inform your doctor about any other medication you're taking or have taken in the past, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Certain medications, such as Guanfacine and clonidine may interact with the medication.
If you suffer from 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 are drugs originally developed to treat anxiety and depression. They can also aid in reducing ADHD by decreasing impulsivity, improving concentration and mood, and decreasing the amount of impulsivity.
The GP can also recommend patients to a psychological therapy, such as CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). It is a type of therapy that has been proven to aid people with ADHD. It teaches those with treating adhd without medication new ways of thinking and acting. It can also help improve family relationships and life in general.
4. Guanfacine
Guanfacine operates in a totally different way than stimulants. It slows down activity in certain areas of the brain, allowing it to control impulsive behavior. It is available as an immediate-release tablet, Guanfacine (Tenex), or extended-release tablets with the brand name Intuniv. It may take a few weeks to experience the full effects of the medication. Doctors typically begin patients on a lower dosage and gradually increase it.
It isn't known how guanfacine is used to treat starting adhd medication adults but it may help by reducing the levels of norepinephrine in certain brain areas that control impulsivity. It is also believed to lower blood pressure. In a study of eight weeks Guanfacine was found to reduce ADHD symptoms when compared with placebo. The 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. The medication is usually prescribed for children between the ages 6-17 or when a medical condition renders stimulants unsafe.
Stimulants regulate and boost levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, including norepinephrine and dopamine. They can improve concentration, focus and impulsiveness. Non-stimulant drugs, such bupropion and atomoxetine, reduce the brain's capacity to absorb these neurotransmitters. They can be utilized in conjunction with behavioral therapy as a part of a complete treatment plan.
Lisdexamfetamine stimulates certain areas of the brain and increases concentration and impulsiveness. It also increases focus and can be given to adults and teenagers when at least six weeks of treatment with methylphenidate has not helped their symptoms. Lisdexamfetamine is a first-choice drug for children who are over 5 years old with ADHD, but it is also available to adults and teens who's symptoms don't improve after at least six weeks of treatment with methylphenidate or other stimulants.
5. Clonidine
Clonidine is part of a class of medications called alpha-adrenergic agonists. These drugs improve blood circulation by relaxing blood vessels. Clonidine may also reduce diarrhea.
In the beginning it was approved by the FDA to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is now used to treat various conditions and symptoms, including depression and anxiety. Clonidine can also help people with irritable bowel syndrome.
It is available as a patch or tablet and can a doctor prescribe adhd medication without a diagnosis be prescribed by your physician. It is often used in combination with other ADHD medications. It's important to take this medication according to the instructions or else it won't be effective. Clonidine is available as the brand-name drug Kapvay and as the generic adhd medications version, clonidine ER (Kapvay XR).
Adults are advised to take 0.1 mg of the medication orally prior to bedtime. The dose can be gradually increased by 0.1 mg each week until your physician determines the dosage that is the highest daily limit is.
Clonidine is effective in improving the quality of sleep. It is a frequent side-effect of stimulant drugs. It also helps in reducing the side effects of stimulants like aggression, jitteriness and tics. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that behavioral strategies be tried before prescribing medications for insomnia.
Clonidine has been proven to interact negatively with other medications such as antipsychotics, sedatives and sedatives. It may also increase the risk of seizure in some people. Clonidine may also increase your heart rate and blood pressure, so it's important to let your doctor know whether you're taking other medications or have an history of medical issues. It's also crucial to decrease the dose when discontinuing clonidine as abrupt withdrawal can cause high blood pressure, headaches, chest tightness, nervousness, and other symptoms.