Medication For ADHD: What's No One Is Talking About

Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people suffering from ADHD have their symptoms improved by taking medication. But every person reacts differently to different drugs and the adverse effects can be a problem. Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It increases the levels of a brain chemical that helps regulate the behavior and focus. Stimulant drugs Stimulant medication can improve attention and concentration for 70 to 80% of children and adults that take it. They alter the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. A lot of experts recommend that you start low and gradually increase the dose over the course of several weeks. Stimant medications are consumed orally, typically once or two times a day. Most are available in both short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulants peak within a couple of hours and are required to be taken three times per day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken only once every day. These drugs can cause unwanted side effects such as anxiety, insomnia and nausea. They may also make people feel irritable or moody, but these effects generally diminish over time and are often managed by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances stimulants can cause changes in personality, for example becoming more withdrawn, irritable or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also increase the risk of other mental disorders, including mania and depression. Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require a prescription. They are often misused by adolescents and adults to achieve 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 medication and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects. Non-stimulant medication There are many non-stimulant ADHD treatments that are available, and the one that is most effective depends on the person. These are prescription medications however they do not act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. click through the up coming internet page -stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects however they may take longer to effect and only last for a period of 24 hours. Most of these drugs work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor. Psychotherapy Talk therapy can help someone learn how to deal with symptoms and learn new coping skills, such as managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp, a service that offers online therapy connects people with licensed therapists who specialize in treating ADHD and other mental disorders. Take a free assessment and get connected with a therapist in less than 48 hours. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help those with ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, however they don't address the root causes of the disorder. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach a person methods to manage the impulsive behavior of their children and increase their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced with a certified therapist. They can also be taught to caregivers and parents to assist the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In some instances the combination of medication and talk therapy is the best option.