Best ADHD Medication For Adults
Stimulant ADHD medication works by improving the brain's functions to reduce the effects of common symptoms like hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive.
There are a variety of stimulant medications that can be used to treat ADHD such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), Concerta, Daytrana, Focalin and Adderall.
Bupropion
Bupropion, a central nervous system stimulant (CNS), is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) as well as major depressive disorder. It is also used to assist people to stop smoking cigarettes.
It works by changing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. It can be taken as a tablet (long-acting) or extended-release (short-acting) tablet.
Some antidepressants may cause adverse effects like insomnia, irritability and increased tolerance to stress. These side effects typically disappear with time. However, if they do not get better or if they occur frequently, talk to your doctor.
The effects of stimulants can be short-term, resulting in an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which could cause fainting or dizziness. Heart disease, and history of heart attack are all factors that can increase your risk. The combination of this medication with other medicines for high blood pressure, such as lisinopril (Zyban) may make the effects worse.
If you're taking other medications, talk to your doctor and pharmacist. Other medications that can change the way that bupropion works include atomoxetine (Stratterra(r)), codeine and Tamoxifen (Cytoxan(r)) and tramadol, and tetrabenazine.
Bupropion shouldn't be taken within 14 days after you have taken a monoamine oxygenase inhibitor (MAOI) like 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 drug to aid in quitting smoking, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Your doctor will begin you on a low dose of bupropion and gradually increase your dosage. This process can take a few weeks, depending on how your body reacts to the drug. Your doctor will check frequently throughout treatment to ensure that the medication is working properly.
Bupropion can cause drowsiness when you first start taking it. It is important to drink plenty of water when you feel tired. It is also important to remind yourself to take your medication according to the prescription.
If you take more bupropion than recommended, your risk of side effects rises. If you experience any of the following symptoms discontinue taking bupropion and consult your physician right away: agitation, depressed mood changes in behavior or thinking, suicidal thoughts, or thoughts of self-harm.
Guanfacine
Guanfacine is a non-stimulant drug that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children. It boosts concentration and lowers blood pressure.
Guanfacine works on the central nervous system's alpha2 adrenergic nerve cells. It relaxes the nerves in the brain, which decreases the hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.
It has been demonstrated that it enhances the functioning of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) which is the region of the brain responsible for controlling impulses and control of attention. It boosts network firing by strengthening the connections between PFC neuronal cells.
The exact mechanism for how guanfacine can help with ADHD is not fully understood, but it appears to function by stimulating protein molecules known as A2A receptors inside the cells of the PFC. These receptors are found on the dendritic spines of PFC pyramidal cells. These cells are linked via glutamate synapses.
In research, guanfacine increases focus and attention in laboratory animals by strengthening the link 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 treatment option for adults suffering from ADHD and should be used in combination with other treatments, like counseling, to improve your condition. It is not recommended to use by breastfeeding mothers, as it can cause birth defects in the baby.
Guanfacine may cause drowsiness and sedation. These side effects typically disappear after several days. These side effects may disappear with time, which is why it is essential to discuss these with your doctor.
Guanfacine can interact with other medications, notably lithium, tetracyclines, and antidepressants. It should be used with caution for those with heart problems or high blood pressure.
Guanfacine users may experience difficulty remembering the exact time to take their medication. Unless instructed by their doctor, they should take their doses at exactly the same time each day. It is not advisable to skip a dose and wait until the next day before you take your usual dose.
It is recommended that you have regular medical check-ups as well as tests, such as blood pressure and heart rate monitors. This will allow your doctor to determine if you are allowed to take the medication and in what dosage. It is important to inform your doctor of any other medications that you are taking, including vitamins and herbal supplements.
Clonidine
Clonidine is used to treat ADHD in adults. Clonidine can improve the ability to concentrate and impulsivity, by targeting the brain region that controls these symptoms. It can be taken through mouth or applied to the skin with extended-release tablets.
This drug isn't as efficient as stimulants in treating symptoms of ADHD, but it has certain advantages that make it a great option for adults. It is also less likely to cause brain fog and Drowsiness, which can be an issue with stimulants.
It can increase blood pressure and heartbeat however, it isn't usually a problem. It is important to inform your doctor whether you have any serious health conditions or a history of heart problems.
Clonidine is an inhibitor of the selective norepinephrine reuptake process (SNRI) that boosts the amount of a chemical that is present in your brain that is known as norepinephrine. This chemical is vital for communicating messages between brain cells. It can help you focus and control your unpredictable behavior.
You'll take this medicine once every day. The dose starting point is 0.1 mg and the dosage can be increased several times per week until you reach your maximum daily dose.
If you drink lots of alcohol while taking this medicine, you might have negative side effects. It can slow down your reflexes and cause poor judgment, and make you feel sleepy. Clonidine could cause you to stop drinking alcohol and consult your physician to find out how you can get rid of these side effects.
This medication could have adverse effects on your eyes, such as eye problems such as dry eye syndrome. You'll have to keep your eyes clean and use special glasses while taking this medicine. It can also alter your balance and lead to a condition called syncopeor fainting.
If you don't seek medical assistance promptly, the side effects of this medication may be severe. If you have severe diarrhea, chest pain, breathing difficulties or severe diarrhea it is important to contact your doctor right away. It can be deadly If you consume too much of this drug or if you suffer from an allergic reaction.
Atomoxetine
The best adhd medication for adults is atomoxetine. It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is a non-stimulant and there is little chance of abuse or misuse. It works by increasing the amount of a chemical called noradrenaline within your brain.
The doctor will typically prescribe atomoxetine capsules every day or twice every day. Your doctor may begin with a small amount and gradually increase it. It may take a while for the effects of the medication to begin to take effect. Even if you don't notice any improvement, you must continue to take the medication in the manner prescribed.
The medication also reduces the likelihood of being impulsive, which is an issue that is common among those with ADHD. It improves sleep quality and decreases anxiety.
Most often, children begin treatment with a low dose and increase it after they start to 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, irregular heartbeat or hardening of the arteries. Your doctor will inform you when you should stop or change your treatment if you have these problems.
In addition it is advised not to use this medication if you're expecting or planning to become pregnant. There isn't enough adhd medication side effects regarding the security of this medication during pregnancy.
Some mothers who have taken atomoxetine nursing have experienced issues with their baby's development, sleeping and feeding. These problems include irritability or poor feeding. They must be addressed to your doctor right as soon as you notice.
This medicine may alter your blood pressure and cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting when you rise too fast from a lying position. When you stand up, you should slowly get up and place your feet on the ground.
It also increases your risk of suffering from heart issues such as stroke or heart attack. If you have a family history or have a family history of heart disease, talk to your doctor.
Suicidal thoughts and those who are considering suicide should not take this medication. It can also cause liver damage.