Medication For ADHD Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters

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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people who suffer from ADHD find their symptoms improve by taking medication. However, each person reacts differently to various drugs and adverse effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by raising levels of a substance in the brain that aids in controlling attention and behavior.

Stimulant medication

Stimulant medication can improve attention and concentration for 70% to 80% children and adults that use it. They affect the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure which lasts for a long time. Because of this, experts recommend that patients start low and build up to the recommended dosage over the course of weeks.

Stimant medication is administered by mouth, typically every day, either once or twice. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are peaking within a couple of 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 cause unwanted side effects such as anxiety, insomnia and nausea. They may also make some people feel irritable or moody however these effects typically diminish over time and can often be managed by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as becoming get more info withdrawn, listless or more rigid and obsessive. They may also raise the risk of other mental health problems, including depression and mania.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription. They are frequently used by adults and adolescents for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they can lead to addiction if used improperly or not as prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medication and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medicine

There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the one that is best for you depends on your personal requirements. These prescription drugs do not alter the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely have negative side effects, however they may take longer to work and last only for 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the level of norepinephrine in the brain. They also contain antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Therapy can help someone learn how to manage symptoms and learn new coping skills, such as managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp, a service that provides online therapy, matches people to licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. You can be matched with an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can help those with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability of focus, but they do not tackle the root causes. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be combined with therapy to help people learn how to control their unpredictable 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 to help their child or adult with ADHD. In some instances, a combination of medications and talk therapy is the best option.