The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
The majority of medications used to treat ADHD fall into two groups: stimulants and nonstimulants. The stimulants, like methylphenidate or amphetamines increase activity in brain areas that regulate attention and behavior.
Non-stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as Guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay) are slower than stimulants, but they help improve concentration, focus and impulsivity. They also seem to reduce anxiety, which is often associated with ADHD in adults.
Stimulants
The first treatment that doctors prescribe to treat ADHD is stimulant medications. However, these medications do not work for everyone, and they may cause undesirable adverse effects for certain people. Nonstimulant medications take longer to begin to work but they can help increase impulsiveness and inattention for certain adults. ADHD is best treated using a an interdisciplinary approach of behavioral therapy and medication.
Adults with ADHD are able to benefit from medication in a 70-80% range. Medication is only one part of treatment, but many people find that lifestyle changes and training also aid. It is essential to inform your doctor about any problems or side effects you have from the medication to allow them to adjust your dosage if needed.
Amphétamines and methylphenidates are stimulant medicines. Methylphenidates is the most common treatment for ADD/ADHD. They're available in different strengths and forms, including chewable tablets, liquids, or capsules. They're generally regarded as safe for adults and children, but they shouldn't be used by people who have arteriosclerosis or glaucoma that is advanced or heart disease that is symptomatic, or who have recently taken monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs).
Amphetamines exhibit similar effects like methylphenidates, but are more potent. They're generally less likely to cause severe adverse reactions, and they're more effective than methylphenidates in decreasing symptoms of ADHD. They're also more likely to trigger addiction and abuse, hence they're classified as Schedule I drugs.
Both kinds of stimulants may have some unpleasant side effects, including stomach upsets, headaches insomnia, jitters and a loss of appetite. The majority of these side effects are minor and last only several weeks.
Nonstimulant drugs
Nonstimulant medicines for ADHD take longer to start working than stimulants, and may not be as effective, but they can help improve attention and irritation. They function by increasing the levels of brain chemicals that help control emotions and help focus attention. There are many kinds of these drugs, and some doctors prescribe them along with stimulants for the best results.
adhd sleep medication (atomoxetine), an SNRI that increases the levels of norepinephrine within the brain, which reduces impulsivity and inattention. FDA approval took a long time, but the drug has been shown to be effective in treating ADHD. Guanfacine, also known as Intuniv is a blood pressure medicine that is effective by boosting the levels of norepinephrine and reducing the amount of impulsivity. 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 include Wellbutrin/Zyban (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). The FDA has not approved these drugs for treating ADHD. However, they may help some people. Additionally, antidepressants are sometimes used to treat ADHD because they can raise the levels of certain brain chemicals that affect mood and behavior.