The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
The majority of medications used to treat ADHD fall into two categories: stimulants and nonstimulants. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Provigil) and amphetamines work by increasing activity in parts of the brain that regulate the behaviour and attention.
Non-stimulants, such as guanfacine Clonidine, atomoxetine, and others, perform slower than stimulants but they aid in improving focus, attention, and impulsivity. They also appear to decrease anxiety, which is frequently associated with ADHD in adults.
Stimulants
The use of stimulants is usually the first choice for doctors when it comes to treating ADHD, but they aren't suitable for everyone and may cause bad side effects in some people. Nonstimulant medication takes longer to take effect, but can improve inattention or impulsiveness in some adults. A combination of medication and behavioral therapy is typically the best approach to treat ADHD.
adhd without medication are around 70%-80% effective for treating ADHD in adults. The medication is just one aspect of treatment, however: many people discover that lifestyle changes and training also aid. Inform your doctor if experience any side effects or problems with the medication. This will allow them to adjust the dosage as required.
There are two types of stimulant medications amphetamines and methylphenidates. Methylphenidates are among the most popular ADD/ADHD medicines. They're available in different strengths and forms, including chewable tablets, liquids or capsules. They're generally regarded as safe for most adults and children, but they shouldn't be used by people suffering from glaucoma, advanced arteriosclerosis, or with symptomatic heart disease or who have recently taken monoamine inhibitors of oxidase (MAOIs).
Amphetamines are similar like methylphenidates, but are more potent. They're less likely to cause serious adverse effects, and are more effective than methylphenidates in reducing symptoms of ADHD. They're also more likely to cause addiction and abuse, hence they're classified as Schedule I drugs.
Both types of stimulants can cause some undesirable side effects, such as stomach upsets, headaches, anxiety, jitters, and loss of appetite. But most of these aren't serious and last longer than a couple of weeks.
Nonstimulant medications
Nonstimulant drugs for ADHD take longer to start working than stimulants, and may not be as effective, however they can improve inattention and irritation. They work by increasing levels of brain chemicals that aid in controlling emotions and help focus attention. There are many kinds of these medications and some doctors recommend them with stimulants to get the most effective results.
Strattera (atomoxetine), an SNRI which increases the levels of norepinephrine within the brain, reducing impulsivity and inattention. It took a long time for it to be approved by the FDA for treating ADHD however, it's been proven to be effective for adults. Guanfacine (Intuniv) is a blood pressure medication that also works by increasing levels of norepinephrine while reducing impulsiveness. It takes a bit longer to begin working than amphetamines and methylphenidate and it has a stronger "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. In addition, antidepressants can be often used to treat ADHD due to the fact that they can increase the levels of certain brain chemicals that affect mood and behavior.