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 within the brain that control attention.

Strattera (atomoxetine) is the most effective treatment for adhd available for adults. It is available as a capsule that can either be taken with food or without food. The majority of people find it to be effective. It also lasts longer than the shorter-acting stimulants, such as methylphenidate or amphetamine.

1. Strattera

Strattera (atomoxetine) is a non-stimulant ADHD medication, meaning it functions differently than stimulant drugs like Adderall. It alters brain chemicals that regulate the control of impulses, attention and behavior. Strattera is effective for a majority of people, but individual responses can be different. The effectiveness of the drug for you is contingent on your symptoms and other factors, such as overall health and genetics.

Stimulants, like Ritalin and Vyvanse, release the amphetamine methylphenidate into your body quickly, which increases focus and decreases hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. These medications can cause side effects, such as trouble sleeping and an increased risk of developing seizures and heart problems, and the tics, or sudden movements and sounds, like clearing the throat. Stimulant drugs may also worsen tics in adults who have Tourette's syndrome. Strattera can be a good option for those with ADHD who want to stay clear of stimulant medication or cannot tolerate its side effects.

The most commonly used dose of Strattera is 40 milligrams taken once daily in the morning. The doctor may suggest a lower dosage or two doses. You should not exceed 80 mg daily. Certain studies have shown that taking the medication in the morning is more effective than in the evening.

A benefit of Strattera is that it's not a controlled substance, making it safer to take than many other ADHD medication. But it doesn't work well for all people, so your doctor may consider other medications before making a recommendation for this one. Talk to your doctor if notice any changes in your mood or behavior after taking Strattera. The FDA warns that the drug may increase your risk of suicidal thinking especially in the beginning of 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 belongs to the class of drugs known 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 decreased ADHD symptoms for some adults. It also improved performance and reduced the level of impulsivity in certain patients.

In addition to helping with inattention and hyperactivity, the medication can help with bipolar disorder and depression. It is essential to talk to your doctor about your medical issues and goals before taking it. Your doctor can also suggest therapy, which could be added to medication to improve the overall outcome of your treatment.

Stimulant drugs like Adderall and Ritalin are often considered to be the first-choice for people with ADHD however, they might not work well for all. Nonstimulant medicines like Qelbree or Strattera are ideal for those who are not able to take stimulants or have adverse effects.

Nonstimulant medications in contrast to stimulants that could result in dependence and abuse are not affecting the brain regions that are responsible for attention, nor do they increase the levels of natural brain chemicals. They can also help reduce symptoms without anxiety, headaches stomachaches, insomnia, and weight loss associated with stimulant use.

Although scientists aren't certain how Qelbree functions in the brain they believe it boosts the amount of norepinephrine available and reduces dopamine. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter and helps regulate impulses and concentration.

Qelbree is a drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for adults and children six years and over. It is a pill or oral capsule that is taken one time a day at a dose that is initially low and can be adjusted up.

3. Bupropion

In addition to psychosocial treatment, doctors often prescribe medications to treat ADHD. The most commonly prescribed first-line, or gold standard, medicines are stimulant drugs. They improve symptoms and help people be more productive at school, work, or home. There are many different medicines available, and some might need to try a variety of before they find the right one. Physicians can recommend specific brands of medicine and offer regular check-ups to ensure they're functioning well.

Nonstimulant medicines can be prescribed by doctors. These drugs don't have the same effects as stimulants, and are safer for those who suffer from heart issues. They can reduce impulsivity, improve concentration and focus.

Bupropion (also called Wellbutrin) is an antidepressant medication used to treat ADHD. It boosts the levels of dopamine, a chemical messenger, and norepinephrine. This helps to calm people down and improves their impulse control. Doctors may prescribe it as a tablet that has immediate-release or an extended-release. The immediate-release tablet works faster. The extended-release tablet performs slower and lasts longer.

Tell your doctor if have previously taken any other medication that are not prescription supplements and drugs. Certain medications, like Guanfacine and clonidine, may interact with the medication.

If you have a co-morbidity your doctor may consider other options for treatment, such as an SSRI or an SNRI. Both were developed to treat depression and anxiety. They can also reduce ADHD symptoms by reducing impulsivity and improving the quality of life, focus and mood.

Doctors can also refer patients to psychological therapy, for example CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy). This is a talking therapy that has been proven to help people with ADHD. It can teach people with ADHD new ways of thinking and behaving. It can also aid in improving family relationships and improve the quality of life for children.

4. Guanfacine

Guanfacine is completely different from stimulants. It decreases the activity of certain brain regions to regulate the impulsive behavior. It is available as a guanfacine tablets (Tenex) or extended-release tablet under brand name Intuniv. It may take a few weeks to experience the full effects of the medication. Doctors usually begin patients on a low dose and gradually increase the dosage.

It is not clear what the effects of guanfacine are on ADHD, but it may be able to help by reducing norepinephrine levels in certain regions of the brain that control attention and impulsivity. It is also thought to decrease blood pressure. In a study lasting eight weeks, guanfacine dramatically reduced ADHD symptoms when compared to placebo. This improvement was not as dramatic, however, as 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. It can also be employed when the person is an infant between the ages of 6 and 17 years or when a medical condition makes it unsafe to take stimulants.

Stimulants regulate and boost levels of neurotransmitters in your brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. They can improve concentration, focus and impulsiveness. Nonstimulant drugs, like bupropion and atomoxetine, slow down the rate at which the brain absorbs these neurotransmitters. They can be utilized as part of the treatment plan which includes the use of behavioral therapy.

Lisdexamfetamine stimulates specific parts of the brain, which improves concentration, improves impulsiveness and concentration, and can also be prescribed to adults and teenagers in the event that methylphenidate treatment have not resulted in improvement of symptoms. Lisdexamfetamine is the best medication for adhd treatment option for children who are older than 5 years old who suffer from ADHD. However, it can also be prescribed to teenagers and adults who have not seen improvement in their symptoms after six weeks of treatment.

5. Clonidine

Clonidine belongs in a class of drugs called alpha-adrenergic antagonists. These drugs increase blood flow by relaxing blood vessels. Clonidine can also reduce diarrhea.

Initially, the FDA approved it to treat high blood tension (hypertension). It is now used to treat many ailments and symptoms, such as anxiety and depression. Clonidine can also help those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.

It is available as a patch or tablet and can be prescribed by your physician. It is often used in conjunction with other ADHD medications. It's important to take this medication as directed, or it won't work. Clonidine is available under the brand name drug Kapvay and as a generic version, clonidine (Kapvay XR).

Adults are given 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 has determined the dosage that is the highest daily limit is.

Clonidine has been found to be effective in improving the quality of sleep as a frequent side effect of stimulant medication. Clonidine also helps in reducing the negative effects of stimulants such as aggression, jitteriness and tics. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine suggests that behavioral strategies are tested prior to prescribing medication for insomnia.

Clonidine is recognized to interact with a variety of other medications, such as sedatives and antipsychotics. Additionally, it could increase the risk of having seizures in some individuals. Clonidine can also increase your heart rate and blood pressure and heart rate, so it is important to let your doctor be aware of any medication you're taking or if there is any medical history. It's also crucial to decrease the dose when discontinuing the use of clonidine because abrupt withdrawal can result in high blood pressure, headache, chest tightness nervousness, and other signs.