ADHD Medications For Adults
There are a myriad of options for ADHD treatment for adults. These include antidepressants, stimulants, and non-stimulants.
ADHD symptoms are usually treated with stimulants. They increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine within the brain.
Bupropion
There are many different drugs that can be used to treat ADHD in adults. These include stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin are beneficial for many people suffering from ADHD. However, they can trigger some adverse effects. They may also aggravate anxiety, mood, or the presence of comorbidity.
Bupropion is a prescribed medication that is used to treat depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It raises the levels in the brain of dopamine. It can be taken in sustained-release or immediate-release form.
Bupropion can be used as monotherapy to enhance ADHD behavior and decrease the risk of impulsivity. It is also effective for ADHD patients with comorbid depression and addiction disorders.
In a controlled clinical trial in which adults were treated with bupropion were 78% more likely to reach the point of improvement measured by the CGI scale than those who were in the placebo group. These results are very promising however the study did not contain enough participants to determine whether the improvements were lasting.
While bupropion has been found to be safe, it's not without risks. Bupropion can cause dizziness dry eyes, dry mouth nausea and sleepiness. You can lessen or eliminate certain adverse effects by altering the dosage you take.
Other side effects can be serious, especially when you take other drugs or alcohol, and also if you have heart disease high blood pressure, a history of a heart attack or irregular heartbeat. Talk to your doctor if you suffer from any of these symptoms.
You should also tell your doctor if expecting or planning to become pregnant. Certain antidepressants can impact the development of your child.
The risk of congenital defects, especially chromosomal abnormalities, is increased with the use of some antidepressants and antiseizure medication. If you are taking an antidepressant and other medication for a prolonged period inquire with your doctor about the risk of having a baby born with these defects.
Bupropion may cause birth defects and other health problems in the unborn baby during pregnancy. Women shouldn't take bupropion while pregnant or planning to get pregnant due to the possible dangers.
Guanfacine
Guanfacine is a nonstimulant medication that is a possibility for adults with ADHD who have had a difficult time using stimulants. It is used in lieu of methylphenidate. It can also be used in conjunction with other supplements or medications to treat ADHD.
Guanfacine can be consumed once every day in the morning or in the evening. Guanfacine should be taken with water or other liquids. It shouldn't be chewed or broken. It is important to take the dose you missed right away.
This drug can trigger tranquilizing or sedative effects. It should not be taken together with alcohol or other depressant substances as they can enhance the sedative effects of this medication.
There aren't many studies on the use of guanfacine by adults with ADHD however, one study in which 17 participants were given Guanfacine along with DAMP found it to be similar to dextroamphetamine.
Another trial with 25 children revealed that guanfacine decreased ADHD symptoms and tics in children who had previously been treated with methylphenidate and were still taking stimulants (Scahill et al, 2006). The study showed an improvement that was significant and could be considered clinically meaningful.
A third study of Guanfacine in adolescents found it to be more effective than placebo in treating ADHD and tics. The reduction in symptoms among these children was followed by a decrease of mistakes made in commission and omission on the Conner Parental Rating Scale (CPRS) and increased school performance scores on the Yale Global Severity Scale (YGTSS).
For older children, the recommended dose of guanfacine ranges from 0.5 to 1 mg every day. Dosing may be increased slowly dependent on the weight and age. A doctor will monitor the child's blood pressure and pulse while taking this medication to make sure there is no decrease in blood pressure or fainting. The medication is often used with a diuretic to lower high blood pressure.
Clonidine
Clonidine is a nonstimulant drug that can be used to treat the symptoms of ADHD. It also helps lower high blood pressure and reduce anxiety. It is available in tablet form, as an injection, or a transdermal patch that slowly delivers the medication to your body throughout the day.
The drug is an alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist that lowers blood pressure by relaxing the arteries and reducing your heart rate. Although scientists aren't certain what it does however, it is believed it works on the part of the brain that regulates hyperactivity and inattention.
Clonidine is typically taken at the dosage of 0.1 mg (mg) every night before bedtime, or as directed by a physician. It can also be applied to your skin once a week using a transdermal spray.
While clonidine is effective at treating symptoms of ADHD however, it isn't nearly as effective as stimulant medication and it can take several weeks before you notice the full benefits of the medication. It can also trigger side effects, such as sleepiness or drowsiness. These could affect your school or work performance.
If you have difficulty sleeping, consult your doctor about a new medication or dosage. This is particularly true for people who are taking benzodiazepines, as well as antidepressants that can cause an increase in drowsiness.
Clonidine can cause brain fog, which is an illness that makes it difficult to focus on their tasks. This is temporary and can be cured as your body adjusts to the Clonidine.
It is important to follow the directions of your doctor carefully when taking clonidine or other nonstimulants. Keep a record of the medications you are taking and any supplements or vitamins you take. Discuss with your doctor any changes in your diet or workout routine.
Clonidine overdoses can result in dizziness and sleepiness. Overdoses can lead to irreversible dysrhythmias, cardiac conduction problems seizures, apnea, seizures and coma.
Clonidine is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and is used in adults and children. Clonidine is also used to lower blood pressure. It is available as an extended-release (long acting) tablet and transdermal patches that can be applied to the skin each week.
Non-stimulants
Your doctor may prescribe non-stimulant medication if you are unable to manage ADHD symptoms by taking stimulants. They comprise a variety of dopamine- and norepinephrine-enhancing medications and antidepressants. Certain are specifically designed to treat ADHD and others are prescriptions that are not on the label.
Contrary to stimulants, these drugs take longer to become effective and are often used multiple times throughout the day to get the full effect. They also may take longer to titrate which could mean they require more adjustments to dosages or schedules.
They also come with a variety of side effects, including high blood pressure and a fast heart rate, and can cause psychiatric problems. It is important to discuss with your doctor before using any type of medication.
Non-stimulant medications include atomoxetine clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine. These medications increase the levels of a different brain chemical known as norepinephrine. It increases concentration and focus. he has a good point can be used to lessen impulse-driven behavior and the need to move or fidget.
These drugs are effective in helping to reduce ADHD symptoms. However, they can trigger mood changes and, sometimes, an increase. These negative side effects can be a problem and you should discuss with your doctor the possibility of switching to an extended-release medications or doses that overlap. The drug builds up in the bloodstream and then wears off gradually.
Another class of drugs, known as NDRIs (norepinephrine dopamine reuptake inhibitors) slow down the reabsorption process of norepinephrine and dopamine into the brain. They are mostly employed to treat depression, but some are also helpful in treating ADHD.
These drugs are more expensive and are typically used in higher doses than quick-acting stimulants. However they are generally more secure and have a solid safety record. They are available in both short-acting and long-acting versions. Shorter-acting stimulants are used within a single hour, and longer-acting stimulants last up to 24 hours.
If you suffer from co-occurring anxiety or depression These non-stimulant medicines can be prescribed in conjunction with stimulants. Clonidine and Guanfacine are two such examples. These medications can also reduce side effect from stimulants such as sleeplessness and agitation.