Medication For ADHD: 11 Thing You've Forgotten To Do

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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when they use medication. However, each person reacts differently to different medications and side effects can be troublesome.

Methylphenidate is part of a group of medications called stimulants. It increases the levels of a chemical in the brain that helps regulate behavior and attention.

Stimulant medication

Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration for 70 to 80% children and adults that use it. They work by altering neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They usually trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. Many experts recommend that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dose over several weeks.

Stimulant medications are typically taken orally, one or twice a day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak within a few hours and they must be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last for 8 to 12 hours and are taken only once a week.

These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, including nausea, insomnia and a decrease in appetite. Some people might become irritable or moody. However the effects typically diminish over time and can be controlled by altering the dosage. In some cases stimulants can trigger changes in personality, such as becoming more withdrawn, irritable or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental health issues, like mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescription. They are often misused by adults and teens for the purpose of performance enhancement, and can cause addiction if taken in a manner that is not approved. Due to these dangers, doctors must be cautious in assessing the need for stimulant drugs and monitor the dosage and adverse effects closely.

Non-stimulant medications

There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and the one that's best for you depends on your specific requirements. These are prescription medicines however they do not have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects but they can take longer to work and last only for 24 hours. The majority of these drugs are able to increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Therapy can assist a here person in learning how to deal with symptoms and develop new coping skills like managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp, a service that provides online therapy, matches people to licensed therapists who specialize in treating ADHD and other mental disorders. You can take a no-cost assessment and you'll be matched with a therapist in less than 48 hours. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help those with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and decrease impulsivity, however they don't address some of the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be combined with talk therapy to teach people how to manage their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or through practice with a therapist who is trained. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques so they can help their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In some instances the combination of medication and therapy is the best option.