Medication For ADHD: 11 Things You're Not Doing

Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people with ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when taking medication. However, each person reacts differently to different drugs and adverse effects can be a problem. Methylphenidate is part of a class of medications called stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical in the brain that helps control behavior and attention. Stimulant medications Stimulant medication can improve concentration and attention for 70 to 80% children and adults who take it. They work by altering the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. A lot of experts recommend starting at a low dose and gradually increase your dose over the course of several weeks. Stimant medication is administered by mouth, usually once or twice a day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak within a few hours and must be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulating drugs last 8-12 hours, and are taken only every week. These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, such as nausea, insomnia and a decrease in appetite. They may also make people irritable or moody however these effects typically disappear over time and can often be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some instances, stimulants may change your personality. You may become withdrawn, listless, or more rigid and obsessed. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, including mania and depression. The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescription. They are frequently used by adults and adolescents to achieve performance enhancement, and they can cause addiction if taken in a way that is not prescribed. Due to these dangers, doctors are cautious in assessing the need for stimulant medications and to monitor the dosage and side effects carefully. Non-stimulant medication There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the best one is dependent on the individual. These prescription drugs do not alter the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause side effects but can take longer to kick in and last only 24 hours. medication for adhd in adults of them work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain, and include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor). Psychotherapy Talk therapy can assist a person in learning how to manage symptoms and develop new coping skills, such as managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp, a service that offers therapy online connects people with licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. You can be matched with the right therapist in just 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help those with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, but they don't address some of the root causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone techniques to control an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a qualified therapist. They can be taught to caregivers and parents so that they can support the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In some cases, a combination between medication and talk therapy may be the best option.