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 stimulate brain areas that regulate attention and behavior.
Nonstimulants such as guanfacine, Clonidine, atomoxetine, and others, are slower than stimulants, but they aid in improving focus and attention as well as impulsivity. They also seem to reduce anxiety, which is frequently comorbid with ADHD in adults.
Stimulants
The first treatment that doctors prescribe to treat ADHD is stimulant medications. However, these drugs don't work for everyone and they can have bad adverse effects for certain people. Nonstimulant medications take longer to start working but they can help improve impulsiveness and attention for certain adults. ADHD is best treated using a a combination of behavioral therapy and medication.
Medications are about 70%-80% effective for treating ADHD in adults. Medication is only one part of treatment, however: many people discover that lifestyle changes and skills training also aid. It's important to tell your doctor about any problems or side effects you have from the medication, so that they can alter your dosage if necessary.
There are two types of stimulant medicines: methylphenidates and amphetamines. Methylphenidates is the most popular treatment for ADD/ADHD. These medicines are available in different strengths and forms, as well as dosages comprising chewable liquid, tablet, and capsule. They're generally regarded as safe for adults and children. However, they shouldn't be used by people who have arteriosclerosis that is advanced, glaucoma or symptomatic heart disease, or who have recently taken monoamine inhibitors of oxidase (MAOIs).
Amphetamines exhibit similar effects like methylphenidates, but are more powerful. 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.
adhd medications for adults of stimulants may cause unpleasant side effects such as stomach upsets, headaches insomnia and jitters. Most of these side effects are mild and last only a few weeks.
Nonstimulant medicines
Nonstimulant ADHD medications are more difficult to use than stimulants. They might not be as effective however they can improve inattention and irritability. They function by increasing the levels of brain chemicals that aid in controlling emotions and focus attention. There are many types of these medications and some doctors recommend them with stimulants to get the best results.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an SNRI that increases levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine to reduce impulsivity and inattention. It took a while to become FDA-approved for treating ADHD, but it's been shown to be helpful for adults. Guanfacine (Intuniv) is a blood pressure medicine that also increases levels of norepinephrine while reducing the impulsiveness. It takes a bit longer to begin working than methylphenidate or amphetamines, and it has a stronger "no-fly" impact on the brain. Wellbutrin/Zyban (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are other drugs that boost the norepinephrine level. The FDA has not approved these drugs for treating ADHD. However, they may help some people. Antidepressants can also be used to treat ADHD, as they can increase the levels of brain chemicals that influence the mood and behavior.