Best ADHD Medication For Adults
Stimulant ADHD medication works by enhancing brain function to lessen common symptoms like hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsiveness.
There are a variety of stimulant medications that can be used to treat ADHD, including; methylphenidate (Ritalin), Concerta, Daytrana, Focalin and Adderall.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a central nerve system (CNS) stimulant used to treat both attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). It can also be used to aid in the cessation of smoking cigarettes.
It alters the levels of certain chemicals within the brain. It can be used as tablet or extended-release (long-acting) tablet.
Antidepressants can cause insomnia, irritability, and increased sensibility. These side effects tend to improve over time. However, if they don't improve, or if they happen frequently, consult your doctor.
Stimulants can cause a short-term increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which may cause fainting or dizziness. The risk is higher in cases of high blood pressure, the history of heart attack, or heart disease. Combining this medication in conjunction with other medicines for high blood pressure, like lisinopril (Zyban) may increase the risk of these side effects.
If you are using any other medications, talk to your pharmacist and doctor. Other medications that could alter how bupropion functions include atomoxetine (Stratterra(r)) as well as codeine and Tamoxifen (Cytoxan(r)), tramadol, tetrabenazine and.
It is also advised not to take bupropion for a period of 14 days after taking a monoamine oxide inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan(r)), linezolid (Zyprexa(r)) or the methylene blue injection, phenelzine (Nardil(r)) as well as rasagiline (Arzate(r)), selegiline (Emsam(r)) or tranylcypromine (Parnate(r)). Tell your doctor and pharmacist if using any other drug to quit smoking.
Your doctor will place you on a low dose bupropion and gradually increase your dosage. This process can take a few weeks depending on how your body reacts to the medicine. Your doctor will monitor you regularly throughout treatment to make sure that the medication is working as it should.
Bupropion can cause drowsiness when you first start taking it. It is crucial to drink plenty water if you feel drowsy. It is also important to remind you to take your medicine as directed.
The risk of having side effects is increased if you take more than the recommended dose of bupropion. If you have any of the following symptoms stop taking bupropion and call your doctor right immediately: agitation or depressed mood, changes in behavior or thoughts of suicide, suicidal ideas, or thoughts of self-harm.
Guanfacine
Guanfacine is a non-stimulant medicine is used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADHD) and is used in adults and children. It boosts concentration and lowers blood pressure.
Guanfacine acts on the central nervous system's alpha2 adrenergic nerve cells. It relaxes nerves in the brain, which decreases hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.
It has been shown that it improves the function of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) which is the region of the brain that is responsible for the control of impulses and attention regulation. It also improves the connections between PFC neurons, which increases the rate of firing in the network.
The exact mechanism of how guanfacine assists with ADHD is not fully understood however it is believed to work by stimulating protein molecules known as A2A receptors inside the cells of the PFC. These receptors are located on the dendritic spines of PFC pyramidal cells. These cells are linked via glutamate synapses.
Guanfacine is known to increase focus and attention in laboratory animals by enhancing the connection between PFC neurons. It also reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity in ADHD patients by stimulating alpha2 adrenergic neuronal receptors in the brain.
It is a second-line treatment for people with ADHD and should be used in conjunction with other treatments, like counseling to improve your condition. It is not recommended to use by breastfeeding mothers, since it can cause birth defects in the infant.
Guanfacine can cause drowsiness and sedation. They typically subside after some days of taking the medication. It is essential to discuss any side symptoms with your doctor because some might disappear with time.
Guanfacine can interact with certain antidepressants and tetracyclines as well as lithium. It is recommended to use caution in people who have heart issues or high blood pressure.
Guanfacine users may experience difficulty remembering when to take their medication. Unless they are instructed by their physician and/or a physician, they should take their doses at exactly the same time every day. If medications for adhd do not take your dose, you should wait until the next day to take the next one.
It is recommended to have regular health check-ups and tests such as blood pressure or heart rate monitors. This will enable your doctor to determine if are qualified to take the medication, and in what dosage. You should inform your doctor of any other medications that you are taking such as herbal supplements and vitamins.
Clonidine
If you are a parent with ADHD, clonidine is a medication that could be used to treat it. It helps improve concentration and impulsivity by targeting the region of the brain responsible for these two symptoms. It is used by mouth or as a patch on the skin and is available in extended-release tablets.
Although it's not nearly as effective as stimulants for ADHD symptoms However, it has a few advantages that make it an excellent alternative for adults. It is also less likely to cause brain fog and somnolence, which is an issue with stimulants.
It can increase blood pressure and heart rate, but this is usually not an issue. If you are suffering from any heart issues or other serious health issues, it is crucial to consult your doctor.
Clonidine is an inhibitor of the selective norepinephrine reuptake process (SNRI) that increases the amount of a particular chemical in your brain known as norepinephrine. This chemical is crucial for passing messages between your brain cells and the ability to concentrate and manage your impulsive behavior.
You'll take this medicine for once each day. The recommended dose is 0.1 mg. The dosage can be increased several times per week until you get to your maximum daily dose.
There are risks of experiencing dangerous side effects if you consume large amounts of alcohol on this medication. This could slow your reflexes, causing poor judgment, and making you sleepy. Clonidine can make you stop drinking alcohol and consult with your doctor to learn how to avoid these negative side effects.
This medicine can have adverse effects on your eyes, including dry eye syndrome and other eye issues. While you are taking this medicine, you will need to keep your eyes clean. Also, you will require special glasses. It can also affect your balance and lead to a condition called syncopeor fainting.
The side effects of this medication may be serious if you don't seek medical attention immediately. If you notice severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe diarrhea, you should consult your doctor immediately. It is not recommended to take too much of this medicine or have 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 nonstimulant, and there is little chance of abuse or misuse. It works by increasing the levels of a chemical known as noradrenaline within your brain.
Your doctor will prescribe atomoxetine in capsule form typically once or twice a day. Your doctor may recommend that you begin with a low dose and increase the dose gradually. It can take some time for the medication's effects to start to show. Even if you don't see any improvement, you should continue to take the medication in the manner prescribed.
This medication also decreases the likelihood of being impulsive, which is a common problem in people with ADHD. It improves sleep quality and decreases anxiety.
Children will often start treatment with a lower dose, then increase the dose as they feel better. Your doctor will keep an eye on your closely for any side effects like dizziness and lightheadedness.
You should not take this medication if you have high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat or hardening of the arteries. If you have any of these conditions your doctor will advise you when you should stop or modify your treatment.
You should not use this medication if you're pregnant or are planning to become pregnant. There isn't enough information about the safety of this medication during pregnancy.
Certain mothers who have taken atomoxetine breastfeeding have had issues with their infant's feeding habits or sleeping habits or their development. These problems can include an increase in irritability and poor eating. These issues must be addressed to your doctor right away.
This medicine can affect your blood pressure and cause dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting if you get up too quickly from a lying position. You should always get up slowly and lay your feet on the floor prior to standing up.
It could also increase the likelihood of developing heart-related problems such as heart attack. You should speak to your doctor about this possibility if have a history of heart disease or have an extended family history of these problems.
This medication should not be used by those who are at an increased risk of having suicidal thoughts or who are thinking about suicide. It may also cause liver damage.