10 Failing Answers To Common Medication For ADHD Questions Do You Know Which Ones?

Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people who suffer from ADHD have a decrease in symptoms when they use medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and side effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate is part of a group of drugs referred to as stimulants.  adhd and depression medication  works by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain that helps control the behavior and focus.

Stimulant medication

Stimulant medications enhance concentration and attention in 70% to 80percent of adults and children who use them. They work by altering 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. Many experts recommend that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase your dose over a period of time.

Stimant medications are taken orally, usually once or two times a day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects after a few hours and must be taken 2-3 times a day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken only once a day.

These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, such as insomnia, nausea and loss of appetite. They can also make people feel irritable or moody however, these effects usually diminish over time and are usually controlled by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, for example becoming more withdrawn, irritable or more rigid and obsessive. They may also raise the risk of other mental health problems, including depression and mania.

Most stimulants are controlled substances, and require a prescription to be obtained. They are frequently misused by adults and teens for the purpose of performance enhancement, and can cause addiction if taken improperly or not as prescribed. Because of these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medications and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medications

There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and which one is best for you depends on your individual needs. These are prescription medicines however they do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants have fewer side effects but can take longer to work and last for only 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. They also include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Therapy can teach people how to deal with their symptoms, and also develop new coping techniques such as controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp is a company that offers therapy online, matches people to licensed therapists who specialize in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. You can take a no-cost assessment and get matched with a therapist in less than 48 hours. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can assist people suffering from ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to focus however they don't solve the root cause. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be combined with talk therapy to teach people how to control their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced by a trained therapist. They can also be taught to parents and caregivers to help the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In some cases, a combination between medication and therapy could be the most effective approach.