The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
Most ADHD medications are classified into two categories: stimulants or nonstimulants. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Provigil) and amphetamines work by increasing activity in parts of the brain responsible for the behaviour and attention.
Non-stimulants like guanfacine atomoxetine, and clonidine, work slower than stimulants, however they can help improve concentration and attention, as well as impulsivity. They also appear to decrease anxiety which is often a comorbidity of ADHD in adults.
Stimulants
The first medication that doctors prescribe to treat ADHD is stimulant medication. However, these medications don't work for everyone and they can have bad adverse effects for certain people. adhd without medication take longer to start working, but they can improve inattention and impulsiveness for certain adults. A combination of medications and behavioral therapy is usually the best approach to treat ADHD.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from treatment in a 70-80% range. They are just one part of the treatment. Many people also find that lifestyle changes and skill training can help. It is important to inform your doctor about any issues or side effects from the medication, so that they can modify your dosage as needed.
There are two types of stimulant drugs amphetamines and methylphenidates. Methylphenidates is the most common ADD/ADHD medicine. They're available in different strengths and forms, such as chewable tablets, liquids 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 have similar effects as methylphenidates, but they are more powerful. They are less likely to cause serious adverse effects and are more efficient in treating ADHD symptoms than methylphenidates. They're also more likely than methylphenidates to cause addiction and abuse. This is why they are classified as Schedule I drugs.
The stimulants of both kinds can cause undesirable side effects, such as headaches, stomach upset, jitters, trouble sleeping, and a decrease in appetite. But most of these are mild and don't last longer than a few weeks.
Nonstimulant medicines
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to work than stimulants. They might not be as effective, but they can help improve inattention and reduce irritability. They work by increasing brain chemicals that control emotions and focusing the attention. There are many types of these drugs and some doctors even prescribe them in conjunction with stimulants to achieve the most effective results.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an SNRI that increases the levels of norepinephrine in the brain, which reduces impulsivity and inattention. It took a while to be approved by the FDA for treating ADHD, but it's been proven to be effective for adults. Guanfacine (Intuniv) is a blood pressure medicine that also helps by increasing levels of norepinephrine and decreasing the impulsiveness. It takes a little longer to work than methylphenidate and amphetamines. It also has a stronger "no-fly effect" on the brain. Zyban/Wellbutrin, (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are other medications that can increase the level of norepinephrine. These aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but they can help some people with this disorder. Antidepressants can also be used to treat ADHD, as they can increase the levels of brain chemicals that impact the mood and behavior.