The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
The majority of ADHD medications are classified into two categories: stimulants and nonstimulants. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamines increase activity in brain areas that control attention and behavior.
Non-stimulants, like atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay), work slower than stimulants but help improve concentration, focus and impulsivity. They also help reduce anxiety which is often a comorbidity of ADHD in adults.
Stimulants
The first drug that doctors prescribe to treat ADHD is stimulant medications. However, adhd medication and pregnancy aren't for everyone and they may cause undesirable side effects for some people. Nonstimulant medicines take longer to begin to work, but they can improve impulsiveness and attention for certain adults. medication for autism and adhd of medication and behavioral therapy is usually the best approach to treat ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from medication in a 70-80% range. They are just one part of the treatment. Many people also find that lifestyle changes and training help. Tell your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions or issues with the medication. This will allow them to adjust your dosage if needed.
There are two kinds of stimulant drugs amphetamines and methylphenidates. Methylphenidates are among the most popular ADD/ADHD medicines. They are available in different strengths forms, dosages, and forms that include chewable, liquid, tablet and capsule. Most adults and children are safe to take them, however those suffering from glaucoma, advanced arteriosclerosis or heart disease symptoms or who recently took monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs), should not.
Amphetamines have similar effects like methylphenidates, but are more powerful. They're less likely to cause severe side effects, and they're more effective than methylphenidates in decreasing symptoms of ADHD. They're also more likely to cause dependence and abuse, which is why they're classified as Schedule I drugs.
Both types of stimulants can cause some undesirable side effects, such as stomach upsets, headaches, jitters, trouble sleeping, and a decrease in appetite. But most of these aren't severe and last for longer than a few weeks.
Nonstimulant medications
Nonstimulant medications for ADHD take longer to begin working than stimulants and might not be as effective, however they can aid in reducing inattention and irritation. They help by increasing levels of brain chemicals that aid in controlling emotions and focus attention. There are a variety of these drugs and some doctors even prescribe them with stimulants to get the most effective results.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an SNRI that raises levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine in order to reduce impulsiveness and inattention. It took a while to be approved by the FDA 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, and reducing the impulsiveness. It takes a little longer to work than methylphenidate or amphetamines. It also has a greater "no-fly effect" on the brain. Other medications that increase norepinephrine levels include Zyban/Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). The FDA has not yet approved these drugs for treating ADHD. However they could be beneficial to some people. In addition, antidepressants can be often used to treat ADHD due to the fact that they can increase the levels of certain brain chemicals that affect mood and behavior.