The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
The majority of ADHD medications are classified into two categories: stimulants and nonstimulants. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Provigil) and amphetamines function by enhancing the activity of parts of the brain responsible for the behavior and attention.
Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay), work slower than stimulants but can help increase focus, concentration and impulsivity. They also appear to decrease anxiety, which is frequently associated with ADHD in adults.
Stimulants
Stimulant medication is often a doctor's first choice for treating ADHD but they aren't suitable for everyone and may cause adverse side effects in certain people. Nonstimulant medications take longer to start working, but they can improve impulsiveness and attention for some adults. ADHD is best treated using a a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
Medicines are around 70%-80% effective for treating ADHD in adults. The medication is just one aspect of treatment, though: many people discover that lifestyle changes and training also aid. Inform your doctor if you have any adverse effects or problems with the medication. This allows them to adjust your dosage if needed.
Amphétamines and methylphenidates are stimulant drugs. Methylphenidates are among the most popular medication for ADD/ADHD. These medications are available in different strengths forms, dosages, and forms, including liquid, chewable tablet, and capsule. The majority of adults and children are safe to take them, but those suffering from glaucoma or advanced arteriosclerosis or heart disease symptoms, or who recently took monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), should not.
Amphetamines are similar in their effects to methylphenidates, but they're more potent. They're generally less likely to cause severe adverse effects, and are more effective than methylphenidates in reducing symptoms of ADHD. They are also more likely than methylphenidates cause addiction and abuse. This is why they're classified as Schedule I drugs.
Both kinds of stimulants can cause unpleasant side effects such as headaches, stomach upsets, anxiety and jitters. Most of these side effects are mild and last only a few weeks.
Nonstimulant drugs
Nonstimulant medicines for ADHD take longer to begin working than stimulants, and may not be as effective, but they can help improve attention and irritability. They work by increasing the brain chemicals that regulate emotions and focus the attention. There are a variety of these medications, and some doctors prescribe them with stimulants to get the most effective results.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an SNRI, increases the levels of norepinephrine within the brain to reduce impulsivity and inattention. FDA approval took a long time however, the drug has been proven to be effective in treating ADHD. Guanfacine (Intuniv) is a blood pressure medication that also increases levels of norepinephrine, and reducing the amount of impulsivity. It takes a bit longer to work than methylphenidate or amphetamines. It also has a more "no-fly effect" on the brain. Other medications that boost norepinephrine levels are Wellbutrin/Zyban (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). that guy approved by FDA to treat ADHD however they may aid some people suffering from this disorder. Antidepressants can also be used to treat ADHD, as they can increase the levels of brain chemicals that impact the mood and behavior.