The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
The majority of medications used to treat ADHD are divided into two groups: stimulants and nonstimulants. stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamines boost brain activity areas that control attention and behavior.
Non-stimulants, like atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay), work slower than stimulants but can help improve focus, concentration and impulsivity. They also appear to reduce anxiety, which is frequently associated with ADHD in adults.
Stimulants
The use of stimulants is usually the first choice for doctors when it comes to treating ADHD however they don't work well for everyone and may cause adverse side effects in certain people. Nonstimulant medicines take longer to start working but they can help improve inattention and impulsiveness for certain adults. ADHD is best treated using a the combination of behavioral therapy and medication.
Medications are about 70%-80% effective in treating ADHD in adults. Treatment is only one component of treatment, but 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.
Amphétamines and methylphenidates are stimulant medicines. Methylphenidates are the most common medications for ADD/ADHD. They're available in different strengths and forms, including chewable tablets, liquid or capsules. Most adults and children are safe to take them, but those suffering from glaucoma or advanced arteriosclerosis or heart disease symptoms or who recently took monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs), should not.
Amphetamines exhibit similar effects to methylphenidates but are more powerful. They're less likely to cause severe side effects, and they're more effective than methylphenidates when it comes to decreasing symptoms of ADHD. They're also more likely to trigger addiction and abuse, hence they're classified as Schedule I drugs.
Both types of stimulants may cause unpleasant adverse effects, such as stomach upsets, headaches insomnia and jitters. But most of these are mild and don't last longer than a few weeks.
Nonstimulant medications
Nonstimulant medicines for ADHD take longer to begin working than stimulants and may not be as effective, but they can aid in reducing inattention and anger. They help by increasing levels of brain chemicals that aid in controlling emotions and focus attention. There are several kinds of these medications, and some doctors may prescribe them along with stimulants to maximize the benefits of both treatments.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an SNRI that raises levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine in order to reduce impulsivity and inattention. Iam Psychiatry took a long time, but the drug has been proved to be effective in treating ADHD. Guanfacine (Intuniv) is a blood pressure medication that also increases levels of norepinephrine, and reducing impulsiveness. It takes a bit longer to take effect than methylphenidate and amphetamines. It also has a more "no-fly effect" on the brain. Other medications that boost norepinephrine levels are Wellbutrin/Zyban (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). The FDA has not approved these medications to treat ADHD. However, they may help some people. In addition, antidepressants can be often used to treat ADHD because they increase the levels of certain brain chemicals that affect mood and behavior.