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ADHD Medication For Adults - What is the Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults?

Stimulant drugs are the foundation of ADHD treatment, but they don't work for all people. Antidepressants as well as nonstimulant drugs can aid.

Adults who suffer from ADHD can be patches, pills, or liquids. They can improve concentration and decrease the impulsive behavior. Doctors often prescribe them if stimulants don't work or cause side effects.

1. Strattera

Strattera is a brand-name for atomoxetine. It is a highly effective ADHD medication for ADHD. Contrary to stimulant medications such as Adderall, which increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain to reduce ADHD symptoms, Strattera works differently. It won't give you energy or cause your heart to beat and can help you control impulsive behavior without increasing anxiety or jitteriness, says Dr. Zishan Khan, a psychiatrist based in Texas and regional medical director at Mindpath Health. Dr. Khan says that atomoxetine could be a great option for those who are worried about the effects of substance abuse or have medical reasons to avoid stimulants.

Strattera is classified by doctors as a selective Norepinephrine-Reuptake Inhibitor, an antidepressant that affects the brain's use of Norepinephrine. It's usually prescribed to treat depression, but it can also be used to treat ADHD as well, and can be particularly beneficial for people suffering from co-occurring ADHD and anxiety, says Dr. Zand. It's typically prescribed at smaller doses to start, then increased gradually based on the person's weight and their age.

The most frequent adverse effects include drowsiness, nausea, and changes in appetite. Strattera can interact with several medications which include stimulants. It should not be taken in conjunction with Clonidine or any other medication that inhibit monoamine oxidase. It takes longer for it to work and can last for up to 24 hours. Doctors might suggest mixing Strattera and stimulants to extend the effects. For example, adding Adderall to Ritalin. This isn't a common practice, and should only be done with the advice of a medical professional. The FDA has also placed an advisory in the black-box for Strattera, indicating that the drug can cause serious and even fatal liver problems in certain individuals.

2. Methylphenidate

Methlphenidate is an ADHD medication that falls within the class of medications known as central nervous system stimulants. It also treats Narcolepsy (a sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness as well as frequent attacks of sleep). Methlphenidate works by changing the levels of certain natural substances within your brain. This medication is only available with a prescription.

Stimulants boost and balance the levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. Many people suffering from ADHD opt for them as their first choice. However, they do have negative side effects like stomach upset, insomnia, and difficulty with concentration. Consult your physician about the side effects that you are experiencing. If they are severe, he or she might recommend a different medication for you.

If you or your child are taking methylphenidate, it's important to inform your doctor about any other medicines you are taking. Certain medicines may interact with methylphenidate and can cause harmful adverse effects. You should also inform your doctor whether you have a history of depression, seizures or other mental health problems.


Some people suffering from ADHD don't respond to methylphenidate. In this instance your doctor may suggest alternative ADHD medication, such as atomoxetine and lisdexamfetamine. Psychological treatments, such as behavioral therapy can be helpful for some people with ADHD.

Methlphenidate is available as short-acting tablets and long-acting tablets. The short-acting tablet starts working within an hour. It is taken two or three times per day for a 24 hour effect. Long-acting tablets enter the bloodstream slowly and last longer. Your doctor will check for allergy to methylphenidate before prescribing the drug.

3. Atomoxetine

While stimulant medications are the first option for ADHD treatment, it could have side effects which are difficult to accept. Nonstimulant medications are an excellent option for people who cannot tolerate stimulant medications or are not able to respond to them. Nonstimulants increase the capacity of ADHD patients to pay attention, to manage impulses, and to reduce hyperactivity. These drugs are slow to work and accumulate in the body over time. This allows the medication to work over a longer period of time and keeps symptoms from recurring when the drug has worn off. These medications are usually taken in capsules or pills and are available in a variety of strengths. Certain medications are long-acting and lasting up to 16 hours. Many people will try several medications before they find the one that is right for them.

Atomoxetine is an antidepressant that has been FDA approved to treat ADHD both in children and adults. It belongs to a group of medications known as selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). This class of medications increases the amount of norepinephrine. This can help to decrease impulsivity and increase concentration. It is also less likely to cause side effects such as agitation and anxiety as other stimulant medications.

Before beginning any new medication, it is important to talk with your doctor. It may take a few weeks before you notice any changes in your symptoms, however, you must continue taking the medication as directed. Your doctor will monitor your improvement and adjust your dosage if necessary.

A variety of antidepressants are prescribed off-label for the treatment of ADHD however they haven't been specifically evaluated in clinical trials for this condition. These medications are typically prescribed when you suffer from other mental health issues like anxiety or depression, cannot tolerate stimulants or have a history of drug abuse. Bupropion is one of the most common examples of this kind of medication that is off-label, and has been proven effective in a few individuals.

4. Wellbutrin/Zyban

The decision to use medication for ADHD as an adult is a decision that is personal to you. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about the potential risks and benefits of every treatment before making a choice. If you decide to treat your ADHD, it's likely that your dosage and schedule will change over time as you adjust to the effects of your treatment.

Stimulants, the most popular medication for ADHD, work by boosting and balancing the levels of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals. There are nonstimulant options for people who are unable to tolerate stimulants due to health issues or serious side-effects. Atomoxetine, a.k.a Strattera, is the first approved nonstimulant for ADHD. It is a stimulant that increases the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. Another antidepressant, venlafaxine (Effexor), may also aid in reducing ADHD symptoms, but more studies are needed to confirm this.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), in addition to the medications mentioned above, can help you change bad habits and thoughts that contribute to ADHD. In sessions, you'll develop strategies for managing your thoughts, reassessing all-or-nothing thinking, and the reduction of negative self-talk. You can explore CBT on your own or as part of the group.

Bupropion, an atypical antidepressant, is sometimes used to treat ADHD off-label. It works by altering dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain to improve concentration and mood. Wellbutrin can be taken in three daily 150 mg-450 mg doses, however your doctor may start you with a lower dosage. Read the Full Posting should not use Wellbutrin in the event that you have any history of seizure disorder eating disorders, a disorder of the stomach, or glaucoma.

5. Effexor

Effexor (venlafaxine) is an antidepressant, which is also effective in treating ADHD. It functions in a similar way to stimulants by altering levels of norepinephrine and dopamine. It's not FDA approved as treatment for ADHD but is often prescribed off-label, particularly when stimulant medications cause adverse effects that are not tolerated or are contraindicated. Certain people may also benefit from antidepressants such as bupropion and duloxetine which are available under brand names Wellbutrin and Cymbalta.

Two blood pressure medications--guanfacine ER (Kapvay) and clonidine SR (Kapvay)--are also effective nonstimulant ADHD medications. Both drugs work by increasing norepinephrine and serotonin levels in the brain, improving communication between nerve cells. They also decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity which makes them a good choice for people suffering from ADHD who have depression or anxiety.

Non-stimulant ADHD medication is also popular among students in high school and younger people due to the fact that stimulant drugs may increase the risk of heart disease. Atomoxetine (Strattera) increases norepinephrine levels as well as guanfacine, clonidine and guanfa affect the alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brain to reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Nonstimulant medications aren't the right choice for everyone with ADHD, though, and certain people report that their effectiveness diminishes over time. The most effective solution for you will depend on your medical history, family genetics, and response to treatment. Many people with ADHD will test a variety of drugs over time to discover the one that works best for them. It's also normal to adjust your dosage over time. This is particularly the case when life changes are significant. Consult your physician to find out more about the most effective medications for your particular situation. You can then select the medication that will allow you to live life to the fullest.

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