The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
Most of the medications used to treat ADHD are divided into two categories: nonstimulants and stimulants. The stimulants, like methylphenidate or amphetamines increase activity in brain areas that regulate attention and behavior.
Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as Guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay), work slower than stimulants but can help improve concentration, focus and impulsivity. They also appear to decrease anxiety which is often a comorbidity of ADHD in adults.
Stimulants
The first medication that doctors use to treat ADHD is stimulant medication. However, these medications do not work for everyone, and they can have bad adverse effects for certain people. Nonstimulant medicines take longer to effect however, they can help improve attention or the impulsiveness of some adults. ADHD is best treated with a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
Medicines are around 70%-80% effective in treating ADHD in adults. The medication is just one aspect of treatment, though: many people find that lifestyle changes and training also aid. Inform your doctor if encounter any adverse effects or problems with the medication. This allows them to adjust your dosage if needed.
There are two kinds of stimulant drugs: methylphenidates and amphetamines. Methylphenidates is the most common treatment for ADD/ADHD. They're available in various strengths and forms, like chewable tablets, liquids, or capsules. They're generally regarded as safe for most adults and children. However, adhd and medication shouldn't be consumed by people who have arteriosclerosis or glaucoma that is advanced or symptomatic heart disease, or who have recently taken monoamine inhibitors of oxidase (MAOIs).
Amphetamines have a lot in common with methylphenidates but are more potent. They are less likely to cause major adverse effects and are more efficient in treating ADHD symptoms than methylphenidates. They're also more likely to cause addiction and abuse, so they're classified as Schedule I drugs.
Both kinds of stimulants may have some negative side effects, like headaches, stomach upset, anxiety, jitters, and a loss of appetite. However, medication for adhd of these aren't serious and last longer than a few weeks.
Nonstimulant medication
Nonstimulant drugs for ADHD take longer to begin working than stimulants and may not be as effective, but they can improve inattention and anger. They work by increasing the brain chemicals that regulate emotions and focusing the attention. There are many types of these medications and some doctors recommend them with stimulants to get the most effective results.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an SNRI that boosts levels of norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain that helps reduce impulsivity and inattention. FDA approval took a while but the drug has been proven to be effective in treating ADHD. Guanfacine is also referred to as Intuniv is a blood-pressure medicine that works by increasing norepinephrine levels and reducing impulsiveness. It takes a little longer to work than methylphenidate or amphetamines. It also has a greater "no-fly effect" on the brain. Other medicines that increase norepinephrine levels are Wellbutrin/Zyban (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). The FDA has not yet approved these drugs to treat ADHD. However they could be beneficial to some people. In addition, antidepressants can be sometimes prescribed to treat ADHD because they increase the levels of certain brain chemicals that affect mood and behavior.