The Most Effective ADHD Medication For Adults
The majority of the drugs used to treat ADHD are divided into two categories: stimulants and nonstimulants. The stimulants such as methylphenidate (Provigil) and amphetamines work by enhancing the activity of parts of the brain that control the behavior 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 help reduce anxiety which is often a comorbidity of ADHD in adults.
Stimulants
Stimulant medication is often the first choice of doctors for treating ADHD however they're not suitable for everyone and may cause adverse side effects in certain people. Nonstimulant medications take longer time to start working but they can help improve impulsiveness and attention for certain adults. please click the up coming document of medication and behavioral therapy is usually the best way to treat ADHD.
Medicines are around 70%-80% effective in treating ADHD in adults. Medications are only part of the treatment. Many people also find that lifestyle changes and skill training can help. It is essential to inform your doctor about any problems or side effects from the medication to allow them to alter your dosage if necessary.
There are two types of stimulant drugs amphetamines and methylphenidates. Methylphenidates are the most common ADD/ADHD medicines. They are available in a variety of strengths and forms, including liquid, chewable tablets, or capsules. 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), should not.
Amphetamines are similar in their effects to methylphenidates but are more powerful. They're generally less likely to cause severe adverse effects, and are more effective than methylphenidates in the reduction of symptoms of ADHD. They're also more likely than methylphenidates to cause addiction and abuse. This is why they're classified as Schedule I drugs.
Both types of stimulants may cause unpleasant side effects like stomach upsets, headaches, jitters and difficulty sleeping. But most of these are mild and don't last more than a few weeks.
Nonstimulant medications
Non-stimulant ADHD medications are more difficult to use than stimulants. They may not be as efficient, but they can help improve irritability and inattention. They work by increasing the brain chemicals that regulate emotions and focus the attention. There are many kinds of these drugs, and some doctors prescribe them with stimulants to get the best results.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is an SNRI which increases the levels of norepinephrine within the brain, which reduces impulsivity and inattention. It took a while to be approved by the FDA for treating ADHD, but it's been shown to be helpful in adults. Guanfacine (Intuniv) is a blood pressure medicine that also increases levels of norepinephrine and decreasing impulsiveness. It takes a little longer to take effect than methylphenidate and amphetamines. It also has a more "no-fly effect" on the brain. Wellbutrin/Zyban, (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine) are other drugs that boost the levels of norepinephrine. The FDA has not yet approved these medications to treat ADHD. However, they may help some people. In addition, antidepressants can be often used to treat ADHD because they increase the levels of certain brain chemicals that affect mood and behavior.