The History Of Medication For ADHD

medication for inattentive Adhd and anxiety For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD have a decrease in symptoms when taking medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and side effects can be problematic.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a chemical within the brain that assists in controlling the behavior and attention.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant medication improves concentration and attention for 70% to 80% of children and adults that use it. They alter neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate which lasts for a long time. Because of this, experts recommend that patients start low and build up to the optimal dose over a period of weeks.

Stimant medications are taken by mouth, typically once or twice a day. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions for most effective adhd medication for adults stimulants. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak within a couple of hours, and must be taken two times a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last between 8 and 12 hours, and are taken only once per week.

These medications can trigger unwanted adverse side effects like nausea, insomnia and nausea. Some people might become irritable or moody. However the effects typically disappear over time and are able to be controlled by changing the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can cause changes in personality, for example becoming more withdrawn, irritable or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental disorders, like depression and mania.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription. They are frequently misused by adolescents and adults to achieve performance enhancement, and they can result in addiction if used improperly or not as prescribed. Because of these dangers, doctors prescribing adhd medication must be cautious in assessing the need for stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and adverse effects closely.

Non-stimulant medicines

There are many non-stimulant ADHD medicines, and the best one is determined by the individual. These prescription drugs do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely have negative side effects, however they may take longer to work and last only for 24 hours. Most of these medications 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 general practitioners prescribe adhd medication help people how to deal with the symptoms and learn new coping techniques such as managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connects clients with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. You can find an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can help those with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability of focus however, they do not address the underlying causes. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be used in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to manage their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these methods to help their child or adult with ADHD. In some cases, a combination between medication and talk therapy may be the best approach.