10 Sites To Help Learn To Be An Expert In Medication For ADHD

Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people who suffer from ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms through medication. But every person reacts differently to different medications and the adverse reactions can be problematic.

Methylphenidate is part of a class of drugs known as stimulants. It works by increasing levels of a substance in the brain that helps control the behavior and attention.

Stimulant medication

Stimulant medications enhance concentration and attention in 70 to the 80% of adults and children who use them. They alter the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. A lot of experts recommend starting at a low dose and gradually increase the dosage over the course of several weeks.

Stimant medication is taken by mouth, typically every day, either once or twice. Most are available in both short- and long-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants are most effective after a short time and are required to be taken three times a day; long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken once a day.

These drugs may cause unwanted side effects, including insomnia, nausea and a loss of appetite. They may also make some people moody or angry however, these effects usually disappear over time and are usually controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some cases stimulants can trigger changes in personality, for example becoming more withdrawn, irritable or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, including mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances, and require the prescription of a doctor. Adolescents and adults misuse stimulants to boost their performance. They can become addicted when they aren't used properly or as prescribed. Because of these risks doctors carefully evaluate the need for stimulant medication and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medication

There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the best one is dependent on the individual. These prescription drugs don't affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely have negative side effects however, they take longer to effect and last only for 24 hours. medication for add adults of these drugs are able to increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help a person how to cope with their symptoms, and also develop new coping techniques such as stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connects clients with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. You can take a no-cost assessment and get connected with a therapist in less than 48 hours. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can help people with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability of focus however they don't tackle the root causes. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach a person methods to manage impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a qualified therapist. They can be taught to caregivers and parents so that they can support the child or adult with ADHD in these areas. In certain instances the combination of medications and talk therapy is the best option.