17 Signs You Work With Medication For ADHD

Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people suffering from ADHD have their symptoms improved through medication. But every person reacts differently to different drugs and the side effects can be troublesome. Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It works by raising levels of a chemical within the brain that aids in controlling the behavior and attention. Stimulant medication Stimulant medication can improve attention and concentration for 70% to 80% of children and adults who use it. medication for adhd in adults affect neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for a few hours. Many experts recommend that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dose over several weeks. Stimulant medication is typically taken orally, one or twice daily. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak within a few hours and they must be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulants last for 8 to 12 hours and are taken only every week. These medications can trigger unwanted adverse side effects like insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. They may also make some people feel irritable or moody however, these effects usually diminish over time and are usually managed by adjusting the dosage. In some instances, stimulants may alter your personality. You might become more withdrawn and sluggish, or focused and rigid. They may also raise the risk of other psychiatric problems, including mania and depression. The majority of stimulants are controlled substances, and require prescriptions to be obtained. They are frequently used by adults and adolescents for the purpose of performance enhancement, and can cause addiction if taken in a way that is not prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medication and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects. Non-stimulant medicines There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD treatments that are available, and the one that is most effective is dependent on the person. These are prescription drugs however they do not act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants have fewer adverse effects, but they can take longer to act and last only for 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the level of norepinephrine in the brain. They also contain antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor). Psychotherapy Therapy can help a person learn how to cope with symptoms and learn new coping skills, such as stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform, matches people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. Get a free assessment and get an appointment with a therapist within less than 48 hours. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can help people with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability to focus however, they do not solve the root cause. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be utilized in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to control their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a certified therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques so they can assist their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In certain cases it is suggested to combine medication and therapy could be the best approach.