The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
Most of the medications used to treat ADHD fall into two groups: stimulants and nonstimulants. The stimulants such as methylphenidate (Provigil) and amphetamines function by increasing activity in parts of the brain that control the behavior and attention.
Non-stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay) perform slower than stimulants but can help improve focus, concentration and impulsivity. They also help reduce anxiety which is often a comorbidity of ADHD in adults.
Stimulants
The first medication that doctors prescribe to treat ADHD is stimulant medication. However, these medications aren't for everyone and can cause negative adverse effects on some people. Nonstimulant medication takes longer to take effect, however they can improve attention span or impulsiveness in some adults. A combination of medication and behavioral therapy is usually the best way to treat ADHD.
uk adhd medication are about 70%-80% effective for treating ADHD in adults. The use of medications is only part of the treatment. Many people also find that lifestyle changes and skill training can help. Inform your doctor if have any adverse reactions or issues with the medication. This will allow them to alter the dosage as needed.
Amphétamines and methylphenidates are stimulant drugs. Methylphenidates is the most common treatment for ADD/ADHD. They're available in various strengths and forms, like chewable tablets, liquids or capsules. Most adults and children are safe to take them, however those with glaucoma or advanced arteriosclerosis or heart disease-related symptoms, or who have recently taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) shouldn't.
Amphetamines have similar effects like methylphenidates, but are more powerful. They are less likely to cause severe adverse effects and are more effective in treating ADHD symptoms than methylphenidates. They're also more likely to cause addiction and abuse, hence they're classified as Schedule I drugs.
The stimulants of both kinds can cause negative side effects, like headaches, stomach upset, jitters, trouble sleeping, and loss of appetite. But most of these aren't severe and last for longer than a few weeks.
Nonstimulant medications
Nonstimulant drugs for ADHD take longer to start working than stimulants and may not be as effective, however they can aid in reducing inattention and irritability. They work by increasing levels of brain chemicals that help control emotions and help focus attention. There are many types of these drugs and some doctors even prescribe them in conjunction with stimulants to achieve the best results.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an SNRI that boosts levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine to reduce impulsivity and inattention. It took a long time to become FDA-approved for treating ADHD however, it's been proven to be effective in adults. Guanfacine (Intuniv) is a blood pressure medicine that also increases levels of norepinephrine while reducing impulsiveness. It takes a bit longer to begin working than amphetamines and methylphenidate and it has a more "no-fly" impact on the brain. Other medications that boost norepinephrine levels are Wellbutrin/Zyban (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). The FDA has not yet approved these drugs for treating ADHD. However they could be beneficial to some people. Antidepressants are also used to treat ADHD, as they can increase the levels of brain chemicals that impact mood and behavior.