The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
Most of the medications used to treat ADHD are classified into two categories: nonstimulants and stimulants. The stimulants such as methylphenidate (Provigil) and amphetamines function by enhancing the activity of parts of the brain that control the behavior and attention.
Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay) perform slower than stimulants but help increase focus, concentration and impulsivity. They also appear to decrease anxiety, which is often comorbid ADHD in adults.
Stimulants
The use of stimulants is usually the first choice of doctors for treating ADHD but they're not suitable for everyone and can trigger negative side effects for some people. Nonstimulant medicines take longer to start working but they can help improve impulsiveness and attention for certain adults. ADHD is best treated with a combination of behavioral therapy and medication.
The use of medication is 70%-80% effective in treating ADHD in adults. They are just one part of the treatment. Many people also discover that lifestyle changes and skill training help. Inform your doctor if you experience any adverse effects or problems with the medication. This allows them to adjust the dosage as required.
There are best adhd medication for adults with anxiety of stimulant drugs: methylphenidates and amphetamines. Methylphenidates is the most popular treatment for ADD/ADHD. They are available in different strengths forms, dosages, and forms that include chewable, liquid, tablet and capsule. Most adults and children are safe to take them, however those suffering from glaucoma or advanced arteriosclerosis or heart disease-related symptoms, or who have recently taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), should not.
Amphetamines have a lot in common with methylphenidates, but they're more potent. They're generally less likely to cause severe adverse effects, and are more effective than methylphenidates in reducing symptoms of ADHD. They're more likely than methylphenidates to cause addiction and abuse. This is why they're classified as Schedule I drugs.
The stimulants of both kinds can cause undesirable adverse effects, such as stomach upsets, headaches, jitters and difficulty sleeping. Most of these side effects are minor and last only several weeks.
Nonstimulant medicines
Nonstimulant ADHD medications take longer to effect than stimulants. adhd treatment medication may not be as efficient, but they can help improve inattention and reduce irritability. They work by boosting the amount of brain chemicals that control emotions and focus attention. There are a variety of these medications, and some doctors prescribe them with stimulants to get the most effective results.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an SNRI, increases the levels of norepinephrine inside the brain, which reduces impulsivity and inattention. It took a long time for it to become FDA-approved for treating ADHD however, it's been shown to be helpful in adults. Guanfacine (Intuniv) is a blood pressure medicine that also works by increasing levels of norepinephrine while reducing the amount of impulsivity. It takes a bit longer to work than methylphenidate and amphetamines. It also has a greater "no-fly effect" on the brain. Wellbutrin/Zyban, (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are other drugs that boost the norepinephrine level. They aren't approved by FDA to treat ADHD, but they can help some people with this disorder. Antidepressants can also be used to treat ADHD as they increase the levels of brain chemicals that impact the way we behave and mood.