The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
Most ADHD medications are classified into two categories: stimulants or nonstimulants. The stimulants, like methylphenidate or amphetamines increase activity in brain areas that regulate attention and behavior.
Nonstimulants such as guanfacine, Clonidine, atomoxetine, and others, work slower than stimulants, but they aid in improving focus, attention, and impulsivity. They also seem to reduce anxiety which is often a comorbidity of ADHD in adults.
Stimulants
The first treatment that doctors use to treat ADHD is stimulant medications. However, these medications aren't for everyone and they may cause undesirable adverse effects on some people. Nonstimulant medication takes longer to take effect, however, they can help improve attention or the impulsiveness of certain adults. A combination of medication and behavioral therapy is usually the best method to treat ADHD.
The use of medication is 70%-80% effective in treating ADHD in adults. Medication is only one part of treatment, though: many people discover that lifestyle changes and training can also aid. It is essential to inform your doctor about any issues or side effects from the medication, so that they can modify your dosage as needed.
Amphétamines and methylphenidates are stimulant medicines. Methylphenidates are the most commonly used ADD/ADHD medicine. These medicines are available in different strengths and forms, as well as dosages comprising 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) are not recommended to take them.
Amphetamines are similar as methylphenidates, but they are more powerful. They're less likely to cause severe side effects, and they're more effective than methylphenidates at reducing 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 undesirable side effects like stomach upsets, headaches insomnia and jitters. Most of these side effects are minor and last only several weeks.
natural adhd medication for ADHD take longer to start working than stimulants, and may not be as effective, but they can aid in reducing inattention and irritation. They work by increasing levels of brain chemicals that help control emotions and focus attention. There are many kinds of these medications and some doctors even prescribe them with stimulants to get the best results.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an SNRI that raises levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine in order to reduce inattention and impulsiveness. It took a long time to become FDA-approved for treating ADHD however it has been shown to be helpful in adults. Guanfacine, also known as Intuniv is a blood-pressure medication that increases the levels of norepinephrine and reducing the impulsivity. It takes a bit longer to work than methylphenidate or amphetamines. It also has a more "no-fly effect" on the brain. Other medicines that increase norepinephrine levels are Wellbutrin/Zyban (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). They aren't approved by FDA to treat ADHD, but they can aid some people suffering from this disorder. In addition, antidepressants are often used to treat ADHD because they can raise the levels of certain brain chemicals that affect mood and behavior.