The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
Most ADHD medications fall into two categories: stimulants or non-stimulants. The stimulants, like methylphenidate or amphetamines increase activity in brain areas that control attention and behavior.
Non-stimulants like guanfacine the atomoxetine and clonidine are slower than stimulants, but they aid in improving concentration, attention, and impulsivity. They also seem to reduce anxiety which is often associated with ADHD in adults.
Stimulants
Stimulant medications are often the first choice of doctors for treating ADHD, but they aren't suitable 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 some adults. A combination of medications and behavioral therapy is usually the best approach to treat ADHD.
Adults with ADHD are able to benefit from medication in 70-80% of the range. The use of medications is only part of the treatment. Many people also find that lifestyle changes and training help. Inform your doctor if you encounter any side effects or problems with the medication. This will allow them to alter your dosage as needed.
There are two types of stimulant drugs: methylphenidates and amphetamines. Methylphenidates is the most well-known ADD/ADHD medicines. They're available in various strengths and forms, such as liquid, chewable tablets, or capsules. They're generally considered safe for adults and children. However, they shouldn't be taken by people suffering from arteriosclerosis that is advanced, glaucoma or symptomatic heart disease, or who have recently taken monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs).
adhd sleep medication are similar to methylphenidates, but they're more potent. They are less likely to cause major adverse effects and are more effective in treating ADHD symptoms than methylphenidates. They're also more likely to trigger dependence and abuse, which is why they're classified as Schedule I drugs.
The stimulants of both kinds can cause some undesirable side effects, such as headaches, stomach upset, jitters, trouble sleeping, and a loss of appetite. The majority of these side effects are minor and last for several weeks.
Nonstimulant medications
Nonstimulant medications for ADHD take longer to begin working than stimulants and may not be as effective, but they can improve inattention and anger. They help by increasing levels of brain chemicals that help manage emotions and focus attention. There are a variety of these drugs and some doctors even prescribe them along with stimulants for the best results.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an SNRI that raises levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine in order to reduce impulsiveness and inattention. It took a long time for it to be approved by the FDA for treating ADHD however, it's been proven to be effective in adults. Guanfacine (Intuniv) is a blood pressure medicine that also increases levels of norepinephrine and decreasing the amount of impulsivity. It's a little slower to begin working than amphetamines or methylphenidate, and it has a stronger "no-fly" impact on the brain. Other medications that increase norepinephrine levels include Zyban/Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). These aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however they may aid people suffering from this disorder. Antidepressants can also be used to treat ADHD as they increase the levels of brain chemicals that affect the mood and behavior.