The 10 Most Scariest Things About Medication For ADHD

Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with ADHD have a decrease in symptoms when taking medication. However, each person reacts differently to different medications and adverse effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by raising levels of a substance in the brain that assists in controlling attention and behavior.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant medication can improve concentration and attention for 70% to 80% children and adults who use it. They affect the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. Many experts recommend that you start low and gradually increase the dose over several weeks.

Stimulant medication is consumed orally, typically once or two times a day. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions for most 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 twice per day.

These drugs may cause unwanted side effects, including nausea, insomnia and a loss of appetite. They may also make people feel irritable or moody however these effects typically disappear over time and are often managed by altering the dosage. In some cases stimulants can general practitioners prescribe adhd medication change your personality. You might become more withdrawn and sluggish, or obsessive and rigid. They can also increase the risk of developing other psychiatric problems, including mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescriptions to be obtained. They are frequently misused by adults and adolescents for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they can lead to addiction if used improperly or not as prescribed. Because of these risks doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and side-effects.

Non-stimulant drugs

There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD medications that are available, and the one that is most effective is determined by the individual. These prescription drugs don't affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely have negative side effects, however, they take longer to effect and last only for 24 hours. most effective adhd medication of these medications work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Therapy can help a person learn how to deal with symptoms and develop new coping skills, such as managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform connects clients with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. You can take a no-cost assessment and you'll be connected with a therapist in less than 48 hours. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help those with ADHD improve their ability to focus and decrease impulsivity, however they don't address some of the root causes of the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be used in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to control their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a therapist who is trained. They can general practitioners prescribe adhd medication also be taught to caregivers and parents to assist the child or adult with stopping adhd medication weekends adults in these areas. In certain cases the combination of medication and therapy could be the most effective approach.