The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
The majority of ADHD medications fall into two categories: stimulants and non-stimulants. The stimulants, like methylphenidate or amphetamines increase activity in brain areas that control attention and behavior.
Non-stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay) are slower than stimulants, but they help improve concentration, focus and impulsivity. They also help reduce anxiety which is often associated with ADHD in adults.
Stimulants
The first drug that doctors use to treat ADHD is stimulant medications. However, these medications do not work for everyone, and they may cause undesirable adverse effects on some people. Nonstimulant medications take longer to effect however they can improve attention span or the impulsiveness of some adults. A combination of medication and behavioral therapy is typically the best approach to treat ADHD.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from treatment in a 70-80% range. The medication is just one aspect of treatment, though: many people discover that lifestyle changes and training can also aid. non prescription adhd medication uk to tell your doctor about any issues or side effects you have from the medication to allow them to modify your dosage as needed.
Amphétamines and methylphenidates are stimulant drugs. Methylphenidates is the most popular treatment for ADD/ADHD. They're available in various strengths and forms, like chewable tablets, liquid or capsules. Most adults and children are safe to take them, however those with glaucoma or advanced arteriosclerosis or heart disease-related symptoms, or who recently took monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) shouldn't.
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 the reduction of symptoms of ADHD. They're also more likely to cause addiction and abuse, so they're classified as Schedule I drugs.
Both kinds of stimulants can cause undesirable adverse effects, such as stomach upsets, headaches, jitters and difficulty sleeping. However, the majority of these aren't severe and last for more than a few weeks.
Nonstimulant medications
Nonstimulant drugs for ADHD take longer to start working than stimulants and may not be as effective, however they can improve inattention and irritability. They work by increasing levels of brain chemicals that aid in controlling emotions and help focus attention. There are many kinds of these drugs and some doctors even prescribe them with stimulants to get the best results.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an SNRI that increases the levels of norepinephrine in the brain, reducing the tendency to be impulsive and inattention. FDA approval took a while however, the drug has been shown to be effective in treating ADHD. Guanfacine (Intuniv) is a blood pressure medicine that also works by increasing levels of norepinephrine while reducing the impulsiveness. It's a little slower to begin working than amphetamines and methylphenidate and it has a more "no-fly" impact on the brain. Other medications that increase 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. Antidepressants are also used to treat ADHD because they increase the levels of brain chemicals that affect mood and behavior.