Medication For ADHD: What's The Only Thing Nobody Has Discussed Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when they use medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and the side effects can be problematic.

Methylphenidate belongs to a class of medications called stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a substance in the brain that helps control the attention span and behavior.

Stimulant drugs


Stimulants enhance attention and concentration in 70% to 80percent of adults and children who use them. They work by altering the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Many experts recommend that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dosage over a period of time.

Stimant medications are taken by mouth, usually once or twice a day. There are adhd without medication -acting and long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are most effective after a few hours and should be taken 3 times a day; long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken once a day.

These medications can cause undesirable side effects, including insomnia, nausea, and a decrease in appetite. Some people can become angry or moody. However, these effects usually disappear over time and are able to be controlled by changing the dosage. In some cases stimulants can alter your personality. You may become withdrawn, listless, or more focused and rigid. They may also raise the risk of other psychiatric issues, such as depression and mania.

Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require a prescription. Adults and adolescents use them to enhance performance. They may become addicted when they are not utilized in a proper manner or according to the prescription. Due to these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medication and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medicines

There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the one that is best for you depends on your individual requirements. These medications don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants have fewer negative effects, but take longer to kick in and last only for 24 hours. Most of these medications work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Therapy can help a person learn how to deal with symptoms and learn new coping skills that include controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connects clients with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. You can be matched with a therapist within 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can help people with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to concentrate however they don't tackle the root causes. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be combined with therapy to help people learn how to control their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a qualified therapist. They can also be taught to parents and caregivers to help the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In certain situations the combination of medication and talk therapy may be the best option.