Best ADHD Medication For Adults
Stimulant ADHD medication works by improving the brain's function to lessen common symptoms such as hyperactivity, lack of focus, and impulsiveness.
adhd medication adults can be treated with a variety of stimulant medications, including Concerta, Daytrana and Focalin.
Bupropion
Bupropion is an important central nervous system (CNS) stimulant used to treat both attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). It can also be used to quit smoking.
It alters the levels of certain chemicals within the brain. It is available as tablet (long-acting) or an extended-release (short-acting) tablet.
Certain antidepressants can cause negative side effects, such as insomnia, irritability and increased sensitivity to stress. These side effects usually disappear with time. However, if they don't get better, or if they happen frequently, speak to your doctor.
Stimulants can cause a temporary increase in heart rate or blood pressure. This could cause dizziness, fainting, or even worse. High blood pressure, heart disease, and a history heart attack are all factors that increase the risk of having a heart attack. Combining this medication with other medications for high blood pressure, for example Lisinopril (Zyban) could make the effects worse.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines. Other medications that may influence the effectiveness of bupropion include codeine (Stratterra(r),), atomoxetine(r), tamoxifen(Cytoxan (r) as well as tetrabenazine and tramadol.
Bupropion shouldn't be taken within 14 days following the day you have used a monoamine oxygenase inhibitor (MAOI) that includes isocarboxazid(r), linezolid(Zyprexa) or methyleneblue injection, phenelzine(r), Nardil(r), rasagiline(r), selegiline(Emsam(r) or tranylcypromine(r). If you are taking any other medication to help you quit smoking, inform your physician and pharmacist.
Your doctor will begin with a low dosage of bupropion. They will gradually increase it to the full dosage. This may take a few weeks or months, depending on your body's reaction to the medication. Your doctor will be checking frequently throughout treatment to make sure the medication is working as it should.
When you first begin taking bupropion, you may experience a tiredness. If this happens, it is important to remember to drink plenty of water throughout your treatment. It is also helpful to have someone remind you to take your medicine on time.
The risk of side effects is higher if you are taking more than the recommended dose of bupropion. If you experience any of the following symptoms discontinue taking bupropion and consult your physician right away: agitation, depressed mood changes in behavior, thoughts of suicide, suicidal ideation or thoughts of self-harm.
Guanfacine
Guanfacine is a medication that is not stimulant that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults. It improves concentration and lowers blood pressure.
Guanfacine is a stimulant for the central nervous system's alpha2 adrenergic nerve cells. It works to relax the nerves in the brain, reducing the impulsive and hyperactive behavior.
It has been demonstrated to enhance the functioning of the prefrontal cortex (PFC), which is a part of the brain that regulates the flow of impulses and attention. It also strengthens connections between PFC neurons, thereby increasing the rate of firing in the network.
Although the precise mechanism of ADHD treatment with guanfacine remains unknown, it appears that it stimulates protein molecules called A2A (protein molecules) in the cells of PFC. These receptors are located on the dendritic spines in PFC pyramidal cell cells. These cells connect via glutamate synapses.
In research, guanfacine increases focus and attention in laboratory animals through strengthening the link between PFC neurons. It also reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity in ADHD patients by stimulating alpha2 adrenergic receptors in the brain.
It is a second-line therapy for adults with ADHD and should be utilized in conjunction with other treatments, such as counseling to improve your condition. It is not recommended to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding as it could cause birth defects.
The most common side effects associated with Guanfacine include drowsiness and fatigue. It can also cause headaches. They typically diminish after just a few days of using the medication. Side effects can pass with time, which is why it is crucial to discuss these with your doctor.
Guanfacine can interact with certain antidepressants, lithium, and tetracyclines. It is recommended to use caution in patients with heart problems or high blood pressure.
Guanfacine patients may have difficulty remembering the time they should take their medication. Unless their doctor has instructed them they should take their doses at exactly the same time each day. If you miss a dose you should wait until the next day to take your normal one.
It is recommended that you have regular medical check-ups as well as tests, including blood pressure and heart rate monitors. This will assist your doctor decide if it is safe for you to take the medication and the amount you should take. Your doctor should know about any other medications, such as herbal supplements and vitamins.
Clonidine
If you are a parent with ADHD, clonidine is a treatment that can be used to treat it. Clonidine improves attention and impulsivity by targeting the brain region that is responsible for these issues. It can be taken by mouth or applied to the skin with extended-release tablets.
Although it is not as effective as stimulants to treat ADHD symptoms however, it has some advantages that make it an excellent option for adults. It is also less likely to cause brain fog and sleepiness, which is a problem with stimulants.
It can increase the heart rate and blood pressure, but this is usually not an issue. It is important to inform your doctor whether you have any serious health conditions or have a history of heart issues.
Clonidine is a selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that boosts the amount of a chemical that is present in the brain that is called norepinephrine. This chemical is crucial to transmit messages between brain cells, and also for increasing it helps you concentrate and manage your impulsive behavior.
The medicine is taken once a day. The recommended starting dose is 0.1mg. You can increase the dose a few times per week until you get to your maximum daily dose.
You could experience dangerous adverse effects if you consume excessive amounts of alcohol while on this medication. This could slow down your reflexes, result in poor judgment, and cause you sleepy. You should stop drinking alcohol while taking clonidine. Talk to your physician about how to avoid these side effects.
This medication could have adverse effects on your eyes, including dry eye syndrome and other eye problems. While you're taking this medicine, it is important to need to keep your eyes clear. Also, you will require special glasses. It may also cause you to lose your balance, which could cause fainting or syncope.
If you don't seek medical attention promptly, the side effects of this medication may be severe. If you suffer from severe diarrhea, chest pain, breathing problems or severe diarrhea, you should consult your doctor right away. You should not take too much of this medication , or suffer an allergic reaction.
Atomoxetine
The most effective medication for adhd for adults is atomoxetine, which is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is a nonstimulant and has a low chance of misuse and abuse. It increases the brain's concentration of a chemical called noradrenaline.
Your doctor will give you atomoxetine in capsule form typically twice or once each day. Your doctor may recommend starting with a lower dose, and then increase the dose gradually. It could take a few days for the effects of the medication to take effect. It is recommended to continue taking the medication according to instructions even if you do not see any improvement immediately.
This medication also decreases the tendency to be impulsive, which is the most common issue among people with ADHD. It can also improve sleep and reduce anxiety.
Children will often start treatment with a small dose, then increase the dose as they feel better. The effects of lightheadedness or dizziness are closely monitored by your doctor.
It is not recommended to use this medication if you suffer from high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, or hardening of the arteries. If you have any of these conditions, your doctor will let you know whether or not you should alter your treatment.
You should not use this medication if pregnant or are planning to become pregnant. There isn't enough information about the safety of this medication during pregnancy.
Some women who have taken atomoxetine breastfeeding have had problems with their baby's feeding or sleeping habits or their development. These problems can include irritability and poor feeding. These issues should be reported promptly to your doctor.
This medicine can increase your blood pressure and cause dizziness or lightheadedness if you get up from a lying down position too quickly. Before getting up, you should slowly get up and place your feet on the ground.
It also increases the chance of suffering from heart issues including stroke or heart attack. You should consult your doctor about this possibility if have an existing history of heart disease or have a family history of these problems.
Suicidal thoughts and those who are considering suicide should not take this medication. It may also cause liver damage.