The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
The majority of ADHD medications fall into two categories: stimulants or non-stimulants. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Provigil) and amphetamines act by increasing activity in parts of the brain that control attention and behaviour.
Non-stimulants like guanfacine atomoxetine, and clonidine, work slower than stimulants, but they help improve concentration and attention, as well as impulsivity. They also seem to reduce anxiety which is often associated with ADHD in adults.
Stimulants
The first treatment that doctors choose to treat ADHD is stimulant medications. However, these medications aren't for everyone and they may cause undesirable adverse effects on some people. adhd and medication takes longer to work, but can improve inattention or impulsiveness in certain adults. ADHD is best treated using a an interdisciplinary approach of medication and behavioral therapy.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from treatment in 70-80% range. They are just one part of the treatment. Many people also find that lifestyle changes and training help. adhd and medication is essential to inform your doctor about any concerns or side effects from the medication so that they can adjust your dosage if needed.
There are two types of stimulant medications: methylphenidates and amphetamines. Methylphenidates are the most common ADD/ADHD medicines. They are available in various 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 with glaucoma or advanced arteriosclerosis or heart disease-related symptoms, or who recently took monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), should not.
Amphetamines have a lot in common with methylphenidates but are more potent. They're generally less likely to cause serious side effects, and they're more effective than methylphenidates at decreasing symptoms of ADHD. They are 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 cause some unpleasant side effects, including stomach upsets, headaches, insomnia, jitters and a loss of appetite. The majority of these side effects are mild and last only a few weeks.
Nonstimulant medications
Nonstimulant medicines for ADHD take longer to start working than stimulants and may not be as effective, however they can help improve attention and anger. They function by increasing the levels of brain chemicals that aid in controlling emotions and help focus attention. There are many types of these medications and some doctors even prescribe them with stimulants to get 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 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 helps by increasing levels of norepinephrine and decreasing the amount of impulsivity. It's a little slower to begin working than methylphenidate or amphetamines, and it has a more "no-fly" effect on the brain. Wellbutrin/Zyban (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are other drugs that boost the levels of norepinephrine. The FDA has not yet approved these drugs for treating ADHD. However they could be beneficial to some people. In addition, antidepressants are sometimes prescribed to treat ADHD due to the fact that they can increase the levels of certain brain chemicals that affect mood and behavior.