ADHD Medications For Adults
When it concerns ADHD treatment for adults, there are a few different choices. These include stimulants, antidepressants and non-stimulants.
ADHD symptoms are usually treated by using stimulants. These medications increase brain levels of dopamine and norepinephrine.
Bupropion
There are many different drugs 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 can cause certain side effects. They also can aggravate the comorbidity of mood, sleep, and anxiety disorders.
Bupropion is a prescription medicine that is used to treat depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. It is available either in sustained-release or immediate release form.
Bupropion can be used as monotherapy to improve ADHD behavior and decrease the risk of developing impulsivity. It is also effective in ADHD patients who have a comorbid depression and addiction disorders.
In a randomized clinical trial in which adults 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 but there was not enough included to determine if the improvements were lasting.
Although bupropion has been proved to be safe, it's not without its side effects. The most commonly reported side effects of bupropion include drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, and dizziness. It is possible to reduce or eliminate some of these adverse effects by altering your dose.
Other side effects could be serious, especially if you take other drugs or alcohol, and if you suffer from heart disease high blood pressure, a history of a heart attack or an irregular heartbeat. Talk to your physician if you experience any of these symptoms.
Your doctor should be aware whether you are expecting, or planning to become pregnant. The development of your baby could be affected by antidepressants.
Certain antidepressants, as well as other anti-seizure medications may increase the risk of congenital anomalies, especially chromosomal abnormalities. If you are taking an antidepressant, or any other medications for a long time consult your physician about the risk of having a baby born with these defects.
Bupropion could cause birth defects and other health issues in the unborn baby if taken during pregnancy. Because of the risks women should avoid taking the medication if they're pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Guanfacine
Guanfacine is a nonstimulant medication which can be utilized by adults with ADHD who have been unsuccessful using stimulants. It can be used as an alternative for methylphenidate. It is also used in combination with other ADHD supplements and medications.
Guanfacine can be taken only every day, either in the morning or at the night. It is usually taken with water or other liquids, and should not be chewed or crushed. It is crucial to take the dose that you missed immediately.
The drug can cause an euphoric and sedative effect. This medication should not be used together with alcohol or other depressant drugs as they can enhance the sedative effects.
Although there are not many studies that have examined the effects of guanfacine on adults with ADHD One study where 17 subjects received guanfacine in combination with DAMP showed it to be similar to dextroamphetamine.
Another study with 25 subjects showed that guanfacine alleviated symptoms of ADHD and tics in children who had previously failed methylphenidate, but who were still taking stimulants (Scahill and colleagues, 2006). adhd medication was significant enough to be clinically significant in this sample.
A third study of Guanfacine in adolescents found it to be more effective than placebo for treating ADHD and tics. These children experienced a decrease in symptoms as well as a decrease in omissions, commissions, and commissions on the Conner Parental Rating Scale. They also had higher school performance scores on Yale Global Severity Scale.
For children older than age 5 the recommended dose of guanfacine is 0.5 to 1 mg twice daily. The dosage can be increased slowly dependent on the weight and age. To ensure that there is no drop or fainting in blood pressure, a doctor will be able to monitor the child's pulse and blood pressure while they are taking this medication. This medication is often given along with a diuretic medication to help lower blood pressure.
Clonidine
Clonidine is a nonstimulant drug that can be used to treat symptoms of ADHD. It can also be used to lower high blood pressure and reduce anxiety. It is available in tablet form, as an injection, or as 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 decreasing the heart rate. Researchers aren't quite sure how it helps treat ADHD but it is believed that it acts on the area of the brain responsible for hyperactivity and inattention.
Clonidine is typically taken at the dosage of 0.1 mg (mg) each night at bedtime, or as directed by a physician. You can also apply it to the skin a few times a week as a transdermal spray.
Although clonidine can be effective in managing symptoms of ADHD but it's not as potent as stimulant drugs and it may take a few weeks to realize the full benefits of the medication. It may also cause some side effects, such as sleepiness or drowsiness. These can affect your school and performance at work.
If you're experiencing difficulty sleeping, speak to your doctor about a new medication or dosage. This is especially relevant when you are taking other drugs that induce drowsiness such as benzodiazepines, or other antidepressants.
Some people who take clonidine also experience a condition known as "brain fog," which makes it difficult to concentrate on work. It is temporary and will be cured as your body adjusts to Clonidine.
Clonidine and other non-stimulants should be taken according the instructions of your doctor. Keep a list of the medications you are taking as well as any vitamins or supplements you are taking. You should also discuss with your doctor any changes in the way you eat or exercise.
Taking more than your prescribed amount of clonidine may cause negative effects, including drowsiness and dizziness. Overdoses have resulted in reversible dysrhythmias, or defects in the cardiac conduction and comas, apnea and seizures.
Clonidine is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for both children and adults. Clonidine can also be used to lower blood pressure. It is available as an extended-release (long acting) tablet as well as 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 control ADHD symptoms by taking stimulants. This includes a variety of dopamine-enhancing medications and norepinephrine as well as antidepressants. Some are specially designed for use in treating ADHD as well as others that are prescriptions that are not on the label.
These medications are more effective than stimulants and must be taken several times a day to get the best results. They also require longer to titrate so they may require additional adjustments to doses or dosage schedules.
These drugs can also cause side effects such as high blood pressure and rapid heart beat, and may even cause psychiatric problems. This is a risk that should be discussed with your physician prior to beginning any kind of medication.
Non-stimulant medicines include atomoxetine Clonidine (Kapvay), and guanfacine. These medications increase the levels of a different chemical in the brain known as norepinephrine. It increases focus and attention. These medications can also be used to decrease the urge to move or fidget.
These medications are effective in helping to reduce ADHD symptoms. However, they can cause mood changes , and occasionally an increase. If these side effects are uncomfortable the doctor and you might try overlapping doses or switching to an extended-release version of medication, which can build up in the bloodstream, and then fade away slowly.
Another class of medications, known as NDRIs (norepinephrine dopamine reuptake inhibitors) can slow the reabsorption of norepinephrine as well as dopamine into the brain. They are commonly used to treat depression but some are also helpful for ADHD.
These drugs are more expensive and are usually taken in higher doses than quick-acting stimulants, but they are generally safe and have a solid safety record. They are available in both short-acting and longer-acting forms, with shorter-acting versions starting to take effect as early as one hour after they're taken , and long-acting ones lasting for up to 24 hrs.
Some of these non-stimulant medications such as clonidine, Guanfacine, are prescribed in conjunction with stimulants for patients who have coexisting anxiety or depression. These medications can also help reduce side effects from stimulants, for example, sleeplessness and agitation.