ADHD Medications For Adults
There are many options for ADHD treatment for adults. They comprise stimulants, non-stimulants, and antidepressants.
ADHD symptoms are often treated with stimulants. They increase the levels of norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain.
Bupropion
There are a number of different ADHD medications for adults which include stimulants as well as non-stimulants. Many people with ADHD have found stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall to be efficient. They may cause adverse reactions. They may also aggravate anxiety, mood or co-morbidity.
Bupropion is a prescription drug that is used to treat depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by increasing the levels of dopamine within the brain. It is available in sustained-release or immediate-release form.
When bupropion is used as a monotherapy, it's been shown to improve the behavior and decrease impulsivity in ADHD. It is also beneficial for ADHD patients who suffer from depression and substance use disorder.
In a randomized clinical trial the participants with bupropion were 78 percent more likely to reach the point of improvement as measured by the CGI scale than those in the placebo group. These results are extremely encouraging however, the trials did not include enough people to establish if the benefits were lasting.
Bupropion has been proven safe but it can also cause adverse effects. Bupropion can cause dizziness, dry mouth, dry eyes, nausea, and dizziness. Some of these adverse effects can be minimized or eliminated by altering the dosage.
Other side effects could be serious, particularly if you take other medications or alcohol, or if you have heart disease or high blood pressure, the history of a heart attack, or an irregular heartbeat. It is important to talk with your doctor if you suffer from any of these conditions.
Your doctor should be aware whether you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Some antidepressants may affect the development of your child.
Certain antidepressants as well as other anti-seizure medicines can increase the risk of congenital anomalies such as chromosomal disorders. Talk to your doctor if have been taking antidepressants or other medication for a while to assess the possibility of having a child who has these conditions.
Taking bupropion while pregnant may cause birth defects or other health problems in the unborn child. 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 had a difficult time with stimulants. It can be used as an alternative to methylphenidate. It can also be employed in conjunction with other ADHD medications and supplements.
Guanfacine can be consumed once daily in the morning or evening. It is typically taken along with other liquids or water, and should not be crushed or chewed. If you missed a dose, it is essential to get it back as soon as possible.
This drug may cause sedative and calming effects. This medication should not be taken together with alcohol or other depressant medications since they can increase the sedative effects.
While there aren't many studies that have examined the effects of guanfacine for adults with ADHD One study in which 17 subjects received guanfacine in combination with DAMP demonstrated that it was comparable with dextroamphetamine.
A second study involving 25 children revealed that guanfacine helped reduce ADHD symptoms and tics in children who had been treated with methylphenidate, but were still taking stimulants (Scahill, et al 2006). The study showed a significant improvement that could be considered clinically meaningful.
A third study of Guanfacine in adolescents found it to be more effective than placebo for treating ADHD and tics. The reduction in symptoms among these children was accompanied by a decrease in errors of commission and omissions on the Conner Parental Rating Scale (CPRS) and higher school performance scores on the Yale Global Severity Scale (YGTSS).
For older children, the recommended dose of guanfacine is 0.5 to 1 mg twice every day. Based on weight and age the dosage can be gradually increased. A doctor will be monitoring the child's blood pressure and pulse when taking this medication to ensure there is no drop in blood pressure or fainting. The medication is often taken with diuretics in order to lower high blood pressure.
Clonidine
Clonidine, a nonstimulant drug, can be used to treat ADHD symptoms. It also helps lower blood pressure and can help reduce anxiety. It can be purchased in tablet form, as an injectable or transdermal application that slowly delivers the medication throughout the day to your body.
It is an alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist that lowers blood pressure and reduces the heart rate. Researchers aren't quite sure how it aids in treating ADHD, but it is believed that it acts on the part of the brain that is responsible for hyperactivity and inattention.
Typically, clonidine is consumed in a dose of 0.1 milligram (mg) every day before night or as directed by the doctor. It is also available as a transdermal patch which is applied to the skin weekly.
Although clonidine can be effective in treating symptoms of ADHD but it's not as strong as stimulant medications, and it can take several weeks to experience the full benefits of the medication. Effects like sleepiness and drowsiness are also likely to occur, and can have an impact on your academic and work performance.
Talk to your doctor If you're having trouble sleeping. This is particularly true for people who are taking benzodiazepines or other antidepressants that can cause the feeling of drowsiness.
Some people who take clonidine also experience a condition referred to as "brain fog," which makes it difficult to concentrate on work. This is a temporary condition that can be overcome as your body adjusts to clonidine.
It is crucial to follow the directions of your doctor carefully when taking clonidine and other non-stimulants. Keep a log of all the medicines you take and any vitamins or supplements that you are taking. Discuss with your doctor any changes in your diet or exercise routines.
Overdoses of Clonidine can cause dizziness and somnolence. Overdoses have resulted in reversible cardiac conduction defects or dysrhythmias such as apnea, coma and seizures.
Clonidine is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), in both children and adults. Clonidine can also be used to lower blood pressure. It is available as an extended-release (long acting) tablet and a transdermal patch, which can be applied to the skin once a week.
Non-stimulants
If you're not able to control your ADHD symptoms using stimulants, your doctor might recommend non-stimulant medicines. They include a variety of dopamine-enhancing and norepinephrine-based drugs and antidepressants. Some are specifically designed to be used in ADHD treatment while others can be prescribed off-label.
These medications are more effective than stimulants. They must be taken in multiple doses daily to achieve the best results. They also require longer to titrate meaning they might require more adjustments to dosages or schedules.
These drugs can also cause side effects such as high blood pressure and rapid heart rate, and could even cause psychiatric disorders. Read More Here is something you should discuss with your physician prior to taking any kind of medication.
Non-stimulant medicines include the atomoxetine (Strattera) and Clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv). These medications increase the levels of a specific brain chemical called norepinephrine. This chemical increases concentration and attention. These drugs can also be used to decrease an impulsive behavior as well as the need to move or fidget.
These drugs can be effective in the reduction of ADHD symptoms. However, they can cause mood changes and sometimes a rebound. If these side effects are uncomfortable the doctor and you may consider overlapping doses, or switching to an extended-release form of medication. These medications can build up in the bloodstream and wear off slowly.
A different class of medicines, NDRIs (norepinephrine dopamine reuptake inhibitors) slow the reabsorption of norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain. They are commonly used for depression. However, some may also be beneficial for ADHD.
These medications are more costly and are typically 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 as well as long-acting varieties. Shorter-acting stimulants can be utilized within one hour and longer-acting stimulants can be used for up to 24 hours.
For those who suffer from co-occurring anxiety or depression, some of these non-stimulant medicines can be prescribed in conjunction with stimulants. Clonidine and Guanfacine are two of them. These medications can also reduce the negative effects of stimulants, such as sleeplessness and agitation.