Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults?
The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
The majority of medications used to treat ADHD are divided into two categories: stimulants and nonstimulants. stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamines increase activity in brain areas that regulate attention and behavior.
Non-stimulants like guanfacine Clonidine, atomoxetine, and others, perform slower than stimulants but they aid in improving focus, attention, and impulsivity. They also appear to decrease anxiety, which is often comorbid ADHD in adults.
Stimulants
adhd medication I Am Psychiatry that doctors choose to treat ADHD is stimulant medication. However, these medications do not work for everyone, and they may cause undesirable adverse effects on some people. Nonstimulant medicines take longer to effect however they can improve attention span or the impulsiveness of some adults. A combination of medication and behavioral therapy is generally the best method to treat ADHD.
Medicines are around 70%-80% effective for treating ADHD in adults. Treatment is only one component of treatment, though: many people find that lifestyle changes and training also help. It is important to inform your doctor about any issues or side effects you have from the medication to allow them to alter your dosage if necessary.
Amphétamines and methylphenidates are stimulant medicines. Methylphenidates is the most well-known ADD/ADHD medicines. These medications are available in a variety of strengths forms, dosages, and forms, including liquid, chewable tablet, and capsule. The majority of adults and children are safe to take them. However, those suffering from glaucoma, advanced arteriosclerosis or heart disease symptoms, or who recently took monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are not recommended to take them.
Amphetamines have a lot in common with methylphenidates, however they're more powerful. They're less likely to cause serious side effects, and they're more effective than methylphenidates in reducing symptoms of ADHD. They're also more likely to cause dependence and abuse, which is why they're classified as Schedule I drugs.
Both kinds of stimulants may have some undesirable side effects, such as stomach upsets, headaches insomnia, jitters and loss of appetite. The majority of these side effects are mild and last for a few weeks.
Nonstimulant medicine
Nonstimulant medicines for ADHD take longer to begin working than stimulants and may not be as effective, but they can help improve attention and irritability. They help by increasing brain chemicals that control emotions and focus the attention. There are many kinds of these drugs and some doctors prescribe them along with stimulants to maximize the benefits of both treatments.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an SNRI that boosts levels of norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain that helps reduce impulsiveness 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 medication that also helps by increasing levels of norepinephrine and decreasing the impulsiveness. It takes a little longer to take effect than methylphenidate and amphetamines. It also has a greater "no-fly effect" on the brain. Wellbutrin/Zyban, (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are other drugs that boost the levels of norepinephrine. These aren't endorsed by the FDA to treat ADHD, but they can aid people suffering from this disorder. Antidepressants can also be used to treat ADHD as they increase the levels of brain chemicals that influence the mood and behavior.