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15 Things You Didn't Know About Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults

The majority of ADHD medications are classified into two categories: stimulants and nonstimulants. The stimulants like methylphenidate (Provigil) and amphetamines work by enhancing the activity of parts of the brain responsible for the behavior and attention.

Non-stimulants, like atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay), work slower than stimulants but help improve focus, concentration and impulsivity. They also appear to decrease anxiety, which is often comorbid with ADHD in adults.

Stimulants

The first medication that doctors use to treat ADHD is stimulant medications. However, these medications do not work for everyone, and they may cause undesirable side effects for some people. Nonstimulant medicines take longer to begin to work however they can help improve impulsiveness and attention for some adults. A combination of medication and behavioral therapy is typically the best way to treat ADHD.

Adults with ADHD are able to benefit from medication in 70-80% range. Medications are only part of the treatment. Many people also discover that lifestyle changes and training can help. It's important to tell your doctor about any concerns or side effects from the medication to allow them to modify your dosage as needed.

There are two types of stimulant medicines: methylphenidates and amphetamines. Methylphenidates is the most popular ADD/ADHD medicine. They are available in different strengths forms, dosages, and forms, including liquid, chewable tablet and capsule. They're generally regarded as safe for most adults and children, however they shouldn't be taken by people who have glaucoma, advanced arteriosclerosis, or symptomatic heart disease, or who have recently taken monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs).

Amphetamines are similar to methylphenidates, but they're more powerful. They're less likely to cause serious adverse reactions, and they're more effective than methylphenidates at reducing symptoms of ADHD. They're more likely than methylphenidates cause addiction and abuse. This is why they are classified as Schedule I drugs.

Both kinds of stimulants can cause undesirable side effects like headaches, stomach upsets, jitters and difficulty sleeping. Most of these side effects are minor and last only several weeks.


Nonstimulant medications

Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to work than stimulants. They aren't as effective however, they can improve inattention and reduce irritability. They function by increasing the levels of brain chemicals that aid in controlling emotions and focus attention. There are Iam Psychiatry of these drugs and some doctors even prescribe them with stimulants to get the best results.

Strattera (atomoxetine) is an SNRI, increases the levels of norepinephrine inside the brain, which reduces the tendency to be impulsive and inattention. FDA approval took a while, but the drug has been shown to be effective in treating ADHD. Guanfacine (Intuniv) is a blood pressure medication that also increases levels of norepinephrine, and reducing impulsiveness. It's a little slower to start working than amphetamines and methylphenidate and it has more of a "no-fly" effect on the brain. Other medications that boost norepinephrine levels include Wellbutrin/Zyban (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). The FDA has not approved these drugs to treat ADHD. However they could help certain people. Additionally, antidepressants are often used to treat ADHD because they increase the levels of certain brain chemicals that influence mood and behavior.

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