The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
The majority of ADHD medications are classified into two categories: stimulants and nonstimulants. The stimulants like methylphenidate (Provigil) and amphetamines work by enhancing the activity of parts of the brain that regulate the behavior and attention.
Non-stimulants like guanfacine the atomoxetine and clonidine perform slower than stimulants however they can help improve focus and attention, as well as impulsivity. They also seem to reduce anxiety which is often a comorbidity of ADHD in adults.
Stimulants
The first drug that doctors prescribe to treat ADHD is stimulant medications. However, these medications don't work for everyone and they may cause undesirable side effects for some people. uk adhd medication take longer to start working, but they can improve inattention and impulsiveness for some adults. ADHD is best treated by a combination of behavioral therapy and medication.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from treatment in 70-80% of the range. The use of medications is only part of the treatment. Many people also find that lifestyle changes and skill training help. It is important to inform your doctor about any concerns or side effects from the medication to allow them to adjust your dosage if needed.
Amphétamines and methylphenidates are stimulant medicines. Methylphenidates is the most popular ADD/ADHD medicine. These medicines are available in various strengths and forms, as well as dosages, including liquid, chewable tablet and capsule. Most adults and children are safe to take them, however those suffering from glaucoma, advanced arteriosclerosis or heart disease symptoms or who recently took monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) shouldn't.
Amphetamines are similar in their effects to methylphenidates but are more potent. They're less likely to cause serious adverse reactions, and they're more effective than methylphenidates at decreasing symptoms of ADHD. They're also more likely than methylphenidates to cause addiction and abuse. This is the reason they're classified as Schedule I drugs.
Both types of stimulants can cause unpleasant side effects, including stomach upsets, headaches, insomnia, jitters and a loss of appetite. The majority of these side effects are mild and last only a few weeks.
Nonstimulant medicine
Nonstimulant drugs for ADHD take longer to begin working than stimulants, and may not be as effective, but they can help improve attention and irritability. They help by increasing levels of brain chemicals that help control emotions and help focus attention. There are many types of these drugs and some doctors recommend them with stimulants to get the best results.
adhd medication (atomoxetine), an SNRI, increases the levels of norepinephrine in the brain, which reduces the impulsivity and inattention. FDA approval took a long time, but the drug has been proven to be effective in treating ADHD. Guanfacine (Intuniv) is a blood pressure medicine that also increases levels of norepinephrine, and reducing the amount of impulsivity. It takes a bit longer to work than methylphenidate and amphetamines. It also has a stronger "no-fly effect" on the brain. Wellbutrin/Zyban (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are other drugs that boost the level of norepinephrine. These aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however they could help some people with this disorder. In addition, antidepressants can be sometimes used to treat ADHD due to the fact that they can increase the levels of certain brain chemicals that influence mood and behavior.