Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people who suffer from ADHD find their symptoms improve through 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 chemical in the brain that aids in controlling the behavior and attention.

Stimulant medications

Stimulants enhance attention and concentration in 70% to 80% of children and adults who take them. They affect neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Typically, they cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for a few hours. Because of this, many experts recommend that people start with a lower dose and increase it to the appropriate dose over a period of weeks.

Stimulant medications are consumed orally, typically once or two times a day. They are generally available in long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants peak within a couple of hours and should be taken 3 times a day; long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken once per day.

These drugs can cause undesirable adverse effects, such as anxiety, insomnia and nausea. Some people may become irritable or moody. However the effects typically fade over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In some instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, such as becoming more withdrawn, irritable or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental disorders, including depression and mania.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances that require the prescription of a doctor. Adults and adolescents use stimulants to boost their performance. They can become addicted when they aren't utilized in a proper manner or according to the prescription. Due to these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medication for Inattentive adhd and anxiety and monitor the dosage and side-effects.

Non-stimulant medications

There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and which one is best for you depends on your personal requirements. These are prescription medications, but they do not act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely have negative side effects, however, they take longer to effect and last only for a period of 24 hours. The majority of these drugs are able to increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, bipolar and adhd medication Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can teach the patient how to deal with their symptoms, and also develop new coping techniques such as controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp is an online therapy service connects clients with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. Get a free assessment and you'll be connected with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. Stimulant or non medication treatment for adhd adults-stimulant medications can help people with strongest adhd medication reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability of focus, but they do not solve the root cause. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach a person techniques to control impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced with a certified therapist. They can be taught to parents and caregivers so that they can support the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In some cases it is recommended to combine medication and talk therapy is the most effective approach.