ADHD Medications For Adults
There are a lot of options available for ADHD medication for adults. They include stimulants, non-stimulants and antidepressants.
ADHD symptoms are usually treated with stimulants. adhd for adults medication increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain.
Bupropion
There are a number of different ADHD medications for adults including stimulants and non-stimulants. Many people with ADHD are able to find stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall to be efficient. However, they can cause some side effects. They can also cause an increase in mood, anxiety or the presence of comorbidity.
Bupropion is a prescription drug that treats depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It boosts brain levels of dopamine. It can be taken either in a long-term or immediate-release form.
When bupropion treatment is used as a monotherapy, it's been shown to improve the behavior and decrease impulsivity in ADHD. In addition it has been shown to be effective for ADHD patients who have a comorbid depression or substance use disorder.
In a clinical trial that was randomized, adults who were treated with bupropion were 78 percent more likely to get to the point of improvement as measured by the CGI scale than those who were in the placebo group. These results are very promising however the study did not have enough participants to establish if the benefits were lasting.
While bupropion has been shown to be safe, it's not without side effects. Bupropion can cause dizziness dry mouth, dry eyes, nausea, and drowsiness. You can lessen or eliminate some of these adverse effects by altering your dose.
Side effects can also be severe if taking other drugs or alcohol and if you have a history of heart disease, high bloodpressure, irregular heartbeats, or heart disease. You should consult your doctor if you are suffering from any of these issues.
You should also tell your doctor if you are expecting or planning to become pregnant. Your baby's development may be affected by antidepressants.
The chance of having congenital defects particularly chromosomal defects are increased by the use of antidepressants and anti-seizure medications. If you're taking an antidepressant or other medication for a long time inquire with your doctor about the risk of having a baby with these defects.
The use of bupropion during pregnancy could cause birth defects or other health problems for the child who is not yet born. Women should not take bupropion while pregnant or planning to get pregnant due to the potential risks.
Guanfacine
Guanfacine is a medication that is non-stimulant which can be utilized by adults with ADHD who have been unsuccessful using stimulants. It can be used as an alternative to methylphenidate. It is sometimes used in combination with other medications or supplements to treat ADHD.
Guanfacine can be taken only daily, either in the morning or at evening. It is typically taken in combination with water or other liquids, and should not be chewed or crushed. If you miss a dose, it is important to take it as fast as possible.
This drug can trigger sedative or calming effects. It is not recommended to take in conjunction with alcohol or other depressant drugs because they can intensify the effects of sedation of this drug.
There aren't many studies on the use of guanfacine among adults with ADHD However, one trial in which 17 subjects took Guanfacine with DAMP found it to be comparable to dextroamphetamine.
A second study involving 25 children found that guanfacine reduced ADHD symptoms and tics in children who had previously been treated with methylphenidate but were still taking stimulants (Scahill et al, 2006). The improvement was significant enough to be considered clinically significant in this group.
A third study of Guanfacine in adolescents found it to be more effective than placebo for treating ADHD and tics. These children experienced a reduction in symptoms, as well as a decrease in omissions and commissions in the Conner Parental Rating Scale. They also had higher school performance scores on Yale Global Severity Scale.
For children who are older, the recommended dose of guanfacine ranges from 0.5 to 1 mg twice every day. Based on weight and age, the dosage can be gradually increased. To ensure that there's no drop or fainting in blood pressure, a doctor will check the child's pulse and blood pressure when they are taking this medication. This medication is often given along with diuretics to help lower blood pressure.
Clonidine
Clonidine is a non-stimulant drug that can be used to treat symptoms of ADHD. Clonidine can also be used to lower blood pressure and lower anxiety. It is available in tablet form, in the form of an injection, or a transdermal patch that slowly delivers the medication to your body throughout the day.
It is an alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist which lowers blood pressure and reduces your heart rate. Researchers aren't quite sure how it can help treat ADHD but it is believed to act on the area of the brain that controls hyperactivity and inattention.
Typically, clonidine is consumed in a dose of 0.1 milligram (mg) each day at time of sleep or as directed the doctor. You can also apply it to the skin a few times a week using a transdermal spray.
Clonidine is effective in managing symptoms of ADHD however, it isn't as potent as stimulant drugs, and it can take several weeks to notice the full benefits of the medication. Side effects such as sleepiness and drowsiness may also occur, which can impact your school or work performance.
If you're experiencing difficulty sleeping, talk to your doctor about a new dosage or medication. This is particularly true in the event that you are taking any other medications that induce drowsiness such as benzodiazepines, or other antidepressants.
Some people who take clonidine may experience a condition known as "brain fog," which makes it difficult to focus on tasks. It's temporary and can be cured as your body adjusts to the clonidine.
Clonidine and other non-stimulants should be taken in accordance with the instructions of your doctor. Keep a list of every medication you take as well as any vitamins or supplements you are taking. It is also recommended to discuss with your physician any changes in diet or exercise routines.
Injecting more than the recommended dose of clonidine could cause negative effects, including dizziness and drowsiness. Overdoses can cause irreparable cardiac conduction defects or dysrhythmias and comas, apnea and seizures.
Clonidine is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for both children and adults. Clonidine can also be used to lower blood pressure. It is available as an extended-release (long acting) tablet as well as transdermal patch that can be applied to the skin at least once a week.
Non-stimulants
If you're not able to control your ADHD symptoms by taking stimulants, your doctor may prescribe non-stimulant medicines. They consist of a range of dopamine- and norepinephrine-enhancing drugs, including antidepressants. Certain are designed specifically for ADHD treatment, while others can be prescribed off-label.
They are more efficient than stimulants and must be taken in multiple doses daily to get the most effective results. They also may take longer to adjust which could mean that they require more adjustments to dosages or schedules.
The drugs can also cause negative side effects like high blood pressure, and a rapid heart beats, and could even cause psychiatric problems. This is a possibility that must be discussed with your doctor before you begin taking any type of medication.
Non-stimulant medications include atomoxetine Clonidine (Kapvay) and Guanfacine. These medications increase the amount of a specific brain chemical called norepinephrine, which increases concentration and focus. They can also enhance impulsive behavior and reduce the need to move or fidget.
While they're effective in helping to reduce ADHD symptoms, these medications can trigger mood changes and sometimes a rebound effect. If the side effects are troubling, you and your doctor may consider overlapping doses, or switching to an extended-release version of medication, which accumulates in the bloodstream and fade off slowly.
Another class of drugs, NDRIs (norepinephrine dopamine reuptake inhibitors) slow the reabsorption of norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain. They are most commonly used to treat depression. However, some of them can also be helpful in treating ADHD.
These medications are more costly and are usually taken in higher doses that fast-acting stimulants. However they are generally less dangerous and have a good safety record. They are available in short-acting and longer-acting forms with shorter-acting versions beginning to take effect as early as 1 hour after they're taken , while long-acting versions last for up to 24 hrs.
Certain of these non-stimulant drugs such as clonidine, Guanfacine, can be used in conjunction with stimulants to treat people who have coexisting anxiety or depression. These medications can also reduce side effects from stimulants, such as sleeplessness and agitation.