Medication For ADHD: It s Not As Difficult As You Think

Medication For does adhd medication work - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD find their symptoms improve by taking medication. But each person reacts differently to various drugs and adverse reactions can be problematic.

Methylphenidate belongs to a class different types of adhd medication drugs referred to as stimulants. It works by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain that aids in controlling attention and behavior.

Stimulant drugs

Stimulant drugs improve attention and concentration in 70 to 80percent of children and adults who use 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 several hours. Many experts recommend that you start low and gradually increase the dosage over The counter Adhd medication For adults several weeks.

Stimant medications are taken orally, usually once or two times a day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak after a short time and should be taken 3 times per day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken twice a day.

These medications can trigger unwanted side effects such as anxiety, insomnia and nausea. They can also make people moody or angry, but these effects generally diminish over time and are often managed by altering the dosage. In some instances stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as being withdrawn, unfocused or more rigid and obsessive. They may also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, including mania and depression.

Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require prescription. They are often misused by adults and adolescents to achieve performance enhancement, and can result in addiction if used improperly or not as prescribed. Because of the dangers, doctors must be attentive to determine the need for stimulant medication and to monitor the dosage and effects.

Non-stimulant medicines

There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the one that's most suitable for you is determined by your specific needs. These prescription drugs do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely cause negative side effects, but they can take longer to work and only last for 24 hours. Most of these medications operate by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Therapy can help a person learn how to manage symptoms and develop new coping strategies that include stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp is a company that provides online therapy, matches people to licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental disorders. Take a free assessment and you'll be matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can assist people suffering from managing adhd without medication adults reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to focus however, they do not solve the root cause. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be combined with therapy to help people learn how to manage their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced by a trained therapist. They can also be taught to caregivers and parents so that they can support the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In some cases it is recommended to combine medication and therapy is the best option.