The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
The majority of the drugs used to treat ADHD fall into two categories: nonstimulants and stimulants. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamines boost brain activity areas that regulate attention and behavior.
Non-stimulants like guanfacine Clonidine, atomoxetine, and others, are slower than stimulants, but they help improve concentration and attention as well as impulsivity. They also appear to reduce anxiety, which is often associated with ADHD in adults.
Stimulants
The first medication that doctors prescribe to treat ADHD is stimulant medication. However, these drugs don't work for everyone and they can have bad adverse effects for certain people. Nonstimulant medications take longer time to start working however they can help improve impulsiveness and attention for certain adults. A combination of medication and behavioral therapy is usually the best approach to treat ADHD.
The use of medication is 70%-80% effective in treating ADHD in adults. Treatment is only one component of treatment, however: many people discover that lifestyle changes and training also aid. Tell your doctor if you encounter any adverse effects or problems with the medication. This allows them to adjust your dosage if required.
There are two kinds of stimulant medications: methylphenidates and amphetamines. Methylphenidates is the most well-known ADD/ADHD medicines. These medicines are available in different strengths forms, dosages, and forms that include chewable, liquid, tablet and capsule. adhd sleep medication considered safe for most adults and children, but they shouldn't be used by people who have glaucoma, advanced arteriosclerosis, or with symptomatic heart disease or who have recently taken monoamine inhibitors of oxidase (MAOIs).
Amphetamines exhibit similar effects as methylphenidates, but they are more potent. They're less likely to cause serious adverse reactions, and they're more effective than methylphenidates when it comes to reducing symptoms of ADHD. They're also more likely to trigger dependence and abuse, which is why they're classified as Schedule I drugs.
Both types of stimulants may produce unpleasant adverse effects, such as headaches, stomach upsets, insomnia and jitters. However, most of them are mild and don't last longer than a few weeks.
Nonstimulant medicine
Nonstimulant ADHD medications take longer to work than stimulants. They may not be as efficient however they can improve irritability and inattention. They work by boosting the brain chemicals that regulate emotions and focusing the attention. There are many kinds of these medications, and some doctors may prescribe them alongside stimulants to get the most out of both treatments.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an SNRI that raises levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine to reduce impulsivity and inattention. FDA approval took a while however, the drug has been shown to be effective in treating ADHD. Guanfacine (Intuniv) is a blood pressure medicine that also increases levels of norepinephrine and decreasing impulsiveness. 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 are Wellbutrin/Zyban (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). These aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however they may aid some people suffering from this disorder. Antidepressants are also used to treat ADHD because they increase the levels of brain chemicals that influence the mood and behavior.