The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
Most of the medications used to treat ADHD are classified into two groups: stimulants and nonstimulants. The stimulants like methylphenidate (Provigil) and amphetamines work by enhancing the activity of parts of the brain responsible for the behaviour and attention.
Non-stimulants, such as guanfacine Clonidine, atomoxetine, and others, work slower than stimulants, but they help improve focus and attention as well as impulsivity. They also seem to reduce anxiety, which is often comorbid with ADHD in adults.
Stimulants
The first treatment that doctors choose to treat ADHD is stimulant medication. However, these drugs do not work for everyone, and they can have bad adverse effects on some people. Nonstimulant medicines take longer to begin to work however they can help improve impulsiveness and attention for certain adults. A combination of medication and behavioral therapy is typically the best way to treat ADHD.
Medications are about 70%-80% effective in treating ADHD in adults. The use of medications is only part of the treatment. Many people also find that lifestyle changes and training aid. It is important to inform your doctor about any issues or side effects from the medication so that they can modify your dosage as needed.
Amphétamines and methylphenidates are stimulant medications. Methylphenidates are among the most popular medications for ADD/ADHD. adhd medications are available in different strengths forms, dosages, and forms comprising chewable liquid, 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 recently took monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), should not.
Amphetamines exhibit similar effects as methylphenidates, but they are more potent. They are less likely to cause major adverse effects and are more effective in treating ADHD symptoms than methylphenidates. They are also more likely than methylphenidates to cause addiction and abuse. This is the reason they are classified as Schedule I drugs.
The stimulants of both kinds can produce unpleasant adverse effects, such as stomach upsets, headaches, anxiety and jitters. However, the majority of these aren't severe and last for longer than a few weeks.
Nonstimulant medications
Nonstimulant ADHD medications take longer to effect than stimulants. They aren't as effective however, they can improve inattention and reduce irritability. They work by increasing levels of brain chemicals that help manage emotions and focus attention. There are adhd medications of these medicines and some doctors prescribe them in conjunction with a stimulant to get the most benefit of both treatments.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an SNRI that boosts levels of norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain that helps reduce inattention and impulsiveness. It took a while to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however it has been shown to be helpful for adults. 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 begin working than amphetamines or methylphenidate, and it has a more "no-fly" effect on the brain. Other medicines that increase norepinephrine levels are Wellbutrin/Zyban (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). They aren't approved by FDA to treat ADHD, but they can aid people suffering from this disorder. Antidepressants can also be used to treat ADHD because they increase the levels of brain chemicals that impact the way we behave and mood.