Best ADHD Medication For Adults
Stimulant ADHD medication improves the brain's ability to reduce the severity of symptoms such as hyperactivity, poor focus and indecisiveness.
ADHD can be treated with a range of stimulant medications, including Concerta, Daytrana and Focalin.
Bupropion
Bupropion, which is a central nervous system stimulant (CNS) is used to treat ADHD, also known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and major depression. It is also used to assist people to stop smoking cigarettes.
It functions by altering levels of certain chemicals in the brain. It can be taken either as tablet (long-acting) or extended-release (short-acting) tablet.
The side effects of antidepressants are sleep issues, irritability and increased sensitivity. These side effects usually resolve in time. However, if they don't improve, or if they happen frequently, speak to your doctor.
The effects of stimulants can be short-term, resulting in an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. This can cause fainting or dizziness. Heart disease, and the history of heart attacks are all factors that can increase the risk of having a heart attack. The effects may be more severe in the event that you take this drug alongside lisinopril or Zyban that are drugs for high blood pressure.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist when you're taking other medications. Other medications that can affect bupropion's effectiveness include codeine (Stratterra(r),), atomoxetine(r), tamoxifen(Cytoxan (r) and tramadol.
Bupropion is not recommended to be taken within 14 days following the day you have used a monoamine oxygenase inhibitor (MAOI), such isocarboxazid(r), linezolid(Zyprexa) or methyleneblue injection, phenelzine(r), Nardil(r), rasagiline(r), selegiline(Emsam(r), or tranylcypromine(r). Tell your doctor and pharmacist if using any other drug to quit smoking.
Your doctor will start you on a lower dose of bupropion , and then gradually increase it until it is at the maximum dosage. This process can take several weeks to complete depending on the way your body reacts to the medicine. Your doctor will be checking your progress regularly during treatment to make sure the medication is working properly.
When you first begin taking bupropion you may experience a drowsiness. It is important to drink plenty of fluids if you feel drowsy. It is also helpful to have someone remind you to take your medicine on time.
The risk of experiencing side effects is higher if you are taking more than the recommended dosage of bupropion. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking bupropion and call your doctor right away: agitation, depressed mood change in behavior or thinking, 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 adults and children. It boosts concentration and lowers blood pressure.
Guanfacine is a drug that targets the alpha2 adrenergic receptors in nerve cells in the central nervous system. It is a drug that relaxes the nerves in the brain, reducing excessive impulsiveness and hyperactivity.
It has been demonstrated to improve the function of the prefrontal cortex (PFC), which is a region of the brain that regulates attention and impulse control. It enhances network firing by strengthening connections between PFC neurons.
Although the exact mechanism of ADHD treatment with guanfacine remains unknown, it appears that it stimulates protein molecules known as A2A (protein molecules) within the cells of PFC. These receptors are located on dendritic spines within PFC pyramidal cell lines. iampsychiatry.uk are connected via glutamate synapses.
Guanfacine has been shown to enhance attention and focus in laboratory animals through strengthening the connection between PFC neurons. It also reduces impulsivity and hyperactivity in ADHD patients by stimulating alpha2 adrenergic receptors in the brain.
It is a second-line therapy for people with ADHD and should be utilized in conjunction with other treatments, like counseling to improve your condition. It should not be used by breastfeeding mothers, as it can cause birth defects in the baby.
Guanfacine can cause drowsiness as well as sedation. They typically diminish after some days of taking the medicine. It is crucial to discuss any side symptoms with your doctor because some might disappear over time.
Guanfacine can interact with other medications, notably lithium, tetracyclines, and antidepressants. People with high blood pressure or heart problems should not take it.
Some people who take Guanfacine are unable to remember to take their medication. Unless they are instructed by their physician they should take their doses precisely the same time each day. If you miss a dose you should wait until the next day to take your regular one.
Regular medical checks and tests are recommended, such as blood pressure and heart rate monitors. This will help your doctor decide if it's appropriate to take the medication and how much you should be taking. You should inform your doctor about any other medications that you are taking including herbal supplements and vitamins.
Clonidine
Clonidine is a treatment option to treat ADHD in adults. Clonidine helps improve the ability to concentrate and impulsivity, by targeting the brain area that is responsible for these symptoms. It is used by mouth or as a skin patch and is available in extended-release tablets.
This medication isn't as effective as stimulants for treating symptoms of ADHD however it has some advantages which make it a suitable option for adults. It's also less likely to cause drowsiness and brain fog, which is common when using stimulants.
It could increase blood pressure and heart rate however, this is typically not an issue. If you are suffering from any heart issues or other serious health problems, it's important to tell your doctor.
Clonidine, an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine (SNRI) increases the amount of norepinephrine present in your brain. This chemical is essential for communicating messages between brain cells. In addition, it will help you focus and control your impulse-driven behavior.
This medicine should be consumed every day. The initial dose is 0.1 mg. The dose can be increased several times per week until you get to your maximum daily dose.
If you drink a lot of alcohol while taking this medicine you could experience negative side effects. It can slow down your reflexes and cause poor judgment, and make you sleepy. Clonidine could cause you to stop drinking alcohol and talk to your doctor to learn how to avoid these side-effects.
This medicine can have adverse effects on your eyes, which include dry eye syndrome as well as other eye problems. When you take this medicine, it is important to require keeping your eyes clear. You will also require special glasses. It can also affect your balance , and could lead to a condition known as syncope, also known as fainting.
If you don't seek medical assistance immediately, the side effects of this medication could be serious. You should consult your doctor if you have severe chest pain, diarrhea or breathing difficulties. 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. It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is a non-stimulant and has a low risk of misuse and abuse. It works by increasing the amount of a chemical called noradrenaline in the brain.
Your doctor will give you the atomoxetine in capsules typically once or twice a day. Your doctor may suggest starting with a lower dose, and then increase the dose gradually. It may take some time for the effects of the medication to take effect. Even if you don't see any improvement, you should continue taking the medication in the manner prescribed.
This medication can also reduce the tendency to be impulsive, which is a typical problem for those suffering from ADHD. It improves sleep quality and reduces anxiety.
Children typically begin treatment with a low dose and increase it as they feel better. Your doctor will be watching you carefully for side reactions such as dizziness and lightheadedness.
If you have high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, or arteries that have become hardened it is not recommended to take this medication. If you have any of these conditions, your doctor will let you know whether you should stop or modify your treatment.
It is not recommended to use this medication if your are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant. It isn't clear if this medication is safe for use during pregnancy.
Certain mothers who have taken atomoxetine breastfeeding have had problems with their infant's feeding habits or sleeping habits or their development. These issues can include irritability or poor feeding. These issues should be reported immediately to your doctor.
This medication can raise your blood pressure and cause lightheadedness or dizziness when you get up from a sitting position too quickly. You should always stand up slowly and lay your feet on the floor prior to standing up.
It could also increase the likelihood of heart problems like a heart attack or stroke. You should talk to your doctor about this possibility if have an existing history of heart disease or have a family history of heart problems.
This medication should not be taken by those who are at a high risk of suicidal thoughts , or are thinking about suicide. It may also cause liver damage in certain individuals.