What is the Best Drug to Treat ADHD in Adults

Medication plays a vital role in ADHD treatment. It is diagnosed in childhood and continues into adulthood. Many are diagnosed with ADHD only when they become adults. Medicines help patients to manage their symptoms. There is a wide range of medications available to treat this neurodevelopmental disorder. What drugs are available to treat ADHD and which among them is the best? Here is an analysis.

Classification of drugs used to treat ADHD

ADHD drugs can be classified as stimulants and non-stimulants.

Stimulants

Stimulants are the most-preferred medications to treat ADHD. Many stimulant drugs like amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, Modafinil, and methylphenidate are used for treating ADHD. Amphetamines and methylphenidates are FDA-approved prescription drugs for reducing symptoms. Modafinil is a prescription drug for narcolepsy and other sleeping disorders but off the label, it is recommended to ADHD patients. It does not cause severe side effects and is tolerated by most patients. So, Modafinil ADHD treatment is gaining popularity. You need not waste your time searching for Modafinil for sale from nearby pharmacies because you can order Modafinil online.

Non-stimulants

Non-stimulant drugs are prescribed to those who are not benefited from stimulants and who are not able to tolerate stimulants. A study points out that 30% of patients don’t experience the benefits of stimulants. They are prescribed non-stimulants like clonidine, atomoxetine, and guanfacine. Sometimes non-stimulants and stimulants are used together for better results.

What are the drugs available to treat ADHD?

1. Methylphenidate

It is the most commonly recommended medicine. It belongs to the stimulants category of drugs. Methylphenidate works by stimulating the activity in the areas of the brain that control human behavior and attention. It is prescribed to children above 5 years, adolescents, and adults. These medicines can be immediate-release or sustained-release tablets. The immediate-release tablets are taken in small doses and the sustained-release tablets are taken in a single dose. It may cause side effects like stomachache, headache, sleeping trouble, loss of appetite, and irritability.

2. Amphetamine

A study in which more than 10,000 people participated concluded that amphetamines greatly improved the symptoms of ADHD and they are the first-choice drug treatments for adults. Amphetamines work by increasing the levels of dopamine and other certain substances in the brain. They improve attention and help control behavioral problems. The dosage is decided by the physician and may vary depending on age, health condition, and severity of symptoms. Amphetamines have the risk of addiction.

3. Modafinil and ADHD

ADHD medication Modafinil is actually a drug used to treat sleeping disorders. Modafinil is not a prescribed drug for ADHD but is used off the label. A low level of dopamine is one of the causes of ADHD. Modafinil has been proven to increase dopamine levels in the brain by preventing the transportation of the neurotransmitter to other parts of the body. The effectiveness of Modafinil for ADHD in adults has been proven through several clinical trials. Modafinil dosage ADHD is generally 200mg per day. It may be reduced to 100mg for some people. It is prescribed for people who cannot tolerate strong stimulants like amphetamines. You can buy Modafinil online and enjoy its benefits like increased focus, wakefulness, improved memory, and better focus.

4. Atomoxetine

Atomoxetine is an FDA-approved drug to manage ADHD. It works by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain which helps in managing the symptoms of ADHD. The medication decreases the hyperactivity and impulsive behavior of ADHD patients. It belongs to a group of drugs called SNRI or Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors. As it is a non-stimulant, it is tolerated by most adults with ADHD. The dosage is usually started with 40mg per day and then increased to 80mg per day.

5. Clonidine

This medication is used as a second-line treatment for people who are not benefited from stimulant medications or for those who experience severe side effects from stimulants. Doctors usually start with a low dosage and then increase it. Clonidine does not cause side effects like irritability but it may cause adverse effects like headache, dryness in the mouth, fatigue, and dizziness.

6. Guanfacine

People with a previous history of drug abuse are not prescribed stimulants. Instead, they are given non-stimulants like Guanfacine. Guanfacine is effective in treating symptoms of ADHD such as impulsive behavior, hyperactivity, temper, and inattention. It works by controlling the part of the brain that controls attention. The dosage is started at 1mg per day and increased up to 4mg per day. You will be able to see the effects of the medication within a couple of weeks after starting it. It may cause side effects like nausea, fatigue, dry mouth, and stomach pain.

Best drug to treat ADHD

The best drug differs from one person to person. All drugs have pluses and minuses. Most of them have side effects. Moreover, one drug that is effective for one patient may not give the same results for another. So, deciding the best drug is generally a trial and error-process. Your doctor will prescribe whatever is best for you based on several factors like previous medical history, genetic history, side effects, metabolism, symptoms, and others. Stimulants are prescribed as first-line treatment and then non-stimulants are prescribed as second-line treatment.

Powerful stimulants like amphetamines can cause severe side effects. Moreover, the risk of dependence and abuse is high. However, non-stimulants may not be very effective to manage the symptoms of ADHD. So, mild stimulants that do not cause serious side effects are a good choice. Your doctor is the right person to decide which is the best medication for you. Don’t use any ADHD medication without discussing it with your healthcare provider.

You should work with your doctor to find the right medication for you. Your doctor will figure out the dose and the schedule of the medication. It may take some time to find the best medication but you should be patient and cooperate with your doctor to find the best treatment for ADHD which is a combination of medication, therapy, and training.