Medication For ADHD: What No One Is Talking About

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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people who suffer from ADHD have a decrease in symptoms when taking medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and the side effects can be problematic.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a substance in the brain that helps control the behavior and attention.

Stimulant medication

Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration in 70 to the 80% of adults and children who take them. They affect neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They typically cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. Due to this, many experts recommend that people start with a lower dose and increase it to the optimal dose over a period of weeks.

Stimulant medications are taken orally, usually once or twice a day. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects within a couple of hours and must be taken 2-3 times a day; long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken only once every day.

These drugs can trigger unwanted adverse effects, like insomnia, nausea and a decrease in appetite. They can also make people feel irritable or moody however, these effects usually disappear over time and are usually managed by altering the dosage. In some cases stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as becoming withdrawn, listless or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental health problems, including depression and mania.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescription. Adults and adolescents abuse these substances to boost performance. They may become addicted if they are not adhd otc medication used properly or as prescribed. Because of the dangers, doctors are cautious in assessing the need for stimulant medication and to monitor the dosage and adverse effects closely.

Non-stimulant drugs

There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications and the most effective one is dependent on the individual. These prescription drugs do not alter the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause side effects but can take longer to kick in and last only 24 hours. They work by increasing the level of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. They also include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Therapy can help a person learn how to deal with symptoms and develop new coping skills that include controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp, an online therapy service connects clients with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. Take a free assessment and get an appointment with a therapist within just a few hours. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help people with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, however they do not address the underlying causes of the disorder. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone methods to manage an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced by a trained therapist. They can be taught to caregivers and parents to assist the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In some cases it is suggested to combine medication and talk therapy may be the best option.