does adhd medication work For Adults
Most ADHD medications fall into two categories: stimulants and non-stimulants. stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamines boost brain activity areas that regulate attention and behavior.
Non-stimulants, like atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay), work slower than stimulants but can help improve concentration, focus and impulsivity. They also seem to reduce anxiety, which is often comorbid with ADHD in adults.
Stimulants
The first treatment that doctors choose to treat ADHD is stimulant medications. However, these medications do not work for everyone, and can cause negative side effects for some people. Nonstimulant medication takes longer to work, however they can improve attention span or the impulsiveness of certain adults. A combination of medication and behavioral therapy is usually the best way to treat ADHD.
The use of medication is 70%-80% effective in treating ADHD in adults. Medications are only part of the treatment. Many people also discover that lifestyle changes and skill training help. It is essential to inform your doctor about any issues or side effects from the medication so that they can modify your dosage as needed.
There are two kinds of stimulant medicines: methylphenidates and amphetamines. Methylphenidates is the most well-known medications for ADD/ADHD. They're available in various strengths and forms, such as chewable tablets, liquids or capsules. The majority of adults and children are safe to take them. However, those suffering from glaucoma or advanced arteriosclerosis or heart disease symptoms or who recently took monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are not recommended to take them.
Amphetamines are similar like methylphenidates, but are more powerful. They're less likely to cause serious side effects, and they're more effective than methylphenidates when it comes to reducing symptoms of ADHD. They are more likely than methylphenidates cause addiction and abuse. This is the reason they're classified as Schedule I drugs.
Both kinds of stimulants can cause unpleasant side effects such as headaches, stomach upsets, jitters and difficulty sleeping. The majority of these side effects are mild and last only several weeks.
Nonstimulant medications
Nonstimulant ADHD medications take longer to effect than stimulants. They aren't as effective, but they can help improve irritability and inattention. They function by increasing the levels of brain chemicals that help manage emotions and focus attention. There are many kinds of these drugs and some doctors might prescribe them in conjunction with stimulants to maximize the benefits of both treatments.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an SNRI that increases levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine to reduce impulsivity and inattention. It took a while to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but it's been shown to be helpful for adults. Guanfacine (Intuniv) is a blood pressure medication that also helps by increasing levels of norepinephrine while reducing impulsiveness. It takes a little longer to work than methylphenidate or amphetamines. It also has a stronger "no-fly effect" on the brain. Other medications that boost norepinephrine levels include Wellbutrin/Zyban (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). The FDA has not yet approved these drugs for treating ADHD. However they could help certain people. In addition, antidepressants are often used to treat ADHD due to the fact that they can increase the levels of certain brain chemicals that influence mood and behavior.