The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
The majority of the drugs used to treat ADHD are classified into two groups: stimulants and nonstimulants. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamines boost brain activity areas that control attention and behavior.
Nonstimulants such as guanfacine, Clonidine, atomoxetine, and others, work slower than stimulants, however they can help improve concentration and attention as well as impulsivity. They also help reduce anxiety which is often associated with ADHD in adults.
Stimulants
The first treatment that doctors choose to treat ADHD is stimulant medication. However, these medications aren't for everyone and they can have bad adverse effects for certain people. Nonstimulant medication takes longer to work, but can improve inattention or impulsivity in certain adults. ADHD is best treated by the combination of therapy and medication.
Medications are about 70%-80% effective for treating ADHD in adults. They are just one part of the treatment. Many people also find that lifestyle changes and training can help. Inform your doctor if you have any adverse effects or problems with the medication. This allows them to adjust your dosage as required.
There are two types of stimulant drugs amphetamines and methylphenidates. Methylphenidates are among the most popular medications for ADD/ADHD. They are available in various 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, advanced arteriosclerosis or heart disease symptoms or who recently took monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs), should not.
Amphetamines are similar in their effects to methylphenidates, however they're 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, hence they're classified as Schedule I drugs.
Both kinds of stimulants can cause unpleasant side effects such as stomach upsets, headaches, anxiety and jitters. However, most of them aren't severe and last for longer than a couple of weeks.
Nonstimulant medicines
Nonstimulant medicines for ADHD take longer to start working than stimulants and may not be as effective, but they can improve inattention and anger. They function by increasing the levels of brain chemicals that aid in controlling emotions and help focus attention. There are medication for autism and adhd of these medications and some doctors even prescribe them along with stimulants for the most effective results.
Strattera (atomoxetine), an SNRI which increases the levels of norepinephrine in the brain to reduce impulsivity and inattention. FDA approval took a while, but the drug has been shown to be effective in treating ADHD. Guanfacine (Intuniv) is a blood pressure medicine that also works by increasing levels of norepinephrine while reducing the impulsiveness. It's a little slower to begin working than methylphenidate or amphetamines, and it has a stronger "no-fly" effect on the brain. Wellbutrin/Zyban (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are other medications that can increase the levels of norepinephrine. inattentive adhd medication has not yet approved these medications to treat ADHD. However, they may help some people. Additionally, antidepressants are sometimes prescribed to treat ADHD because they can raise the levels of certain brain chemicals that influence mood and behavior.