The 10 Most Scariest Things About Medication For ADHD

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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD find their symptoms improve with medication. Every person's reaction is different, and the side effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate is part of a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It works by raising levels of a chemical in the brain that helps control the attention span and behavior.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant medications enhance attention and concentration in 70 to 80% of children and adults who use them. They affect neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They usually trigger an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. Many experts suggest that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dosage over a period of time.

Stimant medications are taken orally, usually once or twice a day. They are generally available in short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects after a few hours and should be taken 3 times a day; long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken once every day.

These drugs can cause unwanted adverse effects, such as nausea, insomnia and nausea. Some people might become irritable or moody. However the effects typically fade over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can cause changes in personality, like becoming withdrawn, listless or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other psychiatric issues, like depression get more info and mania.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances that require the prescription of a doctor. They are often misused by adults and teens for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they could result in addiction if used in a manner that is not approved. Due to these risks, doctors are very cautious in assessing the need for stimulant drugs and to monitor dosage and effects.

Non-stimulant medicines

There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD medicines, and the best one is determined by the individual. These are prescription medications however they do not act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause adverse effects, but they can take longer to kick in and last only for 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. They also include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help a person learn how to manage symptoms and learn new coping skills like managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connects people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. You can get matched to the right therapist in just 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help those with ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, but they don't address some of the underlying causes of the disorder. 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 with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques to assist their child or adult with ADHD. In certain instances, a combination of medications and talk therapy is the most effective approach.