Medication For ADHD: 11 Thing You re Forgetting To Do

Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD have their symptoms improved by taking medication. But every person reacts differently to different medications and the adverse effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate is part of a class of medications called stimulants. It increases the levels of a chemical in the brain that helps regulate the behavior and focus.

Stimulant drugs

Stimulant medication can improve concentration and attention for 70% to 80% children and adults who take it. They affect the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. A lot of experts recommend starting at a low dose and gradually increase the dosage over the course of several weeks.

Stimant medications are taken by mouth, usually once or twice a day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak within a few hours and should be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulating drugs last between 8 and 12 hours, and are taken only once a week.

These drugs can cause unwanted adverse effects, such as anxiety, insomnia and nausea. They can also make people feel irritable or moody however, these effects usually fade with time and are often controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some cases stimulants can alter your personality. You could become more introverted, listless, or more obsessive and rigid. They can also increase the risk of developing other psychiatric issues, such as mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription. They are often misused by adults and adolescents for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they could result in addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Because of these risks, doctors are very attentive to determine the need for stimulant drugs and monitor the dosage and adverse effects closely.

Non-stimulant drugs

There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD treatments and the most effective one depends on the individual. These prescription drugs don't affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause negative effects, but take longer to act and last only 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain, and include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Therapy can help a person learn how where to get prescribed adhd medication manage symptoms and learn new coping skills like controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp, an online therapy service connects people with licensed therapists who can prescribe medication for adhd are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. You can get adhd medication online matched to a therapist within 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help people with ADHD improve their ability to focus and decrease impulsivity, however they do not address the root causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people strategies to manage their impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a therapist who is trained. They can also be taught to caregivers and parents to assist the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In some instances the combination of medication For inattentive adhd And anxiety and therapy is the best option.