Best ADHD Medication For Adults
Stimulant ADHD medication works by improving the brain's functions to reduce the impact of common symptoms such as hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive.
ADHD can be treated using a variety of stimulant medicines, including Concerta, Daytrana and Focalin.
Bupropion
Bupropion is an important central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that is used to treat both attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). It is also used to assist people to stop smoking.
It functions by altering levels of certain chemicals in the brain. It can be taken as tablet (long-acting) or an extended-release (short-acting) tablet.
Side effects of antidepressants include irritability, sleep problems and increased sensitivities. These side effects tend to improve with time. However, if they do not improve or if they occur frequently, consult your doctor.
Stimulants can cause a short-term increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which could cause fainting or dizziness. The risk is greater in the case of high blood pressure, the history of heart attack, or heart disease. Combining this medication along with other medications for high blood pressure, for example lisinopril (Zyban), can increase the risk of these side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist If you are taking other medication. Other medications that could alter the way that bupropion works include atomoxetine (Stratterra(r)) as well as codeine, Tamoxifen (Cytoxan(r)) and tramadol and tetrabenazine.
It is also advised not to take bupropion within 14 days of taking a monoamine oxide inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan(r)) and linezolid (Zyprexa(r)) or methylene blue injection, the phenelzine (Nardil(r)) and rasagiline (Arzate(r)) selegiline (Emsam(r)), or tranylcypromine (Parnate(r)). If you are taking any other drug to help you quit smoking, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Your doctor will begin with a low dose bupropion and gradually increase your dosage. This can take several months or even weeks, based on your body's response the medicine. Your doctor will check on you often during treatment to make sure that the medication is working properly.
When you first begin taking bupropion you may experience dizziness. If this happens, it is important to remember that you drink plenty of fluids during your treatment. It is also helpful to remind someone else to take your medicine on time.
If you consume more bupropion than the recommended amount the risk of adverse effects increases. If you have any of the following symptoms discontinue taking bupropion and call your doctor right now: agitation, depressed mood changes in behavior, 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 also lowers blood pressure and boosts concentration.
Guanfacine works by stimulating the alpha2 adrenergic adrenergic receptors that are cells of the central nervous system. It relaxes the nerves of the brain, which reduces hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.
It has been established that it improves the function of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) which is the region of the brain responsible for the control of impulses and the regulation of attention. It also strengthens the connections between PFC neurons, thereby increasing the rate of firing in the network.
The exact mechanism behind ADHD treatment with guanfacine is not understood, it is thought that it stimulates protein molecules known as A2A (protein molecules) in the cells of the PFC. These receptors are found on the dendritic spines of PFC pyramidal cells. These cells connect via glutamate synapses.
In studies, guanfacine enhances focus and attention in laboratory animals through strengthening the connection between PFC neurons. It stimulates the brain's alpha2adrenergic nerve receptors, which in turn reduces hyperactivity in ADHD patients.
It is used as a treatment of second-line for adults with ADHD. It should not be used by breastfeeding mothers, as it can cause birth defects in the infant.
The most common side effects of Guanfacine include drowsiness and fatigue. It can also cause headaches. They usually subside after several days of taking the drug. It is essential to discuss all side effects with your doctor since some of them may disappear over time.
Guanfacine is known to interact with antidepressants, tetracyclines and lithium. It is recommended to use caution for those with heart problems or high blood pressure.
most effective adhd medication for adults may have trouble remembering when to take their medication. They should take their doses at the same time every day, unless they have been directed otherwise by their doctor. If you miss a dose you must wait until the following day to take your usual one.
It is recommended to have regular medical check-ups and tests, including blood pressure and heart rate monitors. This will enable your physician to determine if you are suitable to take the medication and how much. You should inform your doctor of any other medications that you are taking including vitamins and herbal supplements.
Clonidine
If you have a child with ADHD, clonidine is a treatment that can be used to treat it. It works to improve the quality of attention and impulsivity, by targeting the region of the brain that is responsible for these two symptoms. It can be taken through mouth or applied to the skin with extended-release tablets.
This medication isn't as effective as stimulants when it comes to treating symptoms of ADHD however it has some advantages that make it a great choice for adults. It is also less likely to cause brain fog or sleepiness, which is an issue with stimulants.
It may increase the heart rate and blood pressure however this is generally not an issue. It is essential to let your doctor know whether you have any serious health conditions or have a background of heart-related issues.
Clonidine is an inhibitor of the selective norepinephrine reuptake process (SNRI) that increases the amount of a chemical in your brain called norepinephrine. This chemical is vital in transmitting messages between brain cells, and boosting the ability to focus and control impulsive behavior.
The medicine should be taken at least once a day. The recommended dosage for beginning is 0.1mg. You can increase the dose a few times per week until you get to the maximum dose you can take daily.
There is a chance that you will experience harmful adverse effects if you consume lots of alcohol while on this medication. This can slow down your reflexes and cause poor judgment, and cause you feel sleepy. Clonidine can cause you to stop drinking alcohol and consult your doctor to determine how to get rid of these side effects.
This medicine can have adverse effects on your eyes, such as dry eye syndrome and other eye issues. You'll have to keep your eyes clean and wear special glasses while you're on this medicine. It can also cause you to lose your balance, which could cause fainting or syncope.
The adverse effects of this medication may be severe if you don't get medical help right away. If you have severe diarrhea, chest pain, breathing difficulty or severe diarrhea it is important to contact your doctor immediately. You should not take too much of this medicine or have an allergic reaction.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is a great medication for adhd. It is used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADHD). It is a non-stimulant and has a low chance of misuse and abuse. It raises the brain's levels of a chemical called noradrenaline.
Your doctor will give you the atomoxetine capsule typically twice or once each day. The doctor may start you on a small dose and increase it gradually. It could take a few days for the effects of the medication to start to show. Even if there isn't any improvement, you should continue to take the medication as directed.
This medication can also reduce impulsivity, which is a typical problem for people with ADHD. It can also improve sleep and reduce anxiety.
Often, children will begin treatment with a low dose , and then increase the dosage when they begin to feel better. Your doctor will watch you carefully for side effects such as dizziness and lightheadedness.
It is not recommended to use this medication if you suffer from high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, or a hardening of the arteries. Your doctor will inform you when you should discontinue or alter your treatment in the event of these issues.
In addition it is advised not to use this medication if you're pregnant or are planning to become pregnant. It isn't clear if this medication is safe for use during pregnancy.
Some mothers who have taken atomoxetine nursing have had issues with their baby's development, sleeping, and feeding. These issues include irritability, or poor feeding. These issues should be reported to your doctor.
This medicine can increase your blood pressure and cause lightheadedness or dizziness when you get up from a seated position too quickly. Before getting up, should slowly get up and place your feet on the floor.
It can also increase your chances of developing heart problems like stroke or heart attack. If you have a family history or have a history with heart disease, talk to your doctor.
This medication should not be taken by those who are at high-risk suicidal thoughts or who are thinking about suicide. It may also cause liver damage.