The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
Most ADHD medications are classified into two categories: stimulants or nonstimulants. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Provigil) and amphetamines act by enhancing the activity of parts of the brain responsible for the behaviour and attention.
Non-stimulants like guanfacine the atomoxetine and clonidine work slower than stimulants, but they aid in improving focus and attention, as well as impulsivity. They also appear to decrease anxiety, which is often comorbid ADHD in adults.
Stimulants
The first drug that doctors use to treat ADHD is stimulant medication. However, these drugs don't work for everyone and can cause negative adverse effects for certain people. Nonstimulant medications take longer to begin to work but they can help increase impulsiveness and inattention for some adults. ADHD is best treated using a an interdisciplinary approach of therapy and medication.
Medicines are around 70%-80% effective for treating ADHD in adults. The medication is just one aspect of treatment, though: many people find that lifestyle changes and training also aid. Inform your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions or issues with the medication. This will allow them to adjust your dosage if needed.
There are two kinds of stimulant medicines: methylphenidates and amphetamines. Methylphenidates is the most well-known medication for ADD/ADHD. These medications are available in various strengths, forms, and dosages, including liquid, chewable tablet, and capsule. The majority of adults and children are safe to take them, however those with glaucoma or advanced arteriosclerosis or heart disease symptoms or who have recently taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), should not.
Amphetamines are similar to methylphenidates but are more potent. They're generally less likely to cause serious side effects, and they're more effective than methylphenidates at reducing symptoms of ADHD. They're also more likely to lead to dependence and abuse, which is why they're classified as Schedule I drugs.
Both kinds of stimulants may cause negative side effects, like stomach upsets, headaches insomnia, jitters and a loss of appetite. Most of these side effects are mild and last only several weeks.
Nonstimulant medicine
Nonstimulant medications for ADHD take longer to start working than stimulants and might not be as effective, however they can aid in reducing inattention and irritation. They work by increasing brain chemicals that control emotions and focus the attention. There are a variety of these medications and some doctors recommend them with stimulants to get the best results.
Strattera (atomoxetine), an SNRI, increases the levels of norepinephrine inside the brain, which reduces the tendency to be impulsive and inattention. FDA approval took a long time however, the drug has been proved to be effective in treating ADHD. Guanfacine (Intuniv) is a blood pressure medicine that also helps by increasing levels of norepinephrine and decreasing the amount of impulsivity. adhd medication takes a bit longer to work than methylphenidate or amphetamines. It also has a greater "no-fly effect" on the brain. Zyban/Wellbutrin, (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are other drugs that boost the norepinephrine level. The FDA has not approved these drugs for treating ADHD. However, they may help some people. Additionally, antidepressants are often used to treat ADHD due to the fact that they can increase the levels of certain brain chemicals that affect mood and behavior.