15 Secretly Funny People Work In Medication For ADHD

Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD have their symptoms improved through medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and the side effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by raising levels of a substance in the brain that assists in controlling the behavior and attention.

Stimulant medications

Stimulants enhance attention and concentration in 70 to 80percent of adults and children who take them. They alter neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for a few hours. Many experts suggest starting at a low dose and gradually increase the dosage over a period of time.

Stimant medication is taken by mouth, usually every day, either once or twice. Most are available in both long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak in a few hours, and they must be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulating drugs last 8-12 hours, and are taken only once a week.

These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, including insomnia, nausea and loss of appetite. Some people can become angry or moody. However, these effects usually diminish over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can cause changes in personality, like becoming more withdrawn, irritable or becoming more rigid and obsessive.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 to be obtained. They are often misused by adolescents and adults for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they could cause addiction if taken in a manner that is not approved. Because of these dangers, doctors are attentive to determine the need for stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and side effects carefully.

Non-stimulant medication

There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the one that's best for you depends on your individual requirements. These medications do not alter the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants cause less side effects but can take longer to kick in and last only 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the level of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. They also contain antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help someone learn how to deal with symptoms and develop new coping skills that include managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp, a service that offers therapy online connects clients with licensed therapists who specialize in treating ADHD and other mental disorders. You can be matched with an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can help people with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability of focus however, they do not address the underlying causes. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be combined with talk therapy to teach people how to control their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced with a trained therapist. They can also be taught to caregivers and parents to assist the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In  medications for adhd uk , a combination of medications and talk therapy is the most effective approach.