15 Twitter Accounts You Should Follow To Discover More About Medication For ADHD Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD find their symptoms improve through medication. But each person reacts differently to various drugs and the side effects can be troublesome.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It increases the levels of a brain chemical that regulates the behavior and focus.

adhd in adults medication improve attention and concentration for 70% to 80% of children and adults who use it. They work by altering the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Many experts recommend starting at a low dose and gradually increase the dosage over several weeks.

Stimant medication is administered by mouth, typically every day, either once or twice. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak within a few hours and they must be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulating drugs last 8-12 hours, and are taken only once a week.

These drugs can cause undesirable side effects such as anxiety, insomnia and nausea. They may also make some people feel irritable or moody however these effects typically disappear over time and are often controlled by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can alter your personality. You may become withdrawn or irritable, or even more obsessive and rigid. They may also raise the risk of other psychiatric problems, including mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances that require the prescription of a doctor. Adolescents and adults misuse stimulants to boost their performance. They can develop addiction if they are not taken in the correct manner or as directed. Because of these risks, doctors carefully evaluate the need for stimulant medication and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medications

There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and the one that's best for you depends on your specific needs. These prescription drugs do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause adverse effects, but they can take longer to work and last only 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the level of norepinephrine within the brain. They also contain antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).


Psychotherapy

Therapy can teach a person how to cope with their symptoms, and also develop new coping strategies, like controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform connects people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. You can find an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can help people with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability of focus however, they do not solve the root cause. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be utilized in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to manage their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a therapist who is trained. They can be taught to caregivers and parents to help the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In some instances, a combination of medication and therapy is the best option.