17 Signs To Know If You Work With Medication For ADHD

Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD have their symptoms improved through medication. But each person reacts differently to different medications and the adverse effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate is part of a group of medications called stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical in the brain that regulates the behavior and focus.

Stimulant medication

Stimulants enhance attention and concentration in 70% to the 80% of children and adults who take them. They affect neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Many experts suggest starting at a low dose and gradually increase the dosage over a period of time.

Stimulant medications are typically taken orally, one or two times a day. Most are available in both short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects within a couple of hours and should be taken 3 times a day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken once every day.

These drugs may cause unwanted adverse effects, like nausea, insomnia and a loss of appetite. They may also make people moody or angry however, these effects usually diminish over time and are often controlled by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can change your personality. You might become more withdrawn or irritable, or even more rigid and obsessed. They can also increase the risk of other mental health problems, including mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescription. Adults and adolescents abuse stimulants to boost their performance. They can become addicted when they are not used properly or as prescribed. Because of these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medication and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medicines

There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and the one that's most appropriate for you is based on your personal needs. medication for add adults are prescription medicines however they do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause negative side effects, however, they take longer to work and only last for a period of 24 hours. Most of them work 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 cope with symptoms and develop new coping strategies that include stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp is 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 be an appointment with a therapist within as little as 48 hours. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can help people with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability to focus however they don't address the underlying causes. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone techniques to control the impulsive behavior of their children and increase their ability to manage their emotions. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a trained therapist. They can also be taught to caregivers and parents to assist the child or adult with ADHD in these areas. In certain situations, a combination between medication and talk therapy may be the most effective approach.