Which ADHD medicine is most effective for you? Start your treatment by contacting a registered healthcare professional online to find out more.
A mental health disease known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is linked to impulsive behaviors, hyperactivity, and inattention. A comprehensive study indicates that 2.58% [1*] of individuals globally are impacted by it. ADHD may seriously affect many aspects of life if left untreated, and in extreme situations, it may even be regarded as a handicap.
When treating ADHD, medication is often the primary line of therapy. A thorough analysis of the most often recommended choices, together with information on their benefits and drawbacks, may be found below.
Which ADHD Treatment Is the Most Effective?
The typical course of treatment for ADHD is extensive and includes behavioral therapy, medication, and schedule modifications. Treatment strategies are usually customized since different people may respond differently to the same strategy.
The symptoms, their intensity, and the particular challenges encountered in day-to-day living all influence the choice of therapies. Medication is usually the primary course of action, however. They often have a quick impact and open the door for the behavioral adjustments made during psychotherapy.
What Is the Purpose of ADHD Medication?
ADHD may impair information transmission [2*] between neurons, which affects concentration and attention. So, improving neurotransmitter efficiency is the main objective of ADHD medicine. This improves attention and concentration, lessens impulsivity and hyperactivity, and treats other problems.
Different Types of ADHD Drugs
Adults with ADHD have a variety of drug options, so what works for one person may not work as well for another. There is no one optimum medicine. They are all separated into two main categories: stimulants and non-stimulants.
ADHD Stimulant Medication
It is well established that stimulants are the best drugs for treating ADHD. They aid in lowering fidgeting, hyperactivity, and lack of focus. Two important brain neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine, are elevated by stimulants. Elevations in these neurotransmitter levels also improve alertness, energy, and attention. Methylphenidate and amphetamine salts are two main classes of stimulants.
Salts of Amphetamine
Dexedrine, Vyvanse, and Adderall
Drugs that include amphetamine salts in their formulation stimulate the brain’s neurotransmission and other processes. They have been shown to improve brain function and anomalies associated with ADHD [3*] , which helps regulate symptoms that first appear in childhood. ADHD drugs include various forms of amphetamines. For instance, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine are both present in Adderall, dextroamphetamine is present in Dexedrine, and lisdexamfetamine is the active component of Vyvanse. Since amphetamines are classified as prohibited drugs, they may only be acquired with a prescription and under a doctor’s supervision.
Phenolphenidate
Concerta, Ritalin, Methylin, and Metadate
Another stimulant of the central nervous system is methylphenidate. It affects the neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly those that control impulsivity and hyperactivity. Even while methylphenidate often has less side effects than amphetamines, it is nonetheless an effective treatment for ADHD [4*].
| Brand name | Release type | Duration (hours) |
| Amphetamine salts | ||
| Adderall | (immediate-release) | 4-6 |
| Adderall XR | Enhanced distribution | 10–12 |
| Lisdexamfetamine | ||
| Vyvanse | Extended-release | Up to 14 |
| Dextroamphetamine | ||
| Dexedrine | (immediate-release) | 4-6 |
| Dexedrine | (Extended-release) | 6-8 |
| Methylphenidate | ||
| Ritalin | (Immediate-release) | 2-5 |
| Metadate ER | (Immediate-release) | About 8 hrs |
| Methylin IR | (Immediate-release) | 3-4 |
| Ritalin LA | (Extended-release) | Up to 8 |
| Concerta | (Extended-release) | 8-12 |
| Metadate CD | (Extended-release) | About 8 hrs |
| Methylin ER | (Extended-release) | About 8 hrs |
| Quillivant XR | (Extended-release) | Up to 12 hrs |
| Daytrana | (Extended-release) | Up to 10 |
| Aptensio XR | (Extended-release) | Up to 12 |
| Dexmethylphenidate | ||
| Focalin | (Immediate-release) | 2-5 |
| Focalin XR | (Extended-release) | 8-12 |
Non-stimulant ADHD medications
Non-stimulant ADHD drugs operate similarly to stimulants by boosting brain functioning to reduce hyperactivity, lack of attention, and impulsiveness. Non-stimulants, on the other hand, operate via distinct methods and brain chemicals from stimulants. Furthermore, their benefits are felt over a longer length of time: it may take a few days or weeks to see considerable and lasting improvement.
Tricyclic antidepressants
Desipramine (Norpramin) with amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep, Vanatrip)
This class of drug is less frequent than other forms of antidepressants. Still, certain tricyclics may be used to treat ADHD by balancing norepinephrine and serotonin levels. This impact assists with stress management.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants may be prescribed by healthcare practitioners to people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder who have not responded well to stimulant drugs. They reduce impulsivity and inattention while improving emotional control in the near term.
Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRI).
Atomoxetine (Strattera) with Viloxazine (Qelbree)
These drugs enhance norepinephrine levels in the brain. Their main impacts are greater attention and focus. Furthermore, they may be beneficial if a person exhibits signs of despair or anxiety in addition to ADHD.
