The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
The majority of the drugs used to treat ADHD are divided into two categories: nonstimulants and stimulants. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamines stimulate brain areas that regulate attention and behavior.
Non-stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera), Guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay), work slower than stimulants but can help improve focus, concentration and impulsivity. They also appear to decrease anxiety, which is often comorbid with ADHD in adults.
Stimulants
The first medication that doctors prescribe to treat ADHD is stimulant medications. However, most effective adhd medication for adults aren't for everyone and can cause negative adverse effects for certain people. Nonstimulant medicines take longer to take effect, however they can improve attention span or impulsiveness in some adults. A combination of medication and behavioral therapy is usually the best method to treat ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from medication in 70-80% of the range. The medication is just one aspect of treatment, though: many people discover that lifestyle changes and training can also aid. Inform your doctor if you experience any adverse effects or problems with the medication. This will allow them to adjust the dosage as required.
Amphétamines and methylphenidates are stimulant medicines. Methylphenidates are the most common ADD/ADHD medicines. They are available in a variety of strengths, forms, and dosages that include chewable, liquid, tablet and capsule. They're generally considered safe for most adults and children. However, they shouldn't be used by people who have glaucoma, advanced arteriosclerosis, or symptomatic heart disease, or who have recently taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Amphetamines have similar effects to methylphenidates but are more potent. They're less likely to cause severe side effects, and they're more effective than methylphenidates at decreasing symptoms of ADHD. They're also more likely to cause dependence and abuse, which is why they're classified as Schedule I drugs.
Both kinds of stimulants can cause undesirable side effects like headaches, stomach upsets, anxiety and jitters. However, most of them are mild and don't last more than a few weeks.
Nonstimulant medicine
Nonstimulant ADHD medications are more difficult to use than stimulants. dealing with adhd without medication might not be as effective, but they can help improve inattention and reduce irritability. They work by increasing levels of brain chemicals that aid in controlling emotions and help focus attention. There are many kinds of these drugs and some doctors prescribe them alongside a stimulant to maximize the benefits of both treatments.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an SNRI that increases levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine in order to reduce impulsiveness and inattention. It took a while to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but it's been shown to be helpful for adults. Guanfacine is also known as Intuniv, is a blood-pressure medication that works by increasing norepinephrine levels and decreasing the amount of impulsivity. most effective adhd medication for adults 's a little slower to begin working than amphetamines or methylphenidate, and it has a more "no-fly" effect on the brain. Other medications that boost norepinephrine levels include Wellbutrin/Zyban (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). These aren't endorsed by the FDA to treat ADHD however they may aid some people suffering from this disorder. In addition, antidepressants can be sometimes prescribed to treat ADHD because they increase the levels of certain brain chemicals that influence mood and behavior.