Medication For ADHD: What's The Only Thing Nobody Is Talking About
Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people with ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when taking medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and the side effects can be a problem. Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It works by increasing levels of a brain chemical that regulates behavior and attention. Stimulant drugs Stimulant medications enhance attention and concentration in 70% to 80percent of children and adults who take them. They work by altering neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They typically cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure which lasts for a long time. Many experts recommend starting at a low dose and gradually increase your dose over several weeks. Stimant medication is taken by mouth, typically at least once or twice per day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak in a few hours, and they must be taken two times a day. adult add medication -acting stimulating drugs last between 8 and 12 hours, and are taken only every week. These drugs may cause unwanted side effects, such as nausea, insomnia and loss of appetite. Some people might become irritable or moody. However the effects typically disappear over time and are able to be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as becoming withdrawn, listless or more rigid and obsessive. They may also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, including depression and mania. The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescription. They are frequently misused by adults and adolescents to achieve performance enhancement, and they can lead to addiction if used improperly or not as prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors carefully evaluate the need for stimulant medications and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects. Non-stimulant medicine There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and the one that is most appropriate for you is based on your specific requirements. These prescription medications don't affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants cause less negative effects, but take longer to kick in and last only 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the level of norepinephrine in the brain, and include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor). Psychotherapy Therapy can assist a person in learning how to manage symptoms and develop new coping skills like controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp, a service that provides online therapy connects clients with licensed therapists who specialize in treating ADHD and other mental conditions. Take a free assessment and get connected with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can help people with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to concentrate however, they do not address the underlying causes. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be used in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to control their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or through practice with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques to assist their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In certain instances it is recommended to combine medications and talk therapy is the most effective approach.