The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Medication For ADHD

Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people who suffer from ADHD find their symptoms improve through medication. Every person's reaction is different, and side effects can be problematic. Methylphenidate is part of a group of drugs known as stimulants. It works by increasing levels of a brain chemical that helps regulate behavior and attention. Stimulant medication Stimulant medication improves attention and concentration for 70% to 80% children and adults who use it. They work by altering neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. This is why experts advise that people start low and build up to the optimal dose over a period of weeks. Stimulant medications are taken orally, usually once or two times a day. medication for adhd are available in both long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants peak within a few hours and they must be taken two times a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last between 8 and 12 hours, and are only taken once a week. These drugs can cause unwanted side effects such as nausea, insomnia and nausea. They can also make people moody or angry however, these effects usually fade with time and are usually managed by adjusting the dosage. In some instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, like becoming more withdrawn, irritable or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also raise the risk of other mental health issues, like mania and depression. Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require a prescription. They are frequently used by adolescents and adults for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they can lead to addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Because of these risks, doctors carefully evaluate the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and side-effects. Non-stimulant medications There are many non-stimulant ADHD treatments and the most effective one is determined by the individual. These are prescription drugs however they do not have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause side effects but can take longer to work and last only 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the level of norepinephrine in the brain. They also include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor). Psychotherapy Talk therapy can teach people how to deal with symptoms, and develop new coping techniques such as controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp, an online therapy service connects people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. Get a free assessment and be matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can help people with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability to focus however they don't address the underlying causes. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone strategies to manage their an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced by a trained therapist. They can be taught to caregivers and parents so that they can support the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In certain instances the combination of medication and therapy is the best approach.