The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
Most of the medications used to treat ADHD are classified into two groups: stimulants and nonstimulants. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Provigil) and amphetamines work by increasing the activity in areas of the brain that regulate the behaviour and attention.
Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay) are slower than stimulants but can help increase focus, concentration and impulsivity. They also help reduce anxiety which is often a comorbidity of ADHD in adults.
Stimulants
Stimulant medication is often a doctor's first choice for treating ADHD but they're not suitable for everyone and can trigger bad side effects in some people. Nonstimulant medication takes longer to effect however, they can help improve attention or the impulsiveness of certain adults. A combination of medication and behavioral therapy is generally the best method to treat ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from treatment in 70-80% range. Medications are only part of the treatment. Many people also discover that lifestyle changes and training can help. Inform your doctor if you experience any adverse effects or problems with the medication. This allows them to adjust the dosage as required.
Amphétamines and methylphenidates are stimulant drugs. Methylphenidates are among the most popular ADD/ADHD medicines. They are available in a variety of strengths and forms, including liquid, chewable tablets or capsules. Most adults and children are safe to take them, however those suffering from glaucoma, advanced arteriosclerosis or heart disease symptoms or who have recently taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are not recommended to take them.
Amphetamines are similar to methylphenidates but are more potent. They are less likely to cause serious adverse effects and are more effective in treating ADHD symptoms than methylphenidates. They are more likely than methylphenidates to cause addiction and abuse. This is why they are classified as Schedule I drugs.
Both kinds of stimulants can cause undesirable side effects like stomach upsets, headaches, anxiety and jitters. But most of these aren't severe and last for longer than a few weeks.
Nonstimulant medication
Nonstimulant ADHD medications take longer to effect than stimulants. They may not be as efficient however, they can improve irritability and inattention. They function by increasing the levels of brain chemicals that help control emotions and focus attention. There are a variety of these medications and some doctors recommend them in conjunction with stimulants to achieve the most effective results.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an SNRI which increases the levels of norepinephrine in the brain, which reduces impulsivity and inattention. non stimulant adhd medication took a long time however, the drug has been proven to be effective in treating ADHD. Guanfacine (Intuniv) is a blood pressure medicine that also increases levels of norepinephrine while reducing the impulsiveness. It's a little slower to start working than amphetamines or methylphenidate, and it has more of a "no-fly" impact on the brain. Wellbutrin/Zyban (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are other drugs that boost the levels of norepinephrine. They aren't approved by FDA to treat ADHD, but they can aid people suffering from this disorder. Antidepressants are also used to treat ADHD because they increase the levels of brain chemicals that influence the mood and behavior.