ADHD Medications For Adults There are a variety of options for ADHD treatment for adults. These include antidepressants, stimulants and non-stimulants. ADHD symptoms are often treated by using stimulants. These drugs 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, which includes stimulants as well as non-stimulants. Many people with ADHD use stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall to be effective. However, they could cause some side effects. They can also worsen comorbid sleep, mood, and anxiety disorders. Bupropion is a prescription drug 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. When bupropion treatment is used as monotherapy, it has been shown to improve behavior and decrease impulsivity in ADHD. In addition it has been proven to be effective for ADHD patients with comorbid depression or substance abuse disorder. A randomized clinical trial found that bupropion treatment made adults 78 percent more likely than placebo to reach the level of improvement measured by the CGI scale. These results look very promising however, not enough participants were in the study to confirm whether the improvements were lasting. Bupropion has been proven safe but it can also cause adverse effects. The most frequent side effects of bupropion include drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea and dizziness. Some of these side effects can be reduced or eliminated by altering your dosage. These side effects can be serious if you're taking other medications or alcohol and if you have an history of heart disease and high blood pressure, as well as irregular heartbeats, or heart disease. You should talk to your doctor if you have any of these conditions. Your doctor should know if you are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant. Certain antidepressants can affect the development of your child. The risk of congenital anomalies, especially chromosomal anomalies can be increased with the use of some antidepressants as well as anti-seizure medicines. If you're taking an antidepressant, or any other medication for a long period of time, ask your doctor about the risk of having a child with these defects. Pregnancy and bupropion use can cause birth defects or other health issues in the baby who is stillborn. Due to the potential risks pregnant women should not take bupropion if they are expecting or planning to become pregnant. Guanfacine Guanfacine is a medication that is not stimulant is a good choice for ADHD patients who have had problems with stimulants. It is an alternative for methylphenidate. It can also be prescribed in combination with other supplements or medications for ADHD. Guanfacine can only be taken once daily, in the morning or at the end of the day. It is usually consumed alongside other liquids, such as water, and should not be crushed or chewed. It is important to take the dose you missed immediately. This drug can trigger sedative and calming effects. This medication should not be taken in conjunction with alcohol or other depressant medications since they can intensify the sedative effects. There are few studies on the use of guanfacine among adults suffering from ADHD However, one trial where 17 participants took guanfacine in combination with DAMP found it to be similar to dextroamphetamine. Another study with 25 participants showed that guanfacine alleviated symptoms of ADHD and tics in children who previously failed methylphenidate, but who were still taking stimulants (Scahill et al 2006). The improvement was significant enough to be considered clinically significant in this sample. A third study of Guanfacine among teens found it to be more effective than placebo for treating ADHD and tics. The reduction in symptoms in these children was associated with a decrease in errors of commission and omission in the Conner Parental Rating Scale (CPRS) as well as higher school performance scores on the Yale Global Severity Scale (YGTSS). The typical dose of guanfacine for older children is 0.5 mg to 1 mg, twice each day. Based on age and weight, the dosage can be increased gradually. To ensure that there's no fainting or drop in blood pressure, a physician 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 non-stimulant medication 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, as an injection, or as transdermal patches which slowly delivers the drug to your body throughout the day. It is an alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist that lowers blood pressure and reduces your heart rate. Although researchers are not sure what it does however, it is believed that it is a part in the brain that is responsible for hyperactivity and inattention. Clonidine is typically taken at the dosage of 0.1 mg (mg) every night before time of bed, or as directed by a physician. It is also available as a transdermal patch which is applied to the skin every week. Clonidine is effective in managing symptoms of ADHD however, it isn't as potent as stimulant drugs and it can take a few weeks to realize the full benefits of the medication. It can also trigger adverse effects, like drowsiness or sleepiness, that can affect your school and performance at work. Consult your physician If you're having trouble falling asleep. This is particularly true if you are taking other drugs which cause drowsiness. These include as benzodiazepines or certain antidepressants. Some people who take clonidine also experience a condition known as brain fog, which makes it difficult to concentrate on tasks. It's temporary and can be cured as your body adjusts to the clonidine. It is essential to follow the instructions of your doctor carefully when taking clonidine and other nonstimulants. Keep a record of every medication you take and any vitamins or supplements that you are taking. Consult your physician about any changes in your diet or exercise routines. Doing more than the prescribed amount of clonidine can lead to harmful effects, such as dizziness and drowsiness. Overdoses have led to reversible cardiac conduction defects or dysrhythmias, apnea, coma, and seizures. Clonidine is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for both adults and children. It can also be used to treat high blood pressure. It is available in an extended-release (long-acting) tablet form, as well as a transdermal patch that can be applied to the skin once a week. Non-stimulants If you're unable manage your ADHD symptoms by taking stimulants, your doctor might prescribe non-stimulant medicines. They consist of a range of norepinephrine- and dopamine-enhancing drugs, including antidepressants. Some are specially designed to treat ADHD, while others are prescriptions that are not on the label. Contrary to stimulants, these drugs are more difficult to use and often need to be taken several times per day for around-the-clock effects. They also may take longer to titrate which could mean they require more adjustments to dosages or schedules. They also can cause adverse effects, like high blood pressure and a high heart rate. They can also cause psychiatric issues. This is something you should discuss with your doctor prior to taking any type of medicine. adhd medication list -stimulant medicines include Atomoxetine (Strattera) as well as Clonidine (Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Intuniv). These medications increase the levels of a specific brain chemical known as norepinephrine, which improves focus and attention. They can also improve impulsive behavior and lessen the need to move or fidget. While they're effective in reducing ADHD symptoms, these medications can cause mood changes and sometimes a rebound effect. These adverse effects can be uncomfortable so you may 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 medication NDRIs (norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibits) slow down the brain's reabsorption. They are most commonly used to treat depression. However, some of them can also be beneficial in treating ADHD. These medications are more expensive and typically taken in higher doses than quick-acting stimulants however, they're generally safe and have a good safety record. They are available in both short-acting and long-acting versions. Shorter-acting stimulants are taken within one hour, while longer-acting stimulants for up to 24 hours. For those suffering from depression or anxiety Certain of these non-stimulant medications may be prescribed alongside stimulants. Clonidine and Guanfacine are two of them. These medications can also reduce side effect from stimulants such as sleeplessness or agitation.
adhd medication list
