Medication For ADHD: 11 Thing You're Forgetting To Do

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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people who suffer from ADHD have a decrease in symptoms when they take medication. However, each person reacts differently to different drugs and the adverse effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain that aids in controlling attention and behavior.

Stimulant drugs

Stimulant medications improve concentration and attention for 70 to 80% children and adults who use it. They work by altering the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for several hours. This is why experts advise that people start low and build up to the optimal dose over a period of weeks.

Stimant medications are taken orally, usually once or twice daily. Most are available in both long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants peak within a couple of hours and should be taken 3 times per day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken twice every day.

These drugs can cause unwanted adverse effects, such as insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. Some people may become irritable or moody. However the effects typically fade over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, such as becoming more withdrawn, irritable or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental disorders, such as depression and mania.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require the prescription of a doctor. Adults and adolescents use these substances to boost performance. They can become addicted when they aren't taken in the correct manner or as directed. Due to these risks, doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and side-effects.

Non-stimulant medication

There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medicines and the most effective more info one is determined by the individual. These are prescription drugs, but they do not act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants cause less adverse effects, but they can take longer to act and last only 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the level of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. They also contain antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Therapy can teach people how to deal with symptoms, and 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 disorders. Take a free assessment and you'll be an appointment with a therapist within less than 48 hours. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can help people with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to focus however, they do not solve the root cause. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people strategies to manage their an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a therapist who is trained. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques so they can help their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In some instances it is recommended to combine medication and talk therapy is the best option.