Medication For ADHD: What's No One Is Talking About

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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD have their symptoms improved by taking medication. But each person reacts differently to various drugs, and adverse reactions can be problematic.

Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs known as stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical within the brain that aids in controlling attention and behavior.

Stimulant medication

Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration in 70 to 80percent of adults and children who use them. They work by altering neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. Because of this, experts recommend that patients start low and build up to the optimal dose over the course of weeks.

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 peak after a short time and must be taken 2-3 times a day; long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken only once a day.

These drugs can trigger unwanted adverse effects, like insomnia, nausea, and a loss of appetite. Some people may become irritable or moody. However, these effects usually diminish over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In certain instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, for example becoming more withdrawn, irritable or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental disorders, including mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription. Adults and adolescents abuse stimulants to boost their performance. They can become addicted when they aren't taken in the correct manner or as directed. Because of these risks doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medications and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.

Non-stimulant drugs

There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD treatments, and the best one is determined by the person. These medications don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely check here have negative side effects however, they take longer to work and last only for a period of 24 hours. The majority of these drugs operate by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can teach a person how to cope with their symptoms, and also develop new strategies for coping, such as controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connects people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. You can take a no-cost assessment and be an appointment with a therapist within less than 48 hours. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and decrease impulsivity, however they don't address some of the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be utilized in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to control their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced by a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques to help their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In some cases the combination of medication and therapy could be the best option.