adhd no medication For Adults
Most ADHD medications fall into two categories: stimulants and non-stimulants. stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamines boost brain activity areas that control attention and behavior.
Non-stimulants, such as guanfacine atomoxetine, and clonidine, work slower than stimulants, but they help improve focus and attention as well as impulsivity. They also seem to reduce anxiety which is often a comorbidity of ADHD in adults.
Stimulants
The first treatment that doctors choose to treat ADHD is stimulant medication. However, these medications do not work for everyone, and they can have bad side effects for some people. Nonstimulant medicines take longer to work, however they can improve attention span or impulsivity in certain adults. ADHD is best treated with the combination of therapy and medication.
Medications are about 70%-80% effective for treating ADHD in adults. The medication is just one aspect of treatment, though: many people discover that lifestyle changes and skills training also aid. It is important to inform your doctor about any problems or side effects you have from the medication so that they can adjust your dosage if needed.
Amphétamines and methylphenidates are stimulant medicines. Methylphenidates is the most common medication for ADD/ADHD. These medicines are available in various strengths and forms, as well as dosages, including liquid, chewable tablet, and capsule. They're generally regarded as safe for most adults and children. However, they shouldn't be consumed by people who have arteriosclerosis that is advanced, glaucoma or heart disease that is symptomatic, or who have recently taken monoamine inhibitors of oxidase (MAOIs).
Amphetamines have a lot in common with methylphenidates, but they're more powerful. They're less likely to cause severe adverse reactions, and they're more effective than methylphenidates at reducing symptoms of ADHD. They're more likely than methylphenidates to cause addiction and abuse. This is the reason they're classified as Schedule I drugs.
Both kinds of stimulants may cause unpleasant side effects, including stomach upsets, headaches insomnia, jitters and a decrease in appetite. Most of these side effects are mild and last for a few weeks.
Nonstimulant medicines
Non-stimulant ADHD medications are more difficult to use than stimulants. They might not be as effective however, they can improve inattention and reduce irritability. They help by increasing levels of brain chemicals that help manage emotions and focus attention. There are many kinds of these medications and some doctors recommend them with stimulants to get the best results.
Strattera (atomoxetine), an SNRI, increases the levels of norepinephrine in the brain to reduce the impulsivity and inattention. FDA approval took a long time but the drug has been proved to be effective in treating ADHD. Guanfacine is also known as Intuniv is a blood pressure medication that increases the levels of norepinephrine and reducing the amount of impulsivity. It's a little slower to begin working than methylphenidate or amphetamines, and it has more of a "no-fly" effect on the brain. Other medications that increase norepinephrine levels include Wellbutrin/Zyban (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). The FDA has not yet approved these drugs to treat ADHD. However, they may help some people. In addition, antidepressants are sometimes used to treat ADHD because they can raise the levels of certain brain chemicals that affect mood and behavior.