The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
Most ADHD medications fall into two categories: stimulants and nonstimulants. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamines stimulate brain areas that control attention and behavior.
Non-stimulants, such as guanfacine atomoxetine, and clonidine, are slower than stimulants, but they help improve concentration and attention, as well as impulsivity. They also seem to reduce anxiety, which is frequently comorbid with ADHD in adults.
Stimulants
Stimulant medications are often the first choice for doctors when it comes to treating ADHD, but they don't work well for everyone and can trigger bad side effects in some people. Nonstimulant medications take longer time to start working but they can help improve impulsiveness and attention for certain adults. ADHD is best treated by an interdisciplinary approach of behavioral therapy and medication.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from treatment in 70-80% of the range. The use of medications is only part of the treatment. Many people also find that lifestyle changes and training can help. Tell your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions or issues with the medication. This will allow them to adjust your dosage as required.
Amphétamines and methylphenidates are stimulant medicines. Methylphenidates is the most popular medication for ADD/ADHD. These medicines are available in a variety of strengths and forms, as well as dosages that include chewable, liquid, tablet, and capsule. The majority of 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 oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are not recommended to take them.
Amphetamines have similar effects as methylphenidates, but they are more powerful. They're less likely to cause severe side effects, and they're more effective than methylphenidates in reducing symptoms of ADHD. They're also more likely to trigger addiction and abuse, so they're classified as Schedule I drugs.
Both kinds of stimulants may cause some unpleasant side effects, including stomach upsets, headaches anxiety, jitters, and loss of appetite. However, the majority of these aren't serious and last longer than a few weeks.
adhd medication adults uk for ADHD take longer to begin working than stimulants and may not be as effective, but they can help improve attention and irritation. They help by increasing brain chemicals that control emotions and focusing the attention. There are a variety of these medications and some doctors even prescribe them with stimulants to get the best results.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an SNRI that increases levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine to reduce inattention and impulsiveness. It took a while to become FDA-approved for treating ADHD however, it's been shown to be helpful for adults. Guanfacine is also referred to as Intuniv, is a blood-pressure medicine that increases the levels of norepinephrine and reducing impulsiveness. It takes a bit longer to work than methylphenidate and amphetamines. It also has a more "no-fly effect" on the brain. Other medications that increase norepinephrine levels include Wellbutrin/Zyban (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). These aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however they could aid some people suffering from this disorder. Antidepressants are also used to treat ADHD as they increase the levels of brain chemicals that affect mood and behavior.