5 Laws Everyone Working In Medication For ADHD Should Be Aware Of

Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms with medication. But each person reacts differently to different drugs and the side effects can be troublesome.

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

Stimulant medication

Stimulant medication improves concentration and attention for 70% to 80% children and adults that take it. They alter neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure which lasts for a long time. Many experts recommend that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dosage over a period of time.

Stimulant medications are taken orally, usually once or twice a day. Most are available in both long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants peak in a few hours, and should be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last 8-12 hours, and are taken only every week.

These medications can cause undesirable side effects, including insomnia, nausea, and a decrease in appetite. Some people may become irritable or moody. However, these effects usually fade over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can alter your personality. You may become withdrawn and sluggish, or obsessive and rigid. They may also raise the risk of other mental health issues, such as depression and mania.

Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require a prescription. They are frequently misused by adolescents and adults to achieve performance enhancement, and can lead to addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Because of the dangers, doctors must be cautious in assessing the need for stimulant drugs and to monitor dosage and adverse effects closely.

Non-stimulant medication

There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD treatments that are available, and the one that is most effective is determined by the person. These are prescription drugs however they do not act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects but they can take longer to work and only last for a period of 24 hours. Most of these medications work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.

link webpage  can teach people how to deal with their symptoms, and also develop new strategies for coping, such as managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connects clients with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. You can get matched to the right therapist in just 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can assist people suffering from ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability to concentrate however, they do not solve the root cause. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people techniques to control the impulsive behavior of their children and increase their ability to manage their emotions. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques so they can assist their child or adult with ADHD. In some cases it is suggested to combine medications and talk therapy might be the best option.