The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
The majority of medications used to treat ADHD are divided into two groups: stimulants and nonstimulants. The stimulants such as methylphenidate (Provigil) and amphetamines act by increasing activity in parts of the brain that regulate the behavior and attention.
Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Intuniv) and Clonidine (Kapvay) perform slower than stimulants, but they help improve concentration, focus and impulsivity. They also appear to decrease anxiety, which is frequently associated with ADHD in adults.
Stimulants
Stimulant medications are often the first choice for doctors when it comes to treating ADHD, but they don't work well 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 some adults. ADHD is best treated using a an interdisciplinary approach of therapy and medication.
adhd no medication with ADHD can benefit from medication in 70-80% range. The use of medications is only part of the treatment. Many people also discover that lifestyle changes and skill training can help. It is essential to inform your doctor about any issues or side effects you have from the medication, so that they can modify your dosage as needed.
T here are two types of stimulant medications: methylphenidates and amphetamines. Methylphenidates is the most common ADD/ADHD medicine. They're available in different strengths and forms, including chewable tablets, liquids or capsules. They're generally considered safe for adults and children. However, they shouldn't be taken by people suffering from glaucoma, advanced arteriosclerosis, or heart disease that is symptomatic, or who have recently taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Amphetamines have a lot in common with methylphenidates, but they're more powerful. They are less likely to cause severe adverse effects and are more efficient in treating ADHD symptoms than methylphenidates. 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 have some undesirable side effects, such as stomach upsets, headaches anxiety, jitters, and a decrease in appetite. The majority of these side effects are minor and last only a few weeks.
Nonstimulant drugs
Nonstimulant ADHD medications are more difficult to use than stimulants. They might not be as effective, but they can help improve irritability and inattention. They help by increasing levels of brain chemicals that aid in controlling emotions and focus attention. There are a variety of these drugs and some doctors prescribe them alongside a stimulant to get the most out of both treatments.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an SNRI that raises levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine in order to reduce impulsiveness and inattention. FDA approval took a while, but the drug has been shown to be effective in treating ADHD. Guanfacine, also known as Intuniv is a blood-pressure medication that works by increasing norepinephrine levels and decreasing impulsiveness. It's a little slower to begin its work than methylphenidate or amphetamines, and it has a more "no-fly" impact on the brain. Other medications that boost norepinephrine levels include Wellbutrin/Zyban (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine). These aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but they can aid some people suffering from this disorder. Antidepressants can also be used to treat ADHD, as they can increase the levels of brain chemicals that influence mood and behavior.