20 Things You Should Know About Medication For ADHD

Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when they use medication. However, each person reacts differently to different types of adhd medication medications and side effects can be troublesome.

Methylphenidate is part of a group of drugs known as stimulants. It works by increasing levels of a chemical within the brain that helps control the attention span and behavior.

Stimulant medication

Stimulant drugs enhance attention and concentration in 70 to the 80% of children and adults who use them. They affect neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Typically, they cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for several hours. Due to this, many experts recommend that people start low and build up to the recommended dosage over the course of weeks.

Stimant medication is administered by mouth, typically once or twice a day. The majority are available in long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants peak after a few hours and are required to be taken three times a day; long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken only once a day.

These medications can cause undesirable adverse effects, like insomnia, nausea, and a loss of appetite. Some people might become irritable or moody. However these effects tend to fade over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In some cases stimulants can change your personality. You may become withdrawn or irritable, or even more focused and rigid. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, such as mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances, and require the prescription of a doctor. They are frequently misused by adolescents and adults for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they can result in addiction if used improperly or not as prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors carefully evaluate the need for stimulant medications and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medications

There are many non-stimulant Adhd Medication How Does It work medication options, and the one that is best for you depends on your specific requirements. These are prescription drugs however they do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely cause negative side effects, however they may take longer to work and last only for 24 hours. The majority of these drugs are able to increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help a person how to cope with symptoms, and develop new strategies for coping, such as managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform connects clients with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. Get a free assessment and be matched with a therapist in just a few hours. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can help people with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to concentrate, but they do not address the underlying causes. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral 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 learned through an adhd medication titration coach or through practice with a qualified therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these methods to assist their child or adult with ADHD. In certain cases, a combination between medication and talk therapy may be the best option.