The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
Most of the medications used to treat ADHD are classified into two categories: stimulants and nonstimulants. stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamines stimulate brain areas that regulate attention and behavior.
best adhd medication for adults with anxiety -stimulants like guanfacine atomoxetine, and clonidine, work slower than stimulants, but they help improve concentration and attention, as well as impulsivity. They also appear to reduce anxiety, which is frequently associated with ADHD in adults.
Stimulants
The first medication that doctors choose to treat ADHD is stimulant medications. However, these medications don't work for everyone and can cause negative adverse effects for certain people. Nonstimulant medication takes longer to effect however they can improve attention span or impulsiveness in some adults. A combination of medications and behavioral therapy is generally the best approach to treat ADHD.
Medicines are around 70%-80% effective in treating ADHD in adults. The use of medications is only part of the treatment. Many people also find that lifestyle changes and skill training can help. It is essential to inform your doctor about any issues or side effects you have from the medication, so that they can modify your dosage as needed.
There are two types of stimulant drugs amphetamines and methylphenidates. Methylphenidates is the most popular ADD/ADHD medicine. They are available in various strengths, forms, and dosages that include chewable, liquid, tablet, and capsule. They're generally considered safe for adults and children, however they shouldn't be used by people suffering from arteriosclerosis that is advanced, glaucoma or symptomatic heart disease, or who have recently taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Amphetamines have similar effects as methylphenidates, but they are more powerful. They are less likely to cause severe adverse effects and are more efficient in treating ADHD symptoms than methylphenidates. They are also more likely than methylphenidates to cause addiction and abuse. This is why they're classified as Schedule I drugs.
The stimulants of both kinds can cause some negative side effects, like headaches, stomach upset, anxiety, jitters, and loss of appetite. Most of these side effects are mild and last for several weeks.
Nonstimulant medications
Nonstimulant medicines for ADHD take longer to start working than stimulants, and may not be as effective, but they can help improve attention and anger. They work by increasing the amount of brain chemicals that control emotions and focusing the attention. There are many types of these drugs and some doctors recommend them along with stimulants for the most effective results.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an SNRI that boosts levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine to reduce inattention and impulsiveness. It took a while to become FDA-approved for treating ADHD however it has been shown to be helpful in adults. Guanfacine is also known as Intuniv, is a blood-pressure medicine that works by increasing norepinephrine levels and decreasing the impulsivity. It takes a little longer to work than methylphenidate and amphetamines. adhd medication pregnancy has a greater "no-fly effect" on the brain. Wellbutrin/Zyban (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are other medicines that increase the level of norepinephrine. These aren't endorsed by the FDA to treat ADHD, but they can aid some people suffering from this disorder. Antidepressants are also used to treat ADHD because they increase the levels of brain chemicals that impact the way we behave and mood.