5 Laws Everybody In Medication For ADHD Should Be Aware Of

Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with ADHD have a decrease in symptoms when they take medication. However, each person reacts differently to different medications, and adverse effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It works by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain that helps regulate the behavior and focus.

Stimulant medication

Stimulant medication improves concentration and attention for 70 to 80% children and adults that take it. They work by altering the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually trigger an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. Because of this, many experts recommend that people start low and build up to the recommended dosage over a period of weeks.

Stimant medication is taken by mouth, typically every day, either once or twice. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions of most stimulants.  medication for adults with add -acting stimulating drugs peak within a couple of hours, and they must be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours, and are taken only once per week.

These medications can trigger unwanted side effects such as nausea, insomnia and nausea. They may also make some people moody or angry, but these effects generally fade with time and are usually managed by adjusting the dosage. In some instances stimulants can cause changes in personality, for example becoming more withdrawn, irritable or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other psychiatric issues, like mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require the prescription of a doctor. Adults and adolescents abuse these substances to boost performance. They can become addicted when they aren't taken in the correct manner or as directed. Because of the dangers, doctors are attentive to determine the need for stimulant medications and to monitor the dosage and adverse effects closely.

Non-stimulant drugs

There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD medicines, and the best one depends on the individual. These are prescription drugs however they don't have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants have fewer side effects but can take longer to act and last only for 24 hours. Most of these drugs work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help a person how to cope with their symptoms, and also develop new strategies for coping, such as managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp is a service that provides online therapy connects people with licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental disorders. You can be matched with the right therapist in just 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help people with ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, but they don't address some of the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be utilized in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to control their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a trained therapist. They can be taught to parents and caregivers to assist the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In certain instances it is recommended to combine medication and therapy is the best approach.