11 Ways To Totally Block Your Medication For ADHD

Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with ADHD have their symptoms improved through medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and side effects are sometimes problematic.

Methylphenidate is part of a class of drugs known as stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical within the brain that assists in controlling attention and behavior.

Stimulant medications

Stimulants enhance attention and concentration in 70 to 80percent of adults and children who take them. They work by altering the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. Due to this, experts advise that people begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the appropriate dose over a period of weeks.

Stimant medication is taken by mouth, usually once or twice a day. They are generally available in short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects after a few hours and should be taken 3 times per day. medication for add in adults -acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken twice a day.

These drugs can cause undesirable adverse effects, such as anxiety, insomnia and nausea. Some people may become irritable or moody. However these effects tend to diminish over time and can be controlled by altering the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can alter your personality. You could become more introverted, listless, or more focused and rigid. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, such as mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances that require a prescription to be obtained. Adults and adolescents use them to enhance performance. They can become addicted when they are not taken in the correct manner or as directed. Due to these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and side-effects.

Non-stimulant medications

There are many non-stimulant ADHD medicines that are available, and the one that is most effective depends on the individual. These prescription medications do not alter the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause side effects but can take longer to act and last only for 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. They also contain antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Therapy can assist a person in learning how to deal with symptoms and learn new coping skills, such as controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp is a service that offers therapy online, matches people to licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental conditions. Get a free assessment and be matched with a therapist in less than 48 hours. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help those with ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, however they don't address some of the root causes of the disorder. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people techniques to control an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced by a trained therapist. They can also be taught to caregivers and parents so that they can support the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In some cases the combination of medications and talk therapy is the best option.