Blood Pressure Medications
Guanfacine (Intuniv), Clonidine (Kapvay)
These drugs may be recommended for ADHD for a variety of reasons:
- They may be advantageous to persons who have difficulty tolerating stimulants.
- They can help control norepinephrine levels by interacting with alpha-2 receptors in the brain. It helps to control attention span and impulsivity.
- Guanfacine affects brain regions important for memory and focus, hence enhancing them.
- Sedatives or antihypertensives may also help with sleep problems and mood fluctuations, such as hostility, which are occasionally caused by stimulants.
Immediate-release vs. extended-release medications.
The primary distinction between immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (ER) formulations is the length of time required for the active ingredients to enter the body. Immediate-release drugs work faster than extended-release pills. Both have advantages and disadvantages, and the same drug may be made in many formulations to match the requirements of individuals.
In addition, since they function quickly, immediate-release drugs have a shorter duration of action. As a result, individuals may need to take their medications more often throughout the day. Extended-release drugs, on the other hand, are usually indicated for less frequent doses owing to their longer-lasting effects and concentration in the body.
To reduce the chance of adverse effects, you should follow your healthcare provider’s advice for frequency and dose.
The Latest Drugs for ADHD
One non-stimulant approach for treating ADHD is viloxazine (Qelbree), a more recent drug. There are also a number of novel stimulant drugs available, including:
- Cotempla: oral disintegrating tablets with extended-release methylphenidate
- Methylphenidate hydrochloride is Adhansia.
- Jornay PM, Aptensio XR: extended-release methylphenidate hydrochloride drug
- Amphetamine extended-release oral suspension, Dyanavel XR
- Amphetamine Adzenys XR-ODT
- Mixed salts of a single-entity amphetamine product are known as Mydayis.
Medications for ADHD Side Effects
A prescription is needed for any ADHD medicine, and a medical expert should oversee the whole treatment process. The possibility of side effects is one explanation for this; these effects might vary based on the medication’s class and composition, dose, and specific patient reaction, among other factors. Furthermore, different patients with the same disease may suffer various bad effects from the same medicine, and other individuals may not experience any side effects under the same circumstances. Nevertheless, it’s critical to understand any possible consequences.
Most side effects pass quickly; however, if they persist or are severe, you should speak with your doctor right away.
Common Adverse Reactions to Stimulants
The following side effects of stimulant-based ADHD treatment [5*] are possible:
- Lack of sleep
- Headache
- Gastrointestinal
- Unexpected return of ADHD symptoms
- Reduced desire to eat
- mouth dryness
- Intolerance
- Anxiety
Typical Adverse Reactions to Non-Stimulants
The kind of medicine recommended for ADHD and other criteria determine the side effects of non-stimulants. Typical ones are as follows:
- emesis
- stomach problems
- appetite decline
- Loss of weight
- Weary
To find out more about the possible adverse effects of the particular medicine, get in touch with your healthcare professional.
FAQ
What ADHD medication has the least side effects?
Just as every person’s reaction to medicine is unique, so too may side effects. When compared to stimulant medicines, non-stimulant drugs like guanfacine (Intuniv) [6*] and atomoxetine (Strattera) [7*] are often thought to have a gentler adverse effect profile. Speak with your healthcare practitioner to learn how to treat ADHD in your specific situation and about any possible side effects.
What is the most prescribed ADHD medication?
It’s thought that stimulants are the most often given drugs for ADHD. These include methylphenidate (like Ritalin) and amphetamines (like Adderall), which are often used as the first-line therapy for ADHD because of their efficacy. But a medical expert should decide which prescription drug to write after doing a thorough assessment. It should be noted that there is no one best drug for adult ADHD; rather, the effectiveness of each medication varies from patient to patient, and only a healthcare provider can recommend the best course of action.
What is the fastest-acting ADHD medication?
The same medication’s rate of action may change in various people due to the influence of their unique health circumstances. Generally speaking, the immediate-release version of stimulant drugs like methylphenidate or amphetamines is the fastest-acting ADHD treatment. After intake, these drugs may begin to act within 30 to 60 minutes. Nevertheless, the efficacy only lasts for a short while—typically 4-6 hours. To find out more, speak with your doctor and keep an eye on how your medicine is working for you.
Is Adderall the most common ADHD medication?
One of the most often used drugs for ADHD is Adderall. It is often used to assist control impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. It is a member of the stimulant class. Not every ADHD sufferer will see its benefits, however. The best prescription for you will be decided by your doctor, and it could or might not be Adderall.
What medication helps to improve focus in people with ADHD?
Drugs known as stimulants are often administered to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and help patients concentrate better. It is well established that drugs that include methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin) and amphetamines (e.g., Adderall) improve focus and attention span in people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. These drugs improve attention and decrease impulsivity by acting on neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
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