Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with ADHD have their symptoms improved through medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and side effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate is part of a group of drugs known as stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical in the brain that helps control the attention span and behavior.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration in 70 to the 80% of children and adults who take them. They affect the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. A lot of experts recommend that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase your dose over several weeks.

Stimant medication is administered by mouth, typically once or twice a day. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are most effective within a couple of hours and must be taken 2-3 times per day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken twice a day.

These drugs can cause unwanted side effects such as nausea, insomnia and nausea. Some people can become angry or moody. However the effects typically diminish over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some instances, stimulants may alter your personality. You could become more introverted, listless, or more focused and rigid. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, like depression and mania.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescriptions to be obtained. Adolescents and adults misuse stimulants to boost their performance. They may become addicted if they are not taken in the correct manner or as directed. Because of these risks doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medications and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medication

There are many non-stimulant adhd medication how does it work treatments and the most effective one depends on the person. These prescription medications don't affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely cause negative side effects, however they may take longer to work and only last for 24 hours. Most of these drugs are able to increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help people how to deal with their symptoms, and also develop new strategies for coping, such as stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp, an online therapy service connects people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat adhd medication online and other mental health conditions. You can get matched to an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, but they don't address some of the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be combined with therapy to help people learn how to control their impulse-driven behavior. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or through practice with a trained therapist. They can be taught to caregivers and parents to assist the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In certain situations it is suggested to combine medication and talk therapy may be the most effective approach.