The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
The majority of ADHD medications are classified into two categories: stimulants or non-stimulants. The stimulants like methylphenidate (Provigil) and amphetamines function by increasing activity in parts of the brain that control the behaviour and attention.
Non-stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay), work slower than stimulants but can help improve concentration, focus and impulsivity. They also appear to reduce anxiety, which is often comorbid with ADHD in adults.
Stimulants
The first drug that doctors use to treat ADHD is stimulant medication. However, these drugs don't work for everyone and they can have bad adverse effects for certain people. Nonstimulant medication takes longer to effect but can improve inattention or the impulsiveness of some adults. A combination of medications and behavioral therapy is typically the best method to treat ADHD.
Medications are about 70%-80% effective in treating ADHD in adults. The use of medications is only part of the treatment. Many people also find that lifestyle changes and training aid. It is essential to inform your doctor about any problems or side effects you have from the medication to allow them to modify your dosage as needed.
Amphétamines and methylphenidates are stimulant medications. Methylphenidates is the most popular medication for ADD/ADHD. These medicines are available in various strengths forms, dosages, and forms that include chewable, liquid, tablet, and capsule. They're generally considered safe for adults and children, however they shouldn't be taken by those suffering from arteriosclerosis that is advanced, glaucoma or heart disease that is symptomatic, or who have recently taken monoamine inhibitors of oxidase (MAOIs).
Amphetamines have a lot in common with methylphenidates but are more powerful. They are less likely to cause severe adverse effects and are more efficient 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 kinds of stimulants can cause undesirable adverse effects, such as headaches, stomach upsets, jitters and difficulty sleeping. non stimulant adhd medication of these side effects are mild and last only several weeks.
Nonstimulant medications
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to effect than stimulants. They may not be as efficient however they can improve inattention and reduce irritability. They work by boosting brain chemicals that control emotions and focusing the attention. There are many types of these medications and some doctors recommend them with stimulants to get the best results.
Strattera (atomoxetine), an SNRI, increases the levels of norepinephrine within the brain, reducing impulsivity and inattention. FDA approval took a while but the drug has been shown to be effective in treating ADHD. Guanfacine (Intuniv) is a blood pressure medication that also helps by increasing levels of norepinephrine while reducing the amount of impulsivity. It takes a little longer to work than methylphenidate or amphetamines. It also has a more "no-fly effect" on the brain. Zyban/Wellbutrin, (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are other drugs that boost the levels of norepinephrine. They aren't approved by FDA to treat ADHD however they may help some people with this disorder. In addition, antidepressants can be often used to treat ADHD because they can raise the levels of certain brain chemicals that affect mood and behavior.