The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
Most of the medications used to treat ADHD are classified into two groups: stimulants and nonstimulants. The stimulants such as methylphenidate (Provigil) and amphetamines act by increasing the activity in areas of the brain responsible for attention and behaviour.
Nonstimulants such as guanfacine, the atomoxetine and clonidine perform slower than stimulants but they help improve concentration and attention as well as impulsivity. They also appear to decrease anxiety, which is frequently associated with ADHD in adults.
Stimulants
Stimulant medication is often a doctor's first choice for treating ADHD, but they aren't suitable for everyone and can cause negative side effects for some people. Nonstimulant medicines take longer to start working, but they can increase impulsiveness and inattention for some adults. A combination of medications and behavioral therapy is typically the best method to treat ADHD.
Medications are about 70%-80% effective for treating ADHD in adults. Medications are only part of the treatment. Many people also discover that lifestyle changes and training can help. It is essential to inform your doctor about any concerns or side effects you have from the medication to allow them to modify your dosage as needed.
Amphétamines and methylphenidates are stimulant drugs. Methylphenidates are among the most popular medications for ADD/ADHD. They are available in a variety of strengths forms, dosages, and forms, including liquid, chewable tablet, and capsule. They're generally considered safe for most adults and children, but they shouldn't be used by people who have arteriosclerosis that is advanced, glaucoma or with symptomatic heart disease or who have recently taken monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs).
Amphetamines are similar in their effects to methylphenidates, but they're more potent. They are less likely to cause serious adverse effects and are more effective 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 headaches, stomach upset, insomnia, jitters and a decrease in appetite. Most of these side effects are mild and last only a few weeks.
Nonstimulant medicines
Nonstimulant medicines for ADHD take longer to start working than stimulants and might not be as effective, but they can aid in reducing inattention and irritation. They work by increasing the brain chemicals that regulate emotions and focus the attention. There are many types of these medications, and some doctors prescribe them in conjunction with stimulants to achieve the best results.
types of adhd medication (atomoxetine), an SNRI which increases the levels of norepinephrine inside the brain, which reduces impulsivity and inattention. FDA approval took a long time but the drug has been shown to be effective in treating ADHD. Guanfacine (Intuniv) is a blood pressure medication that also works by increasing levels of norepinephrine and decreasing impulsiveness. It takes a little longer to work than methylphenidate or amphetamines. It also has a stronger "no-fly effect" on the brain. Other medicines that increase norepinephrine levels include Wellbutrin/Zyban (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). treating adhd without medication approved by FDA to treat ADHD, but they can help some people with this disorder. In addition, antidepressants can be sometimes prescribed to treat ADHD due to the fact that they can increase the levels of certain brain chemicals that influence mood and behavior.