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 that control the behavior and attention.
Nonstimulants such as guanfacine, the atomoxetine and clonidine work slower than stimulants, however they can help improve focus and attention as well as impulsivity. They also seem to reduce anxiety, which is often comorbid ADHD in adults.
Stimulants
The first drug that doctors prescribe to treat ADHD is stimulant medications. However, these medications don't work for everyone and can cause negative adverse effects for certain people. Nonstimulant medications take longer to begin to work however they can help improve inattention and impulsiveness for certain adults. A combination of medications and behavioral therapy is generally the best approach to treat ADHD.
The use of medication is 70%-80% effective for treating ADHD in adults. Medications are only part of the treatment. Many people also discover that lifestyle changes and training can help. Inform your doctor if encounter any adverse effects or problems with the medication. This allows them to adjust your dosage as needed.
Amphétamines and methylphenidates are stimulant medications. Methylphenidates are the most common medication for ADD/ADHD. They're available in different strengths and forms, such as chewable tablets, liquid or capsules. They're generally considered safe for most adults and children. However, they shouldn't be taken by people who have glaucoma, advanced arteriosclerosis, or heart disease that is symptomatic, or who have recently taken monoamine inhibitors of oxidase (MAOIs).
Amphetamines are similar like methylphenidates, but are more powerful. adhd stimulant medication are less likely to cause severe adverse effects and are more efficient in treating ADHD symptoms than methylphenidates. They're also more likely to trigger addiction and abuse, hence they're classified as Schedule I drugs.
The stimulants of both kinds can cause unpleasant side effects, including stomach upsets, headaches insomnia, jitters and a decrease in appetite. However, most of them aren't serious and last longer than a couple of weeks.
Nonstimulant medicines
Nonstimulant ADHD medications take longer to work than stimulants. They may not be as efficient however they can improve irritability and inattention. They help by increasing the amount of brain chemicals that control emotions and focus attention. There are several kinds of these medicines and some doctors prescribe them in conjunction with stimulants to maximize the benefits of both treatments.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an SNRI that increases levels of norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain that helps reduce inattention and impulsiveness. It took a long time to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but it's been proven to be effective in adults. Guanfacine, also known as Intuniv, is a blood-pressure medicine that works by increasing norepinephrine levels and reducing the impulsivity. It takes a little longer to work than methylphenidate and amphetamines. It also has a more "no-fly effect" on the brain. Wellbutrin/Zyban (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. Antidepressants are also used to treat ADHD, as they can increase the levels of brain chemicals that affect the mood and behavior.