The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
The majority of ADHD medications fall into two categories: stimulants and nonstimulants. stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamines stimulate brain areas that control attention and behavior.
Non-stimulants, such as guanfacine the atomoxetine and clonidine work slower than stimulants, however they can help improve focus and attention as well as impulsivity. adhd treatment medication appear to decrease anxiety, which is frequently associated with ADHD in adults.
Stimulants
The first medication that doctors choose to treat ADHD is stimulant medications. However, adhd medication pregnancy do not work for everyone, and can cause negative adverse effects on some people. Nonstimulant medications take longer to work, however they can improve attention span or impulsiveness in some adults. adhd sleep medication of medication and behavioral therapy is typically the best way to treat ADHD.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from treatment in 70-80% of the range. They are just one part of the treatment. Many people also discover that lifestyle changes and training can help. It is essential to inform your doctor about any issues or side effects from the medication so that they can adjust your dosage if needed.
There are two types of stimulant medications: methylphenidates and amphetamines. Methylphenidates is the most popular ADD/ADHD medicine. They're available in various strengths and forms, such as chewable tablets, liquids, or capsules. Most adults and children are safe to take them. However, those suffering from glaucoma, advanced arteriosclerosis or heart disease-related 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 serious side effects, and they're more effective than methylphenidates at decreasing symptoms of ADHD. They're also more likely than methylphenidates cause addiction and abuse. This is why they are classified as Schedule I drugs.
The stimulants of both kinds can produce unpleasant side effects such as stomach upsets, headaches, jitters and difficulty sleeping. However, most of them aren't serious and last more than a few weeks.
Nonstimulant medication
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to work than stimulants. They might not be as effective, but they can help improve inattention and irritability. They work by increasing levels of brain chemicals that help manage emotions and focus attention. There are many kinds of these medicines and some doctors might prescribe them alongside stimulants to get the most benefit of both treatments.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an SNRI that increases the levels of norepinephrine within the brain to reduce the tendency to be impulsive and inattention. It took a while to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however it has been shown to be helpful for adults. Guanfacine, also known as Intuniv is a blood pressure medicine that is effective by boosting the levels of norepinephrine and decreasing the amount of impulsivity. It takes a bit longer to start working than methylphenidate or amphetamines, and it has more of a "no-fly" effect on the brain. Other medicines that increase norepinephrine levels include Wellbutrin/Zyban (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). They aren't approved by FDA to treat ADHD however they could help some people with this disorder. Antidepressants are also used to treat ADHD because they increase the levels of brain chemicals that influence the mood and behavior.