10 Things We All Love About Medication For ADHD

Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people with ADHD have their symptoms improved by taking medication. Every person's reaction is different, and the side effects can be problematic. Methylphenidate is part of a group of medications called stimulants. medications for adhd in adults works by increasing levels of a brain chemical that helps regulate behavior and attention. Stimulant medication Stimulant medications enhance concentration and attention in 70 to 80percent of children and adults who take them. They affect the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for a few hours. Many experts suggest that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dose over a period of time. Stimulant medications are taken orally, usually once or twice daily. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are peaking within a few hours and should be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulating drugs last between 8 and 12 hours, and are taken only every week. These drugs may cause unwanted 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 could become more introverted, listless, or more rigid and obsessed. They may also raise the risk of other psychiatric problems, including depression and mania. Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require prescription. They are frequently used by adults and teens to achieve performance enhancement, and they can lead to addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Due to these dangers, doctors are attentive to determine the need for stimulant drugs and to monitor dosage and effects. Non-stimulant medicines There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications and the most effective one is determined by the individual. These prescription drugs don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause negative side effects, however, they take longer to effect and last only for a period of 24 hours. Most of these medications operate by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor. Psychotherapy Talk therapy can assist a person in learning how to cope with symptoms and develop new coping skills, such as managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp is a service that offers online therapy connects people with licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental conditions. You can be matched with a therapist within 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help those with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, but they don't address some of the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be combined with talk therapy to teach people how to manage their impulsive behavior. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a therapist who is trained. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques so they can assist their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In certain cases, a combination between medication and talk therapy may be the best approach.