A Provocative Remark About Medication For ADHD

Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms by taking medication. But every person reacts differently to various drugs and the adverse reactions can be problematic.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It increases the levels of a brain chemical that helps regulate behavior and attention.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant medication improves concentration and attention for 70% to 80% children and adults that use it. They work by altering the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for a few hours. Due to this, experts advise that people begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the recommended dosage over a period of weeks.

Stimulant medications are consumed orally, typically once or twice a day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak within a couple of hours, and must be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours, and are taken only once per week.

These medications can cause undesirable side effects, such as nausea, insomnia and loss of appetite. Some people can become angry or moody. However, these effects usually fade over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In certain instances stimulants can cause changes in personality, like becoming more withdrawn, irritable or more rigid and obsessive.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 and require the prescription of a doctor. They are often misused by adults and teens to achieve performance enhancement, and can cause addiction if taken improperly or not as prescribed. Because of the dangers, doctors must be careful to evaluate the need for stimulant drugs and monitor the dosage and effects.

non prescription adhd medication-stimulant medications

There are many non-stimulant ADHD treatments, and the best one depends on the individual. These prescription medications do not alter the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause negative effects, but take longer to work and last for only 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. They also include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help people how to deal with the symptoms and learn new coping strategies, like controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp is an online therapy service connects people with licensed therapists trained to treat adhd without medication adults (relevant internet site) ADHD and other mental health conditions. You can find a therapist within 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help those with ADHD improve their ability to focus and decrease impulsivity, however they do not address the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can adhd medication help with memory be utilized in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to control their unpredictable behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced with a certified therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these methods to assist their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In certain cases the combination of medication and talk therapy may be the best medication for adhd and anxiety option.