The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
Most of the medications used to treat ADHD fall into two categories: nonstimulants and stimulants. The stimulants like methylphenidate (Provigil) and amphetamines act by increasing the activity in areas of the brain that regulate the behavior and attention.
Non-stimulants like guanfacine atomoxetine, and clonidine, work slower than stimulants, but they help improve focus, attention, and impulsivity. inattentive adhd medication appear to decrease anxiety, which is often associated with ADHD in adults.
Stimulants
Stimulant medications are often the first choice for doctors when it comes to treating ADHD, but they aren't suitable for everyone and may cause negative side effects for some people. Nonstimulant medications take longer time to begin to work however they can help improve inattention and impulsiveness for some adults. ADHD is best treated by an interdisciplinary approach of therapy and medication.
Medicines are around 70%-80% effective in treating ADHD in adults. The medication is just one aspect of treatment, though: many people find that lifestyle changes and skills training can also aid. It's important to tell your doctor about any issues or side effects from the medication to allow them to alter your dosage if necessary.
Amphétamines and methylphenidates are stimulant medications. Methylphenidates are among the most popular medications for ADD/ADHD. They are available in different strengths, forms, and dosages, including liquid, chewable tablet and capsule. The majority of adults and children are safe to take them. However, those suffering from glaucoma, advanced arteriosclerosis or heart disease-related symptoms, or who have recently taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are not recommended to take them.
Amphetamines are similar to 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 than methylphenidates cause addiction and abuse. This is why they're classified as Schedule I drugs.
The stimulants of both kinds can cause unpleasant side effects such as stomach upsets, headaches jitters and difficulty sleeping. But most of these aren't serious and last longer than a couple of weeks.
Nonstimulant medicine
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to work than stimulants. They may not be as efficient, but they can help improve inattention and reduce irritability. They function by increasing the levels of brain chemicals that help manage emotions and focus attention. There are many kinds of these drugs and some doctors recommend 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 inattention and impulsiveness. It took a long time to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however, it's been shown to be helpful in adults. Guanfacine is also referred to as Intuniv, is a blood-pressure medicine that is effective by boosting the levels of norepinephrine and reducing impulsiveness. It takes a little longer to work than methylphenidate and amphetamines. It also has a greater "no-fly effect" on the brain. Wellbutrin/Zyban, (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are other medicines that increase the levels of norepinephrine. These aren't endorsed by the FDA to treat ADHD, but they can aid some people suffering from this disorder. In adhd medication and pregnancy , antidepressants are often used to treat ADHD because they increase the levels of certain brain chemicals that affect mood and behavior.