Medication For ADHD: 11 Thing You're Leaving Out

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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people who suffer from ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when taking medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and side effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical in the brain that helps control the behavior and attention.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant medication can improve concentration and attention for 70 to 80% of children and adults who use it. They work by altering neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for a few hours. Many experts suggest starting at a low dose and gradually increase the dosage over a period of time.

Stimant medications are taken by mouth, usually every day, either once or twice. Most are available in both long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak within a couple of hours, and must be taken two times a day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours, and are taken only once per week.

These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, including nausea, insomnia and a loss of appetite. They can also make people moody or angry, but these effects generally fade with time and are usually managed by altering the dosage. In some cases stimulants can change your personality. You may become withdrawn and sluggish, or rigid and obsessed. They may also raise the risk of other psychiatric problems, including depression and mania.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances that require prescriptions to be obtained. Adults and adolescents use these substances to boost performance. They may become addicted when they aren't utilized in a proper manner or according to the prescription. Because of these risks doctors must carefully assess 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 most effective one is determined by the individual. These are prescription medicines however they do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants cause less negative effects, but take longer to act and last only for 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the level of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. They also contain antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can assist a person in learning how to cope with symptoms and develop new coping strategies, such as managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp, a service that provides online therapy, matches people to licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental disorders. Take a free assessment and be an appointment with a therapist within as little as 48 hours. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability website to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, however they do not address the root causes of the disorder. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach a person strategies to manage their an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced with a certified therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques so they can help their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In some instances the combination of medications and talk therapy is the best option.