ADHD Medications For Adults
There are a variety of options for ADHD medication for adults. adult adhd medication include stimulants, non-stimulants and antidepressants.
Stimulants are often used to combat symptoms of ADHD. They increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine within the brain.
Bupropion
There are numerous different medications that can be used to treat ADHD in adults, such as stimulants as well as non-stimulants. Stimulants, such as Adderall and Ritalin are effective for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. However, they could cause some side effects. They can also worsen the symptoms of comorbid insomnia, mood and anxiety disorders.
Bupropion is a prescription medicine that is used to treat depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by increasing levels of dopamine in the brain. It can be taken in an immediate-release or sustained-release form.
When bupropion treatment is used as an individual therapy, it has been demonstrated to improve behavior and reduce impulsivity among people with ADHD. It also works in ADHD patients suffering from depression and addiction disorders.
In a controlled clinical trial that included adults treated with bupropion were 78 percent more likely to make it to the point of improvement measured by the CGI scale than those who were in the placebo group. These results are very encouraging however, the trials didn't include enough people to determine whether the improvements were permanent.
Bupropion has been found to be safe but it can cause side effects. The most common side effects of bupropion include drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea and dizziness. Some of these adverse effects can be minimized or eliminated by adjusting the dosage.
Side effects can also be severe if you are taking other drugs or alcohol and if there is an history of heart problems, high bloodpressure, irregular heartbeats, or disease. It is important to talk with your doctor if you suffer from any of these problems.
Your doctor should be aware if you are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant. Certain antidepressants could affect the development of your baby.
The possibility of congenital defects, particularly chromosomal defects can be increased with the use of some antidepressants as well as anti-seizure medicines. If you're taking an antidepressant, or any other medication for a long time discuss with your doctor the possibility of having a child with these defects.
Taking bupropion while pregnant may cause birth defects or other health issues in the unborn child. Women shouldn't take bupropion while pregnant or planning to get pregnant due to the possibility of risks.
Guanfacine
Guanfacine is a non-stimulant medication which can be utilized by adults with ADHD who have not had success using stimulants. It is an alternative for methylphenidate. It can also be utilized in conjunction with other ADHD supplements and medications.
Guanfacine can be taken once each day in the morning and evening. Guanfacine is best taken in conjunction with water or other liquids. It shouldn't be chewed or broken. If you do not take your dose, it is important to get it back as soon as you can.
This drug may cause tranquilizing or sedative effects. This medication should not be used together with alcohol or other depressant medications since they may increase the sedative effect.
While there aren't many studies that have looked at the effects of guanfacine in adults with ADHD, one study where 17 subjects were given guanfacine and DAMP, showed it to be comparable with dextroamphetamine.
Another study with 25 children found that guanfacine reduced ADHD symptoms and tics in children previously treated with methylphenidate, but were still taking stimulants (Scahill, et al 2006). This population saw an improvement in their symptoms that could be considered clinically meaningful.
A third study on guanfacine in the teen population showed it to be effective in the treatment of ADHD and tics, and was twice more effective than placebo. These children experienced a decrease in symptoms and a decrease in commissions and omissions in the Conner Parental Rating Scale. They also had better school performance scores on the Yale Global Severity Scale.
The most common dose of guanfacine recommended for older children is 0.5 mg to 1 mg, taken twice each day. Based on the weight and age of the child, the dosage can be increased slowly. To ensure there is no fainting or drop in blood pressure, a physician will be able to monitor the child's pulse and blood pressure while they are taking this medication. The medication is often used with diuretics to lower blood pressure.
Clonidine
Clonidine is a non-stimulant drug that can be used to treat symptoms of ADHD. It is also used to lower blood pressure and can help reduce anxiety. It is available in tablet form, in the form of an injection, or as transdermal patches that slowly delivers the drug to your body throughout the day.
It is an alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist which lowers blood pressure and reduces the heart rate. Researchers are still unsure how it aids in treating ADHD however, it is believed to work on the area of the brain that is responsible for hyperactivity and inattention.
Clonidine is typically taken in a dose of 0.1 mg (mg) daily at time of bed, or as directed by a doctor. You can also apply it to your skin once a week, as a transdermal application.
Although clonidine can be effective in managing symptoms of ADHD, it is not as strong as stimulant medications and it may take several weeks before you notice the full benefits of the medication. It could also cause undesirable side effects, including drowsiness or sleepiness, that could affect your school or performance at work.
If you have difficulty sleeping, consult your doctor about a new dosage or medication. This is especially relevant for people who are taking benzodiazepines and certain antidepressants that can cause an increase in drowsiness.
Clonidine can cause brain fog, a condition that makes it difficult for people to concentrate on their tasks. This condition is temporary and can be treated by Clonidine.
It is crucial to follow the doctor's instructions carefully when taking clonidine or other non-stimulants. Keep a list of the medications you take and any supplements or vitamins you are taking. Consult your physician about any changes in your diet or exercise routines.
Clonidine overdoses can cause dizziness and drowsiness. Overdoses have resulted in reversible dysrhythmias or irregularities in cardiac conduction such as apnea, coma and seizures.
Clonidine is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), in both children and adults. It is also used to treat high blood pressure and is available in an extended-release (long-acting) tablet form, as well as a transdermal patch that can be applied to the skin each week.
Non-stimulants
Your doctor might prescribe non-stimulant medication if you are unable control ADHD symptoms with stimulants. They include a variety of dopamine-enhancing medications and norepinephrine along with antidepressants. Certain are designed specifically to be used in ADHD treatment, while others can be prescribed off-label.
In contrast to stimulants these medications are more difficult to use and are often taken several times per day for around-the-clock effects. They also require more time to titrate, so they may require additional adjustments to dosages or schedules.
These medications can also trigger adverse effects, such as high blood pressure and a rapid heart beats, and could even cause psychiatric issues. This is a risk that needs to be discussed with your doctor prior to beginning any type of medicine.
Non-stimulant medications include atomoxetine Clonidine (Kapvay), and guanfacine. These medications increase the amount of a different brain chemical called norepinephrine. This chemical increases focus and attention. They also help improve impulsive behavior and lessen the need to move or fidget.
They can be effective in decreasing ADHD symptoms. However, they may cause mood changes and sometimes an increase. If you find these side effects bothersome then you and your physician might try overlapping doses or switching to an extended-release form of medication. These substances accumulates in the bloodstream and wear off slowly.
A different class of medicines, known as NDRIs (norepinephrine dopamine reuptake inhibitors) slow the reabsorption process of norepinephrine and dopamine into the brain. They are typically used to treat depression, but some are also helpful in treating ADHD.
They are more costly and are usually taken in larger doses than stimulants acting quickly however they are generally secure and have a good safety record. They are available in short-acting and long-acting forms. Shorter-acting stimulants can be taken within one hour, while longer-acting stimulants last up to 24 hours.
Certain of these medications that are not stimulants such as clonidine or Guanfacine, are prescribed alongside stimulants for people who suffer from depression or anxiety. These medications can also reduce the negative effects of stimulants, for example, sleeplessness and agitation.