ADHD Medications For Adults
When it is about ADHD treatment for adults there are several different choices. These include stimulants, antidepressants and non-stimulants.
Stimulants are commonly used to treat symptoms of ADHD. They increase brain levels of dopamine and norepinephrine.
Bupropion
There are many different drugs that can be used to treat ADHD in adults, including stimulants as well as non-stimulants. Stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin are effective for many people suffering from ADHD. They may cause adverse reactions. They may also aggravate anxiety, mood, or the presence of comorbidity.
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 in the brain. It can be taken in an immediate-release or sustained-release form.
Bupropion is a an unitherapy to enhance ADHD behavior and reduce the risk of impulsivity. It is also effective for ADHD patients with comorbid depression and substance abuse disorders.
In a randomized clinical trial, adults who were treated with bupropion were 78 percent more likely to reach the point of improvement as measured by the CGI scale than those who were in the placebo group. These results are very promising however, not enough participants were included to verify if the improvements were long-lasting.
Bupropion is proven to be safe but it can cause side effects. Bupropion can cause dizziness dry eyes, dry mouth nausea, and drowsiness. Some of these side effects can be reduced or eliminated by changing your dose.
The effects of side effects can be serious if you're taking other drugs or alcohol and if there is an history of heart disease such as high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, or heart disease. It is important to talk with your physician if you experience any of these symptoms.
You should also tell your doctor if planning to become pregnant. The development of your baby may be affected by some antidepressants.
Some antidepressants and other anti-seizure medications can increase the risk of congenital anomalies such as chromosomal disorders. Check with your doctor if have been taking antidepressants or other medications for a while to assess the possibility of having a baby with these conditions.
Taking bupropion while pregnant may cause birth defects or other health issues for the child who is not yet born. Due to the risk, women should not use this medication if they are expecting or planning to become pregnant.
Guanfacine
Guanfacine is a medication that is non-stimulant that is a possibility for adults with ADHD who have been unsuccessful using stimulants. It is an alternative for methylphenidate. It is also sometimes prescribed in combination with other supplements or medications for ADHD.
Guanfacine can be taken only daily, either in the morning or at the end of the day. Guanfacine must be taken along with other liquids or water. It should not be broken down or chewed. If you do not take your dose, it is important to take it as quickly as possible.
This drug may cause the effects of calming or sedative. This medication should not be taken alongside alcohol, or any other depressant medications since they can intensify the sedative effects.
Although there are not many studies that examine the effects of guanfacine on adults with ADHD, one study in which 17 subjects received guanfacine in combination with DAMP, showed it to be comparable with dextroamphetamine.
Another study with 25 children demonstrated that guanfacine reduced ADHD symptoms and tics in children who were previously treated with methylphenidate but were still taking stimulants (Scahill, et.al. 2006). This group experienced an improvement that was significant and could be considered to be clinically significant.
A third study on guanfacine in teens found it to be more effective than placebo for treating ADHD and tics. The reduction in symptoms among these children was coupled with a decrease in errors of commission and omission in 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. Based on age and weight, the dosage can be increased slowly. A doctor will keep track of the child's pulse and blood pressure while taking this medicine to make sure there is no drop in blood pressure or fainting. This medication is often given with a diuretic to help lower blood pressure.
Clonidine
Clonidine, a nonstimulant drug, can be used to treat ADHD symptoms. 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 as transdermal patches that slowly delivers the medication to your body throughout the day.
It is an alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist that lowers blood pressure and slows down your heart rate. Researchers are still unsure how it helps treat ADHD however it is believed to work on the part of the brain responsible for inattentiveness and hyperactivity.
adhd medication side effects is usually taken at a dose of 0.1 mg (mg) every night before bedtime, or as directed by a physician. It can also be taken as a transdermal patch which is applied to the skin every week.
Clonidine is effective in treating symptoms of ADHD, it is not nearly as effective as stimulant medication and it may take a few weeks to realize the full benefits of the medication. It can also trigger negative side effects, like sleepiness or drowsiness, which can affect your school or work performance.
If you have difficulty sleeping, talk to your doctor about a new dosage or medication. This is particularly true for people who are taking benzodiazepines, as well as antidepressants that can cause drowsiness.
Clonidine can cause brain fog, which is a condition that causes people to be unable to concentrate on their jobs. It's temporary and can be overcome as your body adjusts to the Clonidine.
It is crucial to follow the doctor's instructions carefully when taking clonidine or other non-stimulants. Keep a log of every medication you take as well as any vitamins or supplements you are taking. Discuss with your doctor any changes to your diet or workout routine.
Overdoses of Clonidine can cause dizziness and drowsiness. Overdoses can cause reversible dysrhythmias, cardiac conduction problems as well as seizures, apnea and coma.
Clonidine is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), in both adults and children. It is also used to treat high blood pressure and is available in an extended-release (long-acting) tablet form as well as transdermal patches that can be applied to the skin each week.
Non-stimulants
Your doctor could prescribe non-stimulant medication if are unable control ADHD symptoms by taking stimulants. They include a variety of dopamine-enhancing medications and norepinephrine along with antidepressants. Some are specifically designed for ADHD treatment while others can be prescribed off-label.
As opposed to stimulants, these medicines require more time to work and typically need to be consumed multiple times a throughout the day to ensure that they have a constant effect. They also require longer to titrate meaning they might require more adjustments to doses or dosage schedules.
They also have a greater chance of side effects, including high blood pressure as well as a fast heart rate, and can cause psychiatric issues. This is a risk which should be discussed with your doctor prior to beginning any type of medication.
Non-stimulant medications are atomoxetine, clonidine (Kapvay), and guanfacine. These medications raise levels of norepinephrine which can lead to an increase in focus and attention. These drugs can also be used to reduce impulsive behavior and the need to move or fidget.
These drugs are effective in decreasing ADHD symptoms. However, they can cause mood changes , and occasionally the rebound. These adverse effects can be uncomfortable so you may discuss with your doctor the possibility of switching to extended-release medications or doses that overlap. The drug builds up in your bloodstream, and it wears off slowly.
Another class of drugs referred to as the NDRIs (norepinephrine dopamine reuptake inhibitors), slow the reabsorption rate of norepinephrine, and dopamine into the brain. They are most commonly used for depression. However, some of them can also be beneficial for ADHD.
They are more costly and are typically taken in larger doses than stimulants acting quickly however they are generally safe and have a good safety record. They are available in short-acting and long-acting forms, with shorter-acting versions starting to take effect as early as one hour after being taken , and long-acting ones lasting for up to 24 hrs.
Certain of these medications that are non-stimulant such as clonidine, guanfacine, may be used in conjunction with stimulants to treat people who have coexisting depression or anxiety. These medications can also reduce adverse effects caused by stimulants, such as sleeplessness and agitation.
