Medication For ADHD Explained In Less Than 140 Characters

Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with ADHD have a decrease in symptoms when they take medication. Every person's reaction is different, and side effects can be a problem.

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

Stimulant medication

Stimulant medication improves attention and concentration for 70% to 80% children and adults who take it. They alter neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. They typically cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for a few hours. Many experts suggest that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dosage over the course of several weeks.

Stimulant medication is consumed orally, typically once or twice a day. The majority are available in long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak in a few hours, and they must be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulating drugs last between 8 and 12 hours, and are taken only once a week.

These medications can trigger unwanted side effects such as insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. They can also make people moody or angry however, these effects usually fade with time and are often managed by altering the dosage. In some cases, stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as becoming more withdrawn, irritable or more rigid and obsessive.  medications for adhd  may also raise the risk of developing other psychiatric issues, like mania and depression.

Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require a prescription. Adults and adolescents abuse stimulants to boost their performance. They can develop addiction when they are not utilized in a proper manner or according to the prescription. Because of these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medications and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.

Non-stimulant drugs

There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the best one depends on the person. These are prescription drugs however they do not act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants have fewer negative effects, but take longer to act and last for only 24 hours. The majority of these drugs operate by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Therapy can teach the patient how to deal with their symptoms, and also develop new strategies for coping, such as controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp is a company that provides online therapy connects people with licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental conditions. You can get matched to an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can assist people suffering from ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability to focus, but they do not tackle the root causes. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be utilized in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to manage their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a qualified therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these methods to help their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In some instances, a combination of medications and talk therapy is the best approach.