The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
Most of the medications used to treat ADHD fall into two categories: stimulants and nonstimulants. The stimulants, like methylphenidate or amphetamines increase activity in brain areas that control attention and behavior.
Non-stimulants, such as guanfacine atomoxetine, and clonidine, perform slower than stimulants but they help improve concentration and attention as well as impulsivity. They also help reduce anxiety, which is often comorbid ADHD in adults.
Stimulants
The first medication that doctors use to treat ADHD is stimulant medications. However, these medications do not work for everyone, and they can have bad side effects for some people. Nonstimulant medicines take longer to work, but can improve inattention or impulsivity in certain adults. ADHD is best treated with a combination of behavioral therapy and medication.
The use of medication is 70%-80% effective in treating ADHD in adults. Medications are only part of the treatment. Many people also find that lifestyle changes and training help. Inform your doctor if you encounter any adverse effects or problems with the medication. This will allow them to alter your dosage if required.
There are two kinds of stimulant medications: methylphenidates and amphetamines. Methylphenidates is the most well-known medication for ADD/ADHD. They're available in various strengths and forms, like chewable tablets, liquid or capsules. Most adults and children are safe to take them, but those suffering from glaucoma, advanced arteriosclerosis or heart disease-related symptoms, or who recently took monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are not recommended to take them.
adhd and anxiety medication exhibit similar effects like methylphenidates, but are more potent. They are less likely to cause severe adverse effects and are more efficient in treating ADHD symptoms than methylphenidates. They are also more likely than methylphenidates to cause addiction and abuse. This is why they're classified as Schedule I drugs.
The stimulants of both kinds can cause some negative side effects, like headaches, stomach upset, jitters, trouble sleeping, and a decrease in appetite. But most of these aren't severe and last for longer than a couple of weeks.
Nonstimulant medication
Nonstimulant ADHD medications are more difficult to use than stimulants. They aren't as effective however they can improve inattention and reduce irritability. They help by increasing the brain chemicals that regulate emotions and focusing the attention. There are several kinds of these drugs and some doctors prescribe them in conjunction with stimulants to get the most out of both treatments.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an SNRI that raises levels of norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain that helps reduce inattention and impulsiveness. FDA approval took a long time, but the drug has been shown to be effective in treating ADHD. Guanfacine is also referred to as Intuniv is a blood pressure medicine that increases the levels of norepinephrine and reducing impulsiveness. It takes a bit longer to work than methylphenidate and amphetamines. It also has a greater "no-fly effect" on the brain. Other medications that boost norepinephrine levels include Zyban/Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). The FDA has not approved these drugs for treating ADHD. However they could help certain people. Antidepressants can also be used to treat ADHD as they increase the levels of brain chemicals that influence the mood and behavior.