The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
The majority of ADHD medications fall into two categories: stimulants or nonstimulants. The stimulants like methylphenidate (Provigil) and amphetamines function by increasing the activity in areas of the brain responsible for attention and behaviour.
Non-stimulants, such as guanfacine atomoxetine, and clonidine, work slower than stimulants, however they can help improve focus, attention, and impulsivity. They also appear to reduce anxiety, which is often comorbid with ADHD in adults.
Stimulants
Stimulant medication is often a doctor's first choice for treating ADHD however they don't work well for everyone and can cause adverse side effects in certain people. Nonstimulant medicines take longer to begin to work, but they can increase impulsiveness and inattention for some adults. ADHD is best treated with the combination of therapy and medication.
Adults with ADHD can benefit from medication in 70-80% of the range. Medication is only one part of treatment, but many people discover that lifestyle changes and training can also aid. It's important to tell your doctor about any problems or side effects from the medication, so that they can alter your dosage if necessary.
Amphétamines and methylphenidates are stimulant medications. Methylphenidates are the most common ADD/ADHD medicines. best adhd medication for adults are available in different strengths and forms, as well as dosages comprising chewable liquid, 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 oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) are not recommended to take them.
Amphetamines are similar like methylphenidates, but are more potent. They are less likely to cause severe adverse effects and are more efficient in treating ADHD symptoms than methylphenidates. They're also more likely to cause addiction and abuse, so they're classified as Schedule I drugs.
Both types of stimulants can cause some undesirable side effects, such as stomach upsets, headaches insomnia, jitters and a decrease in appetite. However, most of them are mild and don't last more than a few weeks.
Nonstimulant medicines
Nonstimulant ADHD medications take longer to effect than stimulants. They might not be as effective however they can improve inattention and irritability. They work by boosting the brain chemicals that regulate emotions and focus attention. There are a variety of these drugs and some doctors prescribe them along with a stimulant to maximize the benefits of both treatments.
Strattera (atomoxetine), an SNRI, increases the levels of norepinephrine in the brain to reduce the tendency to be impulsive and inattention. It took a while to be approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however, it's been shown to be helpful in adults. Guanfacine, also known as Intuniv, is a blood-pressure medicine that is effective by boosting the levels of norepinephrine and decreasing impulsiveness. It takes a little longer to take effect than methylphenidate and amphetamines. It also has a more "no-fly effect" on the brain. Other medications that boost norepinephrine levels include Wellbutrin/Zyban (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). They aren't approved by FDA to treat ADHD however they may aid people suffering from this disorder. In addition, antidepressants are sometimes prescribed to treat ADHD because they increase the levels of certain brain chemicals that affect mood and behavior.