20 Things You Need To Know About Medication For ADHD

Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with strongest adhd medication for adults notice a decrease in symptoms when they take medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and the side effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate is part of a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It increases the levels of a chemical in the brain that regulates the behavior and focus.

Stimulant medication

Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration in 70% to 80percent of adults and children who take them. They work by altering neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. Many experts recommend that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dose over a period of time.

Stimant medication is administered by mouth, usually at least once or twice per day. They are generally available in long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects after a few hours and must be taken 2-3 times a day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken twice per day.

These drugs can cause undesirable adverse effects, such as nausea, insomnia and nausea. Some people might become irritable or moody. However these effects tend to fade over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, like becoming more withdrawn, irritable or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental health problems, including mania and depression.

Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require a prescription. They are frequently used by adolescents and adults to achieve performance enhancement, and they can lead to addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and side-effects.

Non-stimulant medications

There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and which one is best for you depends on your specific needs. These medications do not alter the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause adverse effects, but they can take longer to kick in and last for only 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain, and include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can assist a person in learning how to deal with symptoms and develop new adhd medication coping skills like controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp is a service that offers therapy online connects people with licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental conditions. You can get matched to an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can assist people suffering from ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to focus, but they do not solve the root cause. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be utilized in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to manage their impulsive behavior. These methods can be learned through an generic adhd medications coach or by experimenting with a therapist who is trained. Parents and caregivers can learn these methods to help their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In certain cases the combination of medication and talk therapy may be the most effective approach.