The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
The majority of ADHD medications are classified into two categories: stimulants or non-stimulants. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamines increase activity in brain areas that regulate attention and behavior.
Nonstimulants such as guanfacine, atomoxetine, and clonidine, work slower than stimulants, however they can help improve focus, attention, and impulsivity. They also help reduce anxiety, which is often comorbid ADHD in adults.
Stimulants
Stimulant medication is often the first choice for doctors when it comes to treating ADHD but they don't work well for everyone and can trigger negative side effects for some people. Nonstimulant medication takes longer to effect however, they can help improve attention or the impulsiveness of certain adults. ADHD is best treated with an interdisciplinary approach of behavioral therapy and medication.
Medications are about 70%-80% effective in treating ADHD in adults. The use of medications is only part of the treatment. Many people also find that lifestyle changes and training help. It is essential to inform your doctor about any concerns or side effects from the medication to allow them to adjust your dosage if needed.
There are two types of stimulant medicines amphetamines and methylphenidates. Methylphenidates is the most well-known medications for ADD/ADHD. These medications are available in a variety of strengths forms, dosages, and forms that include chewable, liquid, tablet, and capsule. Most adults and children are safe to take them, however those suffering from glaucoma or advanced arteriosclerosis or heart disease symptoms or who have recently taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are not recommended to take them.
Amphetamines are similar in their effects to methylphenidates, but they're more powerful. They are less likely to cause severe adverse effects and are more effective in treating ADHD symptoms than methylphenidates. 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 unpleasant side effects such as stomach upsets, headaches anxiety and jitters. The majority of these side effects are mild and last only a few weeks.
Nonstimulant drugs
Nonstimulant medicines for ADHD take longer to begin working than stimulants and might not be as effective, however they can aid in reducing inattention and irritation. They work by boosting brain chemicals that control emotions and focusing the attention. There are a variety of these medications and some doctors recommend them with stimulants to get the best results.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an SNRI that raises levels of norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain that helps reduce impulsiveness and inattention. FDA approval took a while but the drug has been shown to be effective in treating ADHD. Guanfacine is also known as Intuniv is a blood-pressure medication that is effective by boosting the levels of norepinephrine and reducing impulsiveness. It takes a bit longer to work than methylphenidate and amphetamines. More suggestions has a more "no-fly effect" on the brain. Other medications that boost norepinephrine levels are Wellbutrin/Zyban (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). The FDA has not approved these medications to treat ADHD. However, they may help some people. In addition, antidepressants can be sometimes prescribed to treat ADHD due to the fact that they can increase the levels of certain brain chemicals that affect mood and behavior.