The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
Most ADHD medications fall into two categories: stimulants and nonstimulants. stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamines increase activity in brain areas that regulate attention and behavior.
Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay), work slower than stimulants but help increase focus, concentration and impulsivity. They also appear to decrease anxiety, which is often comorbid ADHD in adults.
Stimulants
The use of stimulants is usually a doctor's first choice for treating ADHD, but they aren't suitable for everyone and can trigger adverse side effects in certain people. Nonstimulant medicines take longer to start working, but they can improve inattention and impulsiveness for certain adults. ADHD is best treated by an interdisciplinary approach of medication and behavioral therapy.
Medications are about 70%-80% effective for treating ADHD in adults. Treatment is only one component of treatment, however: many people discover that lifestyle changes and training also help. Inform your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions or issues with the medication. This allows them to adjust the dosage as required.
Amphétamines and methylphenidates are stimulant medicines. Methylphenidates is the most well-known medications for ADD/ADHD. These medications are available in different strengths, forms, and dosages, including liquid, chewable tablet, and capsule. They're generally regarded as safe for adults and children, but they shouldn't be used by people suffering from glaucoma, advanced arteriosclerosis, or heart disease that is symptomatic, or who have recently taken monoamine inhibitors of oxidase (MAOIs).
Amphetamines are similar to methylphenidates but are more powerful. They're generally less likely to cause serious adverse effects, and are more effective than methylphenidates when it comes to reducing symptoms of ADHD. They're also more likely to cause addiction and abuse, so they're classified as Schedule I drugs.
The stimulants of both kinds can cause undesirable adverse effects, such as stomach upsets, headaches insomnia and jitters. The majority of these side effects are mild and last only several weeks.
Nonstimulant medicine
Nonstimulant ADHD medications take longer to effect than stimulants. They may not be as efficient, but they can help improve inattention and reduce irritability. most effective adhd medication for adults help by increasing the brain chemicals that regulate emotions and focus the attention. There are several kinds of these medications and some doctors prescribe them alongside a stimulant to get the most out of both treatments.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an SNRI which increases the levels of norepinephrine in the brain to reduce the tendency to be impulsive and inattention. FDA approval took a long time however, the drug has been proved to be effective in treating ADHD. Guanfacine, also known as Intuniv is a blood pressure medicine that increases the levels of norepinephrine and decreasing the amount of impulsivity. It takes a bit longer to work than methylphenidate or amphetamines. It also has a more "no-fly effect" on the brain. Other medicines that increase norepinephrine levels include Wellbutrin/Zyban (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). The FDA has not yet approved these drugs to treat ADHD. However, they may help some people. Additionally, knowing it are often used to treat ADHD because they can raise the levels of certain brain chemicals that affect mood and behavior.