The 10 Most Scariest Things About Medication For ADHD

Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when taking medication. However, each person reacts differently to various drugs, and adverse effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate belongs to a class of medications called stimulants. It works by raising levels of a substance in the brain that helps control attention and behavior.

Stimulant medication

Stimulant drugs enhance concentration and attention in 70 to the 80% of children and adults who take them. They work by altering neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. A lot of experts recommend that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase your dose over a period of time.

Stimant medication is taken by mouth, usually once or twice a day. Most are available in both short- and long-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants peak within a couple of hours and are required to be taken three times a day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken only once per day.

These drugs can trigger unwanted adverse effects, like insomnia, nausea and loss of appetite. Some people might become irritable or moody. However these effects tend to fade over time and can be controlled by altering the dosage. In certain instances stimulants can cause changes in personality, for example becoming withdrawn, listless or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental disorders, such as mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescriptions to be obtained. Adults and adolescents use these substances to boost performance. They may become addicted when they aren't taken in the correct manner or as directed. Because of these risks doctors must carefully assess the need remedies for adhd in adults stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and side-effects.

Non-stimulant medications

There are many non-stimulant ADHD treatments and the most effective one depends on the person. These are prescription drugs however they don't have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants cause less adverse effects, but they can take longer to act and last for only 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. They also contain antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Therapy can help someone learn how to manage symptoms and learn new adhd medication coping skills that include managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp, a service that offers therapy online connects people with licensed therapists who specialize in treating ADHD and other mental disorders. Get a free assessment and you'll be matched with a therapist in just a few hours. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can help people with adhd medication uk reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to concentrate however they don't address the underlying causes. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach a person techniques to control an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a trained therapist. They can be taught to caregivers and parents so that they can support the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In some cases, a combination between medications and talk therapy might be the best approach.