Medication For ADHD Isn t As Tough As You Think

Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD find their symptoms improve through medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and the side effects are sometimes problematic.

Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs known as stimulants. It works by increasing levels of a brain chemical that helps regulate the behavior and focus.

Stimulant drugs

Stimulant medication for inattentive adhd and anxiety improves concentration and attention for 70% to 80% of children and adults who use it. They work by altering the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. This is why many experts recommend that people start low and build up to the recommended dosage over the course of weeks.

Stimant medication is taken by mouth, usually once or twice a day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects after a few hours and are required to be taken three times a day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken once every day.

These drugs can cause undesirable adverse effects, such as insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. They may also make some people moody or angry however, these effects usually fade with time and can often be managed by adjusting the dosage. In some instances, stimulants may change your personality. You may become withdrawn and sluggish, or obsessive and rigid. They can also increase the risk of other psychiatric problems, including mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require the prescription of a doctor. They are frequently used by adults and adolescents to achieve performance enhancement, and can result in addiction if used in a manner that is not approved. Due to these dangers, doctors must be careful to evaluate the need for stimulant drugs and to monitor the dosage and side effects carefully.

Non-stimulant medication

There are a variety of non amphetamine adhd medication-stimulant ADHD medications available, and which one is most suitable for you is determined by your individual needs. These are prescription drugs, but they do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely have negative side effects but they can take longer to effect and only last for 24 hours. They work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. They also contain antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Therapy can help a person learn how to cope with symptoms and develop new coping skills that include controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connects clients with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. You can find the right therapist in just 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, however they don't address the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be used in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to control their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can i get adhd medication without a diagnosis be taught by an adhd medication pregnancy coach, or practiced with a trained therapist. They can also be taught to parents and caregivers to assist the child or adult with ADHD in these areas. In certain situations the combination of medication and talk therapy may be the best approach.