The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
The majority of ADHD medications fall into two categories: stimulants or nonstimulants. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamines increase activity in brain areas that regulate attention and behavior.
adhd medication pregnancy 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 comorbid ADHD in adults.
Stimulants
The first medication that doctors choose to treat ADHD is stimulant medication. However, these drugs do not work for everyone, and can cause negative adverse effects on some people. Nonstimulant medications take longer time to start working however they can help improve inattention and impulsiveness for some adults. A combination of medication and behavioral therapy is generally the best approach to treat ADHD.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from treatment in a 70-80% range. Treatment is only one component of treatment, though: many people find that lifestyle changes and skills training also aid. Inform your doctor if encounter any side effects or problems with the medication. This allows them to adjust your dosage if required.
Amphétamines and methylphenidates are stimulant medicines. Methylphenidates is the most well-known ADD/ADHD medicines. They are available in a variety of strengths and forms, including chewable tablets, liquid, or capsules. They're generally regarded as safe for adults and children. However, they shouldn't be used by people suffering from arteriosclerosis that is advanced, glaucoma or heart disease that is symptomatic, or who have recently taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Amphetamines exhibit similar effects like methylphenidates, but are more powerful. They are less likely to cause serious adverse effects and are more efficient in treating ADHD symptoms than methylphenidates. They're also more likely than methylphenidates cause addiction and abuse. This is the reason they're classified as Schedule I drugs.
The stimulants of both kinds can produce unpleasant side effects like headaches, stomach upsets, jitters and difficulty sleeping. Most of these side effects are mild and last for a few weeks.
Nonstimulant medications
Nonstimulant ADHD medications take longer to work than stimulants. They aren't as effective however, they can improve irritability and inattention. 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 in conjunction with stimulants to achieve the most effective results.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an SNRI which increases the levels of norepinephrine within the brain, reducing the tendency to be impulsive and inattention. FDA approval took a long time but the drug has been shown to be effective in treating ADHD. Guanfacine (Intuniv) is a blood pressure medicine that also increases levels of norepinephrine, and reducing the impulsiveness. It takes a bit longer to begin its work than methylphenidate or amphetamines, and it has a stronger "no-fly" effect on the brain. Other medications that boost norepinephrine levels are Wellbutrin/Zyban (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). They aren't approved by FDA to treat ADHD however they could aid some people suffering from this disorder. Additionally, antidepressants are sometimes prescribed to treat ADHD because they can raise the levels of certain brain chemicals that affect mood and behavior.