There are a myriad of options for ADHD treatment for adults. These include antidepressants, stimulants and non-stimulants.
Stimulants are often used to combat symptoms of ADHD. These medications increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain.
Bupropion
There are many different drugs that can be used to treat ADHD in adults, including stimulants as well as non-stimulants. Stimulants, such as Adderall and Ritalin are effective for many people with ADHD. They can have side effects. They also can aggravate the effects of comorbid mood, sleep, and anxiety disorders.
Bupropion is a prescription medicine that can be used to treat depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by increasing levels of dopamine within the brain. It is available in sustained release or immediate-release form.
Bupropion can be used as a monotherapy to enhance ADHD behavior and reduce impulsivity. It is also effective in ADHD patients with comorbid depression and addiction disorders.
A randomized clinical study discovered that treatment with bupropion increased the likelihood of adults being 78 percent more likely than placebo to reach the level of improvement as measured by CGI scale. These results are extremely promising however, not enough participants were in the study to confirm whether the improvements were long-lasting.
Although bupropion has been proven to be safe, it is not without its side effects. Bupropion can cause dizziness dry eyes, dry mouth nausea, and tiredness. You can lessen or eliminate certain side effects by adjusting the dosage.
Side effects can also be severe if you are taking other drugs or alcohol and if there is an history of heart disease and high blood pressure, as well as irregular heartbeats or heart disease. If you suffer from any of these conditions, it is essential to speak with your doctor.
Your doctor should know if you are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant. Some antidepressants may affect the development of your child.
The risk of congenital anomalies, particularly chromosomal defects, is increased with the use of some antidepressants and anti-seizure medications. If you're taking an antidepressant, or any other medication for a long period of time discuss with your doctor the risk of having a child born with these defects.
The use of bupropion during pregnancy could cause birth defects or other health issues in the baby who is stillborn. Due to the risk, women should not use this medication if they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Guanfacine
Guanfacine is a medication that is not stimulant can be prescribed to ADHD patients who have had failed with stimulants. It can be used as an alternative for methylphenidate. It can also be prescribed in conjunction with other medications or supplements for ADHD.
Guanfacine is a drink that can be taken each day in the morning and evening. Guanfacine should be taken in conjunction with water or other liquids. It should not be chewed or broken. It is crucial to take the dose you missed promptly.
This drug can cause tranquilizing and sedative effects. It is not recommended to take together with alcohol or other depressant substances as they can enhance the sedative effects of this medication.
There are no studies on the use of guanfacine among adults suffering from ADHD, but one trial in which 17 participants were given Guanfacine, in combination with DAMP, found it to be similar to dextroamphetamine.
Another study of 25 children demonstrated that guanfacine reduced ADHD symptoms and tics in children who had been treated with methylphenidate but still receiving stimulants (Scahill et. al., 2006). The improvement was significant enough to be clinically meaningful in this population.
A third study of guanfacine in the teen population showed it to be effective in the treatment of ADHD and tics, and was over twice as effective as placebo. Children who received it experienced a reduction in symptoms as well as a decrease in omissions and commissions in the Conner Parental Rating Scale. They also had better school performance scores on the Yale Global Severity Scale.
The typical dose of guanfacine in older children is 0.5 mg to 1 mg, taken two times each day. Based on weight and age, the dosage can be increased gradually. A doctor will check the child's pulse and blood pressure while taking this medicine to ensure that there's no drop in blood pressure or fainting. This medication is usually administered alongside a diuretic to lower blood pressure.
Clonidine
Clonidine is a non-stimulant 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, as an injection, or a transdermal patch that slowly delivers the drug to your body throughout the day.
It is an alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist that lowers blood pressure and slows down your heart rate. Researchers aren't certain how it aids in treating ADHD, but it is believed to act on the area of the brain that is responsible for hyperactivity and inattention.
Typically, clonidine is consumed in a dose of 0.1 milligram (mg) every day at the time of bed or as directed by the doctor. It can also be applied on the skin once per week as a transdermal spray.
Although clonidine can be effective in managing symptoms of ADHD However, it's not as strong as stimulant medications and it may take a few weeks to realize the full benefits of the medication. Effects like sleepiness and drowsiness may also occur, which can have an impact on your school and work performance.
Speak to your doctor If you are having trouble sleeping. This is particularly true in the event that you are taking any other medications that can cause drowsiness, such as benzodiazepines, or other antidepressants.
Clonidine can cause brain fog, which is an illness that makes it difficult to focus on their tasks. This condition can be treated with Clonidine.
It is essential to follow the doctor's directions carefully when taking clonidine and other nonstimulants. Keep a detailed record of all the medications you take and any vitamins or supplements that you are taking. Discuss with your doctor any changes in your diet or workout routine.
Clonidine overdoses can cause dizziness and drowsiness. Overdoses can lead to irreversible dysrhythmias, heart conduction disorders seizures, apnea, seizures and coma.
Clonidine is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) which affects children and adults. Clonidine is also used to lower blood pressure. It is available as an extended-release (long acting) tablet as well as a transdermal patch, which can be applied to the skin at least once a week.
Non-stimulants
If you're unable to control your ADHD symptoms with stimulants, your doctor may prescribe non-stimulant medication. They include a range dopamine- and norepinephrine-enhancing drugs and antidepressants. Some are specifically designed for ADHD treatment as well as others that can be prescribed off-label.
These medications are more effective than stimulants and must be taken multiple times per day for the best results. They also require longer to adjust, meaning they might require more adjustments to doses or dosage schedules.
They also come with a variety of adverse effects, like high blood pressure and a fast heart rate. They can also cause psychiatric issues. This is something you should talk to your doctor about prior to using any type of medication.
Non-stimulant medications include atomoxetine Clonidine (Kapvay), and Guanfacine. These drugs increase the amount of a brain chemical called norepinephrine, which increases concentration and focus. These medications can also be used to reduce impulsive behavior and the need to move or fidget.
These medications can be effective in decreasing ADHD symptoms. However, they may trigger mood changes and, sometimes, an increase. If the side effects are troubling, you and your doctor might try overlapping doses or switching to an extended-release form of medication. These drugs will build up in your bloodstream and fade off slowly.
Another class of medication called NDRIs (norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors) slow down the brain's absorption. They are usually prescribed to treat depression. However, some can also be beneficial for ADHD.
They are more expensive and are usually taken in higher doses than fast-acting stimulants. However they are generally safer and have a good safety record. They are available in both short-acting and longer-acting forms with shorter-acting versions beginning to work in as little as one hour after being taken , and long-acting ones lasting for upto 24 hours.
For people with depression or anxiety that co-occur These non-stimulant medications can be prescribed alongside stimulants. Clonidine and Guanfacine are two such examples. These medications also help to reduce the negative effects of stimulants, such as sleeplessness or agitation.
