Adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may use both stimulant and non-stimulant medications. Additionally, physicians may prescribe some other drugs off-label.
More than 75% of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are expected to experience symptoms that last into adulthood, according to Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD). Even if they may be more composed, adults nonetheless struggle with impulsivity and organisation.
Certain drugs for ADHD that are prescribed to children can help manage symptoms that persist into adulthood. We’ll discuss various ADHD drug options in this post, along with additional management strategies.
Adult ADHD medications
ADHD is treated with both stimulant and nonstimulant drugs. In terms of treatment, stimulants are regarded as the primary option. They aid in regulating the amounts of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical messengers, in your brain.
Incentives
Your brain can access more norepinephrine and dopamine when you use stimulants. You can become more focused as a result of this. The primary action is believed to be initiated by norepinephrine and reinforced by dopamine.
Stimulants that can be used to treat adult ADHD include methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) as well as amphetamine compounds like:
Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine)
Focalin, or dexmethylphenidate
Vanse (lisdexamfetamine)
Absent stimulants
The first nonstimulant medication authorised for treating adult ADHD is atomoxetine, also known as Strattera. Because it is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, it exclusively raises norepinephrine levels.
Atomoxetine appears to be less addictive than stimulants, despite its apparent lack of effectiveness. If you are unable to take stimulants, it is still a decent option and remains effective. It’s also convenient because you only need to take it once a day. If necessary, it can be administered as a long-term treatment.
The FDA approved a novel nonstimulant alternative in 2022 for use by adults and children older than six. Viloxazine, sometimes known as Qelbree, is a once-daily medication that has been prescribed as an antidepressant in the UK since the 1970s.
A clinical experiment conducted in 2021 on teenagers aged 13 to 17 years old that looked at the usage of viloxazine reported “statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement” in both hyperactivity and inattention, along with a generally well-tolerated medicine.
Off-label medications for adult ADHD
Antidepressants have not yet received formal FDA approval for treating adult ADHD. However, some medical professionals may use antidepressants as an off-label medication for individuals with ADHD who also have other mental health issues.
Bupropion
Wellbutrin is another brand name for bupropion. It raises dopamine levels, which are a chemical messenger. Additionally, it modifies your norepinephrine levels.
If you use nicotine or have depression in addition to ADHD, your doctor might recommend bupropion.
Guanfacine and clonidine
Tenex or Intuniv are the brand names under which guanfacine is offered. Brand name for clonidine is Catapres. They support the function of the brain region that governs attentional regulation.
If you additionally experience anxiety or tics in addition to ADHD, your doctor may recommend clonidine or guanfacine. Both require several weeks to complete.
Clonidine does not improve inattention, however it may lessen hyperactivity and impulsivity. In case you have Tourette syndrome, it could be especially beneficial.
Comparatively speaking, guanfacine is less sedative than clonidine. It aids in concentration and has a longer half-life than clonidine.
Side effects and risk factors
It’s critical to be aware of any adverse effects associated with the medication you and your doctor choose to treat your ADHD with. Discuss any medication that has been prescribed to you with your chemist and doctor. Examine the literature and labels.
A stimulant may make you less hungry. They may also result in headaches and insomnia.
Examine the antidepressant’s packaging. There are frequently warnings on these medications for mood swings, anxiety, sleeplessness, and irritability.
Don’t use stimulant drugs and atomoxetine if you have:
structural cardiac issues
raised blood pressure
cardiac dysfunction
cardiac rhythm issues
Complete management of your ADHD
Medication is only half the picture of treatment for adult ADHD.
Creating a peaceful and focused environment is another way to achieve this. You can arrange your contacts and daily agenda with the use of computer programmes. Try setting apart particular areas to keep your wallet, keys, and other belongings.
Talk therapy, also known as cognitive behavioural therapy, can assist you in developing social, professional, and study skills that will help you stay more focused. It can also help you become more organised. You can learn time management skills and how to control impulsive behaviour from a therapist.
What is ADHD in Adults? Signs, Symptoms, Treatment
Among its many symptoms, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health illness marked by hyperactivity, difficulty concentration, and easy distraction.
Even while symptoms frequently start in childhood, some people don’t get diagnosed until later in life.
Disruptive behaviour and cognitive problems are frequently caused by ADHD. This can have an effect on all facets of your life, such as relationships, career, and education. Therapy and medicine are typically used in tandem to address the illness.
Find out more about the management and therapy options that can be helpful, as well as the potential symptoms of ADHD in adults.
How many people have ADHD?
The 2011 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) and two National Comorbidity Surveys from 2003 and 2004 provide the data on ADHD diagnoses in the United States.
Of children aged 4-17, 11%
8/7 of kids between the ages of 13 and 18
At the time of the survey, 4.4% of adults had a diagnosis, and 8.1% of them had an ADHD diagnosis throughout their lifespan.
Those with ADHD who are not yet diagnosed are not included in these statistics. There are probably more people with the illness overall than these.
ADHD was long thought to be mostly connected to youngsters. Although individuals of any age can be diagnosed with ADHD, the disorder often manifests before the age of twelve.Accurate diagnosis might take years to come through, and some people never do.