ADHD Medications For Adults
There are a myriad of options for ADHD treatment for adults. These include stimulants, antidepressants and non-stimulants.
ADHD symptoms are often treated by using stimulants. These drugs increase brain levels of dopamine and norepinephrine.
Bupropion
There are a number of different drugs for adults suffering from adhd that include stimulants and non-stimulants. Many people who suffer from ADHD find stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall to be effective. However, they may cause certain side effects. They can also worsen the effects of comorbid mood, sleep, and anxiety disorders.
Bupropion is a prescription medication used to treat both depression as well as 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.
If bupropion is administered as monotherapy, it has been demonstrated to improve behavior and reduce impulsivity in ADHD. In addition it has been proved to be effective for ADHD patients who suffer from depression or substance abuse disorder.
In a randomized clinical trial that included adults treated with bupropion were 78 percent more likely to get to the point of improvement as determined by the CGI scale than those who were in the placebo group. These results are very promising, but the studies did not contain enough participants to establish if the benefits were lasting.
While bupropion has been found to be safe, it is not without its side effects. Bupropion may cause dizziness, dry mouth, dry eyes nausea, and dizziness. Some of these adverse effects can be minimized or eliminated by altering your dose.
Side effects can also be severe if you are taking other alcohol or drugs and if you have a history of heart disease, high bloodpressure, irregular heartbeats, or heart disease. If you suffer from any of these conditions, it's essential to speak with your physician.
It is also important to inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Certain antidepressants can affect the development of your child.
Some antidepressants and other anti-seizure medications may increase the risk of congenital abnormalities such as chromosomal disorders. Talk to your doctor if have been taking antidepressants or other medications for a while to determine the possibility of having a child with these conditions.
Bupropion could cause birth defects and other health issues in the unborn baby if taken during pregnancy. Women should not take bupropion if they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant due to the possibility of dangers.
Guanfacine
Guanfacine is a nonstimulant medication which can be utilized by adults with ADHD who have had a difficult time using stimulants. It is an alternative to methylphenidate. It is sometimes prescribed in conjunction with other medications or supplements to treat ADHD.
Guanfacine can only be taken daily, either in the morning or at evening. It is typically taken with water or other liquids and should not be chewed or crushed. If you do not take your dose, it is essential to take it as soon as you can.
This drug can trigger sedative and calming effects. This medication should not be taken together with alcohol or other depressant drugs as they can enhance the sedative effects.
While there aren't a lot of studies that examine the effects of guanfacine on people with ADHD, one study in which 17 participants were given guanfacine along with DAMP showed it to be comparable with dextroamphetamine.
Another trial with 25 subjects showed that guanfacine alleviated symptoms of ADHD and tics in children who previously failed methylphenidate but they were still taking stimulants (Scahill and colleagues, 2006). The study showed a significant improvement that could be considered to be clinically significant.
A third study of guanfacine within a teen population found it to be effective in the treatment of ADHD and tics and was over twice more effective than placebo. These children experienced a decrease in symptoms and a reduction in omissions and commissions on the Conner Parental Rating Scale. They also had higher school performance scores on Yale Global Severity Scale.
The typical dose of guanfacine in older children is 0.5 mg to 1 mg taken twice each day. Dosing can be increased slowly, based on weight and age. A doctor will check the child's blood pressure and pulse while taking this medication to make sure there is no drop in blood pressure or fainting. The medication is often administered along with diuretics to help lower blood pressure.
Clonidine
Clonidine is a non-stimulant drug is a drug that can be used to treat ADHD symptoms. It is also used to lower high blood pressure and reduce anxiety. It can be purchased in tablet form, or as an injectable or transdermal product that slowly releases the medication throughout the day to your body.
It is an alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist which lowers blood pressure and slows down the heart rate. Although scientists aren't certain what it does but it is believed it is a part in the brain that is responsible for hyperactivity and inattention.
medications for alcohol is usually taken at an amount of 0.1 mg (mg) every night before night, or as directed by a doctor. It can also be applied to the skin a few times a week using a transdermal spray.
While clonidine is effective at treating symptoms of ADHD but it's not nearly as effective as stimulant medication, and it can take several weeks before you notice the full benefits of the medication. Effects like sleepiness and drowsiness are also likely to occur, which can impact your school and work performance.
Consult your physician If you're having trouble falling asleep. This is particularly true if you are taking other medications that cause drowsiness, such as benzodiazepines, or other antidepressants.
Clonidine can cause brain fog, which is a condition that makes it difficult to focus on their tasks. This condition can be treated with Clonidine.
It is crucial to follow the instructions of your doctor carefully when taking clonidine or other non-stimulants. Keep a list of every medication you take and any vitamins or supplements that you are taking. Discuss with your doctor any changes in your diet or exercise routines.
Clonidine overdoses can result in dizziness and tiredness. Overdoses have caused reversible dysrhythmias or cardiac conduction problems, apnea, coma, and seizures.
Clonidine is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), in both adults and children. It can also be 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 may prescribe non-stimulant medication if you are unable to manage ADHD symptoms by taking stimulants. They include a range dopamine- and norepinephrine-enhancing medications that include antidepressants. Some are developed specifically to treat ADHD and others are prescriptions off-label.
They are more efficient than stimulants. They must be taken in multiple doses daily to get the most effective results. They can also take longer to titrate which could mean that they require adjustments to dosages or schedules.
These drugs can also cause adverse effects, such as high blood pressure, and a rapid heart beats, and could even cause psychiatric issues. This is a risk which should be discussed with your physician prior to taking any type of medication.
Non-stimulant drugs include Atomoxetine (Strattera), Clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv). These drugs increase the amount of a different chemical in the brain known as norepinephrine, which improves concentration and attention. They can also help to improve impulsive behaviors and reduce the need to move or fidget.
They can be effective in reducing ADHD symptoms. However, they can trigger mood changes and, sometimes, a rebound. If these side effects are unsettling you and your doctor might consider overlapping doses or switching to an extended-release type of medication. These substances accumulates in the bloodstream and fade off slowly.
Another class of medication called the NDRIs (norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibits), slow down the brain's reabsorption. They are typically used to treat depression, but some are also helpful in treating ADHD.
These medications are more expensive and typically taken in higher doses than stimulants that are quick-acting however, they're generally secure and have a good safety record. They are available in short-acting and long-acting versions. Shorter-acting stimulants are used within a single hour, and longer-acting stimulants for up to 24 hours.
Certain of these medications that are not stimulants like clonidine and Guanfacine, can be prescribed along with stimulants for those who suffer from depression or anxiety. These medications can also help reduce adverse effects caused by stimulants, for example, sleeplessness and agitation